Compression Pedal???

[Kevin Allen]

i was just wondering what the purpose of a compression pedal would be...i know it is used for sustain, but i've heard it does more and been told that my picking style would sound even better with a compression pedal...

so what's a compression pedal do? for a lead guitarist?

thanks, Kevin Allen

 

[mikemorgan]

A compressor is generally used for sustain and can be driven into slight overdrive. I like my compressor pretty much dimed for the release/swell it provides for notes and chords. Sometimes I'll have it set to actually make notes louder the longer I hold onto them. Listen to Vince Gill's "Liza Jane" solo for a really good example of Telecaster=>compressor=>delay=>amp.

 

[jfrog]

the short answer is that a compressor evens out the high and low volumes. the result is that notes that a hit hard aren't as loud and that notes that are hit softer are louder. Notes attenuate slower - hence the longer sustain.

They work great for playing harmonics, among the many applications.

While it's an important effect, it's also the most subtle.

Hope that helps.

 

[HeyHeyMyMy]

Interesting. I got a compressor pedal for free about 10 years ago and recently found it sitting in a box. I had forgotten all about it, but should hook it up and see what happens.

 

[ggunn]

While it's an important effect, it's also the most subtle.

It doesn't have to be subtle. Sometimes I like to use mine at a setting that "squashes" my sound very, um, unsubtly.

 

[Tadpui]

I love setting mine with the gain at 10, sustain at 3 o'clock, and attack at 9 o'clock. This gives a combination of overdrive, sagging attack, and high sensitivity that I love for either single-note riffs or for soloing. I set my amp with a little crunch for rythm and kick on the compressor for more of an overdrive. Nothing subtle about it

 

[acidrock]

It also can affect your attack,for chicken pickin' leads on a Tele.

 

[Fusioninspace]

At the extreme, I think most compressors can also be used as limiters. So it'll really flatten out the soft vs. loud notes - that could be a nice touch on a staccato riff. I think compression is one of the most overlooked processing around.

For recording, just about everything can use at least a little compression. Bass can use a lot. Even on final mix down/mastering, there's room for compression.

Live sound is similar, especially for vocals, bass and spoken word. I personally prefer rack mounted compressors, but I'm sure the pedals do a decent job on guitar.

 

[JPXTom]

Everyones pretty much explained it..evens out the sound, depending how you use it...and compression is also used on vocals, bass, drums anything else during recordings to even out their sound..and even in live sound settings it is used for this purpose. I will say, a compression pedal ive heard pretty good things about is the MXR Dyna Comp...80 bucks, and people hold in high regard.