compressor

[humanbn]

I'm looking for a nice compressor to run in line with my effects. I have been looking at the Keeley and like what I have to hear, from people, thus far but I have also heard good things about the newer MXR Dynacomp, and the Ibanez something or other. Is any one of these pedals less noisy than the others? Any one offer better control of the compression rate and sustain? Any one of them going to make me look like I have bigger muscles? Either one drain a battery more quickly than the others? Yeah, what's the opinion on these things? Please talk about brands that I didn't mention too. I've never used a comp before.

[mr_sooty]

It all depends what you're looking for. Are you after squishy chicken pickin', or a little extra boost and sustain?

Also look at the Visual Sound V2 Comp 66, and the Barber Tone Press. The Barber has the ability to blend you compressed signal with your dry signal, you can dial in how much you want of each, which is cool.

I have a modified Boss CS3. The mod is from www.indyguitarist.com. It sounds fantastic, gives me a nice boost that fills out my tone and makes it richer and fatter. Give me a nice bit of extra bottom end. But mine is quite hissy when cranked. However, I did the same mod for a couple of other guys, and theirs didn't have anywhere near as much noise. Should have kept theirs and given them mine, but I'm not like that!

[ccso8462]

I have a Boss CS-3, un-modded, and it seems that the sustain is pretty good, but I have never been satisfied with the compression. It just seems kind of muddy. I'm sure there are better units out there, but probably for a lot more money. Take your time and get the one that works best for you. Best of luck in the search. Trying new gear is always fun!

[newey]

I have a Boss CS-2, and I would second what ccso said, ok as a sustainer, not much of a compressor.

[humanbn]

Thanks for the help fellows. Trying new pedals is difficult for me, I have to drive at least 2 hours to find a store that would have even a compression pedal, let alone a selection of them, so it's hard to do that without ordering and returning. I'll take some time from work, I hate work anyway, and try to something at Chuck Levin's.

[crazyheart]

I have the Keeley and The Barber Tone Press. I like them both. I like the Barber because you can blend the dry and wet.

[Tim]

humanbn,

I see people making various suggestions of what compressors they like best. But I have a couple of basic questions for you:

You've never used a compressor, so...

Why do you think you need a compressor?

1) Are you trying to limit dynamics? Are you playing some passages too hard or too soft for your signal chain? If not, then you probably don't need to limit your dynamics. (compressing the dynamics is usually sought by bassists who pop & slap a lot)

2) Are you looking to increase your sustain while playing clean? If so, what are your expectations? How many seconds of clean sustain do you need?

Chances are you may not even need a compressor. Just because someone else uses one doesn't mean that you need to use one too.