Compressors for feedback loops?

[Never]

Maybe this topic is too hyper-focused, and I’ll edit it into something else if no one has any suggestions, but — any ideas in good compressors to sit, with other effects, in a feedback loop? I tend to run drums or synth into a floop, and the few compressors I’ve tried so far (all pedals) will sometimes do really wonderful things to morph the sound, but more often suck the oomph out of it or make it too squeally.

I’ve been eying an Accountant or maybe one of those RNC comps or limiters, but it’s not like I can lookup demos to help me choose. Or maybe I should look for limiters — I think a lot of noise guys have used LMB-3s over the years…

[Chankgeez]

Accountant

That's the one I was gonna suggest. Don't have any experience with it in a feedback loop, but I've run it in all different spots in my signal chain and've never been disappointed with any placement. Hopefully someone'll chime in who's tried it in a feedback loop.

[crochambeau]

How fucked up a result are you looking for in the feedback loop? I've used an Alesis 3630 in a lot of loop work, but that was veering into noise territory. I find numerous controls to be of benefit with feedback: ratio, threshold, attack and decay time, plus side chaining - sculpting controls.

Not the best compressor for sound quality mind you, in case that's a concern.. I've also used an LA-2A in a feedback loop, but ability to sculpt typically wins over euphonic richness.

I can't really weigh in on pedal stuff though, sorry.

[John]

The drawback of most compressors is the lack of a blend knob, and blending is essential to compression so as not to

suck the oomph out of it or make it too squeally.

If you use it in a feedback loop, depending on your loop setup you might already have the option to blend it, but with compressors more controls is always good so at least aim for a blend knob.

Bass compressors are going to be more versatile for your purposes. Even better would be one with multi band capability, i.e. one that can be triggered from a selectable frequency or range.

[Never]

Nice, great advice quickly, thanks a ton! Guess I’ll aim for some of the non-pedal + blend suggestions, and maybe try out an Accountant. Side-chaining sounds like a great idea for what I want

And yes, fucked up results and noise are desirable. I like to play with the balance between a feedback loop working itself out and taking over, versus a synth “voice” or rhythm to drive it

[qersty]

2nd the alesis