Do I really need a compressor?

[Dr. Sherman Sticks M.D.]

the one dynacomp i had was super dirty sounding, i loved it. really want to get someone to make me one w/ a clean blend for parallel compression to smash drums.

[bronzetalon]

If you want super squish the dyna comp is a good start. If you want subtle then the diamond, mad professor, bearfoot, or barber are good alternatives. Personally I run a bearfoot pale green always on my board for light compression and as a early buffer.

[skullservant]

I had a Dyna Comp and I hated it. It was too squishy and I felt like it almost lagged when I was playing fast...

[snipelfritz]

So, it seems most people put compressors at the beginning of the chain?

[skullservant]

I did. Maybe that was my problem??

[snipelfritz]

I did. Maybe that was my problem??

I don't know, I was thinking it would be best at the end, in my effects loop to create some overall consistency to my sound/effects variation. Sand off the rough edges a little, if you will.

[skullservant]

That does make sense! I didn't even think of that

[retinal orbita]

That does make sense! I didn't even think of that

I think one of the general rules is if you put it after the fuzz it sucks all the... juice out of your pedals. I know this was the case for me. I think it's supposed to be pretty close to the beginning, but putting it after a phaser helps even out some of the swoosh which can be either good or bad depending on what sort of person you are.

Sometimes I go tuner > phaser > comp > muff > delay which works really well for me.... hmmm come to think of it, I may rearrange some stuff

[skullservant]

hhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmm. I think I might build an optical bass compressor and use it on guitar and try things out HMMM

[greyscales]

A lot of people have to put compressors early in their chain because of noise issues. They tend to be pretty noisy on their own, and using a overdrive/distortion/fuzz in front can make that hiss even louder.
The other reason is just to even out all of the dynamics before you reach effects that use dynamics (overdrive/distortion/fuzz). But obviously that is by no means the only way to use compressors. Always play around with things to see where it suits you.

[retinal orbita]

Yeah, I use it to smooth out my guitar playing, not the effects I'm using. David Gilmour swears by a 70's dyna comp for his playing, which is what intruiged me originally....

[the Life Aquatic]

has anyone tried the mallekko comp? small footprint seems like a bonus

[zRobertez]

I just ordered the BYOC starter kit with the Classic Compressor. I won't use it a ton but there are sections or songs that a compressor would be useful in so I'm deciding not to spend a ton of money on.

[the Life Aquatic]

i was looking at the starter kit the other day. have u received it yet? what do u think

[zRobertez]

i was looking at the starter kit the other day. have u received it yet? what do u think

I just ordered it today. I also got the Octave up fuzz since it looks like such a great deal. I70 for a bunch of soldering stuff and two pedals. I originally got into it because I've been wanting to mod my strat a little. I'll try to remember to let you know what I think of them after I finish the whole deal.