compressor and boost question
- Thread starter sept09
- Start date
subversion
Moderator
no.
the compressor truncates/augments signals. it gives more volume because of the latter function, based on the pedal settings of course.
the boost function gives you more so inevitably, you hear more.
the compressor truncates/augments signals. it gives more volume because of the latter function, based on the pedal settings of course.
the boost function gives you more so inevitably, you hear more.
Quite lost now. I read that the compressor even out the signal right. So when do people use compressor and the boost? And I know its common to have the compressor at the start of the chain, how about the boost?
EugeneSmasher
New member
Er... compressor 'compresses' the sound whereas boost adds more volume and perhaps a bit more dirt... Lead guitarists use boost pedals to boost their sound for solos, etc. Totally different functions.
dudelove
New member
Compressors even out the sound. Makes your volume more even. Meaning if you pick too softly it'll increase its volume and if you pick too hard it'll reduce its volume. So you basically get a very consistant volume when you play. Compressors can be used as boosts pedals because some have a level knob which can boost the overall level of the signal. If thats what you want then its cool. Compressors are used in front of drive pedals because noise caused from the drive pedals will get amplified, so it gets really noisy. But since the comp is in front of the drive pedals, it will not give a volume boost.
Want to get a volume boost, use a boost pedals. Put it after your drive pedals, or in your amp's effects loop. A boost behind your drive section will only give a gain boost.
Hi bro,
Thanks for the explaining it to me. Now I get the picture. And also thanks to the others for helping out.
subversion
Moderator
that's how the compressor augments signals; it brings up the peaks to be even out with the rest.
many people think the compressor functions by virtue of its strict label ie. squeezing signals into one saturated clump.
subversion
Moderator
not necessarily, it also depends on the settings. do you need a compressor to begin with?
EugeneSmasher
New member
I've never ever seen the need for a compressor in my rig, to be honest. I've performed live before and on all my patches (tones), my on-board compressor is always off or at a very low level.
Maybe I'm weird...
Maybe I'm weird...
Last edited:
not necessarily, it also depends on the settings. do you need a compressor to begin with?
I was actually doing some reading on compressor and other pedals when I came across booster. Im not sure if I need a compressor, however I do have some strong and soft notes when I do finger picking or picking with pick and finger at the same time.
If you want something to simply boost your volume don't get a compressor.
When it comes to compressors in pedal form most guitarists use it as an effect to make the picked notes have a more pronounced attack and accentuate the pluck (this is especially useful if you play funk or blues). This particular effect is only really audible on clean to light crunch tones.
The other effect would be to create longer sustains when the compressor's release setting is high. This effect is apparent especially on higher gain tones.
Stan_Kumar
New member
Personally, it's up to you what suits your needs more, IMO.
Want something to make your solos sound out among the bass and drums when the time comes for it? Get a Boost Pedal.
Something to make your chickin pickin sound even? Get a compressor.
Those are what I would do.....though this is a very rough guide....and my opinion on these pedals.
Want something to make your solos sound out among the bass and drums when the time comes for it? Get a Boost Pedal.
Something to make your chickin pickin sound even? Get a compressor.
Those are what I would do.....though this is a very rough guide....and my opinion on these pedals.
MadWerewolfBoy
New member
also, if u do single-note lead lines and then do full chords in the same song, a compressor would come in handy because it makes ur single notes loud and ur full chords softer, so both are roughly the same. a boost would also work, but i prefer a compressor over a boost because of the versatility it gives. most compressor can also boost thought it's level knob, though it isn't a perfectly clean boost.
expatguitarist
New member
Compressors are very useful pedals. I use one as a boost, sustain-er, and to color the sound. Different compressors color the sound differently. As for dynamic control it is important to get a compressor that has an "attack" function. For example, the Dyna Comp does not but the Super Comp does. I've used it both before and after a distortion pedal for different effect. You can still get a boost if you use it before a distortion pedal. The pedal is great for solos, chimey clean sounds, sustain, feedback, etc... Not great for percussive distorted rhythm.
Thanks for the review on MXR super comp.
You might want to check out the Barber Tone Press @ http://barberelectronics.com/tonepress.htm
expatguitarist
New member
The Barber looks good. Sometimes I like to clip the signal like the my old dyna comp does (most of the time not). I also like the coloring/tone enhancement. Some might not like this.
MadWerewolfBoy
New member
The Barber Tone Press is good, but it's a little pricey. I think the most affordable clean compressor with low colouration to tone would be a modded Boss CS-3. A clarity mod like the monte allums one can be done and it will be quite transparent when the tone knob is somewhere at 12 o'clock. I've tried this particular mod below and imo, it feels great to play through it. Tone colouration still exist but very minimal as compared to the stock pedal.
http://www.monteallums.com/pedal_mods.html#cs3optoPlus
http://www.monteallums.com/pedal_mods.html#cs3optoPlus