Another compression question

[JimiLL]

So I just picked up an LH1000 head, and was sure I wasnt going to need my compresser anymore (DBX 1066), the headroom available would negate any use of a comp. (at least for me).

But when hooked into the FX loop, even though my gain reduction metering isnt showing any signs of life, it still creates a lot of sustain and an increase in volume. And yes, my output knob is set at about +8db, which correlates to my -8 setting on the threshold.

So why do compressers increase sustain.... while it seems like they arent really compressing anything??

[slyjoe]

Maybe it brings the quiet parts up. Compressors compress, not just limit.

[JimiLL]

sounds much fuller and louder when engaged, not so when bypassed

[RickenBoogie]

A good compressor is usually comprised of a preamp stage, so essentially you have gain right there.

[bongomania]

Yeah, most of what you're hearing is simply additional gain from the gain stage built into the compressor. Many gain stages compress your signal a bit on their own, without any triggering of the gain reduction circuit, and hence no gain reduction LEDs lighting up. This is part of why many "clean boost" pedals are said to add fatness to a signal.

[JimiLL]

hmmmm. i was considering adding a Behringer 2x15 eq in place of the compressor, but it does sound much better with the comp. Looks like I need a 8 space