Effects Newb needs help.

[kelvsxxx]

Hey guys. I got this Zoom BFX-708 from a friend. It's my first time using effects and I have a lot of terms that I can't really understand. Can you guys help me?

Compressor
Enhancer
Limiter

What's the difference between the three?

And I'd also like to know some good equalizer settings I could use. I play songs mostly from AC/DC, Iron Maiden, and GnR. A bit of Metallica and some grunge alternative music sometimes.

The BFX-708 equalizer has:
High
Hi-mid
Lo-mid
Low
And these parameters range from -12 to 12.

So, uh, I'd appreciate it if you guys could help me.

Thanks, dudes.

[Jared Lash]

You didn't say so in your post, but if you don't know what compression is, it boils down to sounds above a certain level being reduced in volume.

As far as a Limiter, it is basically a compressor with a high ratio, meaning heavy compression.

Enhancer is a term that I'm not sure has a universal meaning. Many compressors and limiters are sold using ad copy that also says they are "enhancers", but I've also seen that term used to describe pedals that are basically EQ effects. Perhaps someone with a little more understanding of the term can shed some light on this point.

[bigchiefbc]

I'm not sure if Zoom means the same thing by enhancer as Boss does, but the Boss EH-2 is basically the opposite of a Compressor, in that if the signal level exceeds some threshold, it will boost certain frequencies. EHX has a pedal that does the same thing (Steel Leather), but they call it an expander.

[Silent Fly]

Originally Posted by kelvsxxx

(...)
Compressor
Enhancer
Limiter

What's the difference between the three?

(...)

You may want to try Wikipedia. It explains exacly what they are and how they work.

[bongomania]

Click the FAQ link in my sig for explanation of compressors and limiters. As far as an "enhancer", it's often just a mid scoop (mid frequencies turned down, lows and highs turned up. Some enhancers are fancier than that, but mid scoop is most common.