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Do I Need a Compressor?

KeithBMI

KeithBMI

Jul 28, 2005
7,393
9
37
Metro Detroit, Michigan
#1
I love the sound of my rig at low volumes, I'm talking at midnight when everyone is sleeping and I have it on 1. The more I turn it up, the more muddy and undefined it gets. I assume it's the nature of the beast, but is this what a compressor helps control? Can anyone recommend a nice cheap one? I'd like to spend less than $100.00, around 70.00 would be awesome. I don't need anything great, as this is my first run into compressors.
 
#2
It might help a bit, but it's no silver bullet.

If you're anything like me, sitting in a small room at midnight surrounded by music equipment, your amp at low volume sounds fine. However, go set up your rig out in the garage and it won't sound half as good at the same volume. The room has a great deal of effect on how your amp sounds - to test it at high volume you really need a large, acoustically neutral space.
 
#5
The only way to get what you're looking for is to use a compressor...and a sonic maximizer...and an aural exciter...and a Sans Amp...and an all-tube power amp...and Monster cables...and...

Okay, forget all that. Start by adjusting your EQ. Particularly with the SVT3-Pro, there are a LOT of options for shaping your sound.

Generally speaking, a compressor trims your louder notes and peaks to give you a more level output. It won't necessarily help clear up muddiness.
 
#6
Thanks for the tips, I'll keep trying out different EQ settings.

I'd still like a compressor however. I've noticed that certain notes are louder than others, and when playing somewhat fast, some of the notes seem to get buried.

What are some good recommended compressors for around $70.00

I don't need anything great, I'm just starting out with compression, but I'd like it to be worth it.

So far, The Boss pedal looks good, but I've heard a lot of good and bad reviews, so I'm kind of on the fence. I've also heard that the Digitech pedal wasn't so great.

There's also the MXR DynaComp recommended by JPB, but I'm worried about the lack of controls.

Thanks in advance.

I've looked at the sticky at the top about reviews, but I don't trust HC. There are pretty much good and bad reviews for every pedal and I don't know where to start looking.
 
#7
For that price or less, my favorite compressor is the old ART Levelar. I've had several much more expensive compressors and still like this one the best. Out of production now, but a used one can be had for >$50. Check the bay.
 
#8
KeithBMI said:
There's also the MXR DynaComp recommended by JPB, but I'm worried about the lack of controls.
Click to expand...

mxr keeps all their stuff simple. that way, you don't have to think too hard about dialing in a good sound. i'm not going to say it's the best compressor out there.... but for 70-80 bucks, it kicks boss's butt. it SOUNDS nicer, more natural. just set the output volume so that there's no difference in volume when it's on or off, and set the sensitivity as you like. all the way up if you want to squash your sound, lower if you just want to level things off. i barely notice mine, that's how i like it.

a word about lack of controls: i use the dynacomp LIVE. not in the studio. sure, tweakability is good in both situations.... but i hold that it's more important in a studio setting. i like simplicity in my live rig.
 

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