Why Compressor Pedals?

[IncX]

... when you already have a compressor in your amp?

so i have an ampeg svt 4 pro, and i only use its compression lightly. i also used to own an Orange Squeezer clone, and for some weird reason, i kept it because it sort of lightly distorted my tone - i used it as an effects pedal.

i am curious how you guys make use of compression pedals, and if you do, do you turn off the one thats built-in with the amp?

and, how do you differentiate a bad compression pedal from a good one?

 

[Zooberwerx]

The quality and response of built-in's vary significantly amp-to-amp....some passable, some are atrocious with the Hartke 3500 coming to mind immediately. Even my Eden Navigator leaves something to be desired. On the bright side, you can pick up a really nice pedal format compressor for low dough. I use the BBE OptoStomp and SD Double Back...affordable, simple, and consistent response irrespective of which rig I'm using.

Riis

 

[bassteban]

What he said, plus: Compressor and Audio Gear FAQ

My personal litmus test re- bad/good: If I like it, it's good; if I don't, it's bad. I've never heard an onboard compressor I liked. That said, I do like my dirt-cheap DOD Milkbox.

 

[IncX]

great link, i read it two years ago, and wow... it surely has a lot of new infos right now

 

[MuthaFunk]

great link, i read it two years ago, and wow... it surely has a lot of new infos right now

Bongo's site is an invaluable tool for all, beginners and pros alike. So much solid info.

 

[My name is Mudd]

... when you already have a compressor in your amp?

And some of us have amps that don't have built-in compressors to begin with. OptoStomp FTW!

 

[RickenBoogie]

I have yet to experience a "built in" compressor that sounds, and more importantly, is able to be tweaked to my liking, more than my Squeezer pedal.

 

[Dave W]

I don't own any amps with built in compression, so that's why I use one.

 

[Nightlyraider]

The compressor on the SVT-4 has one place it should be, zero.

 

[Medford Bassman]

Personally I don't think you need compression for live work, recordings...yes

 

[ga_edwards]

Because most built in compressors adjustability consists of one knob. I like more control over compression settings.

 

[Schlatte]

Why would you use overdrive/distortion pedals when you already have a drive/gain channel in your amp?
Because tastes tend to differ. You can't satisfy everybody with everything.

 

[sprag]

agree with above. but also in a stomp box you can switch on/off live with relative ease, to use as an effect as you say you did.

 

[Explorer]

Personally I don't think you need compression for live work, recordings...yes

Out of curiosity... how do/did you deal with the volume spikes coming out of a Q-Tron Plus?

In other words, you don't think someone needs compression for live work using your particular set-up, but hadn't really considered other rigs. That's fair.

 

[GnRDuff1]

Out of curiosity... how do/did you deal with the volume spikes coming out of a Q-Tron Plus?

In other words, you don't think someone needs compression for live work using your particular set-up, but hadn't really considered other rigs. That's fair.

Amen to that. If I didn't already have a compressor when I bought the qtron plus, I probably would have sold it. Those volume spikes are killer without something to control them at least a little bit