Compressor pedal - Any recommendations?

[zerofive]

Hi all,
I play rhythm guitar for my band and basically use just two sounds, i.e. a clean and a crunch sound.
I'm currently looking for a compressor pedal just to smooth out the sound subtly, even out the peaks and troughs etc. No serious squeezing and warping or anything.
I went to the local music store today and unfortunately customer service wasn't the order of the day and I only ended up trying three different models.
I didn't like the DigiTech I tried. It seemed very unresponsive and the settings were either extreme or non-existant. I tried another cheaper pedal which didn't do it for me either. I think it was the DOD Milk Box.
The only one I did like was the Line6 Constrictor and then it was really just the supposedly 60s style "mellow" model that seemed to give me that subtle balance.
Anyone got any recommendations as to what I should try out?
Thanks in advance. Any suggestions gratefully accepted.

[corgiears]

The best one I've tried is the Barber Ton Press compressor. High quality pedal at a reasonable cost. Pedalgeek.com usually has them.
The Keeley is supposed to be great too but it is SO pricey!

[zerofive]

Thanks for the recommendation, corgiears. Looks like we only have one dealer over here in Germany for Barber products so testing may be difficult but it looks and sounds (on the samples) like quality gear.

[zerofive]

Hey, I've just noticed the dealer is only a few miles from here and I have to pass that way on Thursday anyway! Superb!

[Slipjack]

I haven't tried a whole lot of compressor pedals. But I know the MXR Dyna Comp is a great one.

Musicians Friend description:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=141/g=home/search/detail/base_id/36858

Some Harmony-Central reviews:
http://www.harmony-central.com/Effects/Data/MXR/Dyna_Comp-1.html

If you go to eBay, try to get the 70's/80's model (the one WITHOUT the LED). People say that one is a little better, and usually goes at a decent price. But that's just what I've heard.

Edit: Apparently there is an easy modification you can do to the newer ones to make it more like the vintage models.

[flicker180]

i like my Mr. Squishy from toadworks.

dave

[TNJ]

Maxon CP101.

Musical...not a ton of squash, though.


S.
j

[cvansickle]

JangleBox!

[Tchello]

If you go for the best try the Kelley Compressor, very musical, if you are on a budget try the MXR Super Comp, very superior to the Dyna Comp.

[aarondavis]

Favorite would be the Maxon CP101. Great for subtle compression, can squash a little but is limited in squash. Is always very clear. BTW, I would never say the Dyna Comp is subtle...

Second would be the Keeley. It has everything from subtle smooth compression to pretty dang squashed, but always fairly clear. If need all the possibilities, this is it.

[aeolian]

Originally posted by Slipjack
I haven't tried a whole lot of compressor pedals. But I know the MXR Dyna Comp is a great one.

Edit: Apparently there is an easy modification you can do to the newer ones to make it more like the vintage models.
What is the mod? I just acquired a new DynaComp. As someone said, it's not subtle. I have to turn it nearly all the way down, but it does help for some parts, and seems to bring out some degree of sparkle as well, which is not what I expected from a compressor.

[Slipjack]

Originally posted by aeolian
What is the mod? I just acquired a new DynaComp. As someone said, it's not subtle. I have to turn it nearly all the way down, but it does help for some parts, and seems to bring out some degree of sparkle as well, which is not what I expected from a compressor.

If you can read schematics and feel comfortable with a soldering iron there are a few sites out there with their own version of dynacomp mod schematics. The most popular being "hi-fi" and "low battery simulation" mods. There is also the "ross" mod (aka the "vodka" or "vodka.com" mod for some reason), which essentially turns the dynacomp into a Ross compressor. There are many sites for this, a google search will do.

Here is one that I found, for instance:
http://www.lynx.bc.ca/~jc/pedalsDynacomp.html

You can also pay some people to mod it for you. But it'll cost more than simply buying the vintage DynaComp; I think it's the Analog Man website that charges $75.

[lhallam]

The Janglebox is also pricey but it's a versatile pedal as far as compressors go.

It's basically a compressor with a built in EQ so you can get some of the classic compressor sounds (e.g. Dyna Comp) as well as a "jangly" sound.

You can set it so that it sounds like you just put a brand new set of strings on.

You can set some fairly fine adjustments, so it may fit your needs.

It's a pretty cool device.

[thelionsden]

Originally posted by aeolian
What is the mod? I just acquired a new DynaComp. As someone said, it's not subtle. I have to turn it nearly all the way down, but it does help for some parts, and seems to bring out some degree of sparkle as well, which is not what I expected from a compressor.

I have had one of these since they first came out in the 70s, (Don't have my original tho... darn.) and I used to use it with the knobs at say 12.00 when I wanted kind of a spanky sound. After reading an interview of Jerry McPherson some years back he mentioned how he used one and left it on all the time with the compression almost all the way down maybe 9 o clock or less and the gain up high (I think he said all the way up, but I usually go 3 o clock) ..it gooses the front end just a little and adds a bit of smoothness and sparkle, makes some amps come to life in an almost unbelievable way..The Vox AC 15 I had sounded a bit dull on its own but with the Dyna Comp...It would light it up like a Christmas tree. Matchless C30 too. IMO the Keeley, while quieter and very good in its own way, does not do this front end "goose" as well.

Also, I may be wrong but in my perception these Dynacomps seem to get 'tired" after a while..like it starts to sound a bit less clear and defined after a long time.. And yes, I have changed the battery ;) Anybody else notice this?

Dennis

[Ronstrat63]

I have spent a lot time trying out various compressors with different gear and I conclude that each guitar and amp seem to get along differently with different compressors. Compessors also add noise to your chain but some are quieter than others.

I have found that the Carl Martin unit sounds really good with single coilsand a cleaner fender amp. (Twin, Vibro-King etc.) However, this is a tweakyier (?) unit to use than a dynacomp.

But who cares what I think. Try em all but don't buy one unless you will spend time learning how to use it it and for god sake make sure you can bring it back if you don't love it.

Compression is an "effect" that you won't use unless you get it 100% right because there are inherant comprimises that go hand in hand with it.

[bluesman69]

Electro-Harmonix Black Finger

[drjojo42]

another vote for the black finger.its quiet and warms up the tone,

[joeh77]

Analogman Jucier. Check the link below, it also mentions Mike's other compressor products.

Analogman Jucier (http://www.analogman.com/rossmod.htm)

Joe:)

[hemlock]

Originally posted by corgiears
The best one I've tried is the Barber Ton Press compressor. High quality pedal at a reasonable cost. Pedalgeek.com usually has them.
The Keeley is supposed to be great too but it is SO pricey!

I've only had the Tone Press a couple of months or so, but so far I love it.

[sshan25]

Keeley. There is no substitute.

[Desperado]

I think that the Boss CS-3 compressor is the best and also the best value (I've got them for $65 at GC). Nearly every compressor previously mentioned is near the exact schematic of a Ross compressor. Keeley's is especially a copy of a Ross compressor, but puts a true bypass in it and and sells it for $200+. If you want a compressor with the range the of 4-knob Keeley version, buy a Boss CS-3, change a few caps to match the Ross compressor schematic, run it through a bypass strip, and you have a 4-knob Keeley in Boss casing.

[unvs]

BJF Pale Green for rhythm/subtle comp.

Analog Man Juicer into BJF PPF/FDII for leads.

YMMV.

[e-z]

For subtle comp you should check out the BJF. Others on this board have raved about the Diamond comp but I've never tried it. The BJF I own and love.

[Mike9]

I use two - an Analogman Juicer and a Keeley Compressor. I think from you're description the Keeley is the way to go.

[Reeek]

I'm very happy with my Carl Martin but I seldom use a compressor anymore. I use the CM for a boost mostly these days.

[frankencat]

I've been using a CS-3 with Monte Allums' mod and it is great. :)

[zzmoore]

If the opinion of a drummer interests you, I can say that the T-REX seems to do a good job and it makes no noise at all.

[nashvillesteve]

The Ross compressor is supposed to be a somewhat similar design to the DynaComp, I have an AnalogMan Ross clone that I'm very happy with and a Tone Factor Squeeze Factor Orange Squeezer clone (less subtle in a great way- but with a blend control as well)...

[willyboy]

I have the first version of the Diamond Comp before the pot value change. Very satisfied with it - it's not super squishy, can be set very subtley, and is very toneful - the EQ is wonderful. Sounds killer with my strat's single coils through the clean channels of my Roadking!

[nickreynolds]

Keeley. There is no substitute.

Maybe, but I really like the brightness that the Demeter Compulator adds! :p haha


But when it's time to play some Brad Pasiley, hand me that Keeley!

[Enjoyer]

I have a Keeley and really have not bonded with it at all.
I am on the hunt for a compressor that will work for me.
Considering the BJF and the tonepress. The Jangle Box intrigues me, as well.
Perhaps, I just don't get compressor pedals.
I hate the squish.

[nickreynolds]

I have a Keeley and really have not bonded with it at all.
I am on the hunt for a compressor that will work for me.
Considering the BJF and the tonepress. The Jangle Box intrigues me, as well.
Perhaps, I just don't get compressor pedals.
I hate the squish.

I tell yea, from what I hear, the Keely is very squishy, I like squishy-ness for the one Brad Pasiley song our band plays :dude
But most of the time I like something nice and sweet that doesn't sound very squished, I urge you to try a Demeter compulator, it's very open sounding for a compressor and adds a nice high-end sparkle, IF your in to that kind of sound... :RoCkIn

[VintageToneGuy]

My Two-Cents worth is on the Maxon CP101. I've owned and loved both Keeley (4-knob) and the Analogman Comrossor; while both were extrememly good and brought a great feeling of pride when looking down on my pedalboard; I couldn't justify keeping them when I knew that the CP101 would do the trick - and it does in spades! Got mine in the Forum for around $70!!!

[Bear]

If you want a VERY smooth & TRANSPARANT sound....BEFORE making your FINAL DECISION...if at all possible...."road-test" the *DIAMOND COMPRESSOR"!!!I was "under-the-gun" & gambled with the 1st one that I got the BEST reviews AND wasn't an "off-the-shelf"-type. I wanted a "well-crafted, hand-made one that I *wasn't going to see on everyone elses pedalboard*. I kept hearing the word *TRANSPARANT*....which didn't SEEM right. Who (in their ''RIGHT MIND") would want to spend a chunk of (hard-earned) money for *SOMETHING YOU "CAN'T HEAR"*???Well...I REALLY "lucked-out". It is versatile, easy to use & you DON'T "hear it" doing it's job (hence, the word: ''TRANSPARANT"!! It is DIRECTLY responsible for longer sustains...a more ''EVEN SOUND'' (reigning-in a "wild note" from a string that I accidentally hit way to hard....AND,..doing all of this "without" HEARING some sort of UN-NATURAL, viscious *CLAMP-DOWN*. NOW....I truely understand ''TRANSPARENCY"..and, realize HOW *LUCKY* I was when I finally got to "road-test" the OTHERS!Hi all,
I play rhythm guitar for my band and basically use just two sounds, i.e. a clean and a crunch sound.
I'm currently looking for a compressor pedal just to smooth out the sound subtly, even out the peaks and troughs etc. No serious squeezing and warping or anything.
I went to the local music store today and unfortunately customer service wasn't the order of the day and I only ended up trying three different models.
I didn't like the DigiTech I tried. It seemed very unresponsive and the settings were either extreme or non-existant. I tried another cheaper pedal which didn't do it for me either. I think it was the DOD Milk Box.
The only one I did like was the Line6 Constrictor and then it was really just the supposedly 60s style "mellow" model that seemed to give me that subtle balance.
Anyone got any recommendations as to what I should try out?
Thanks in advance. Any suggestions gratefully accepted.

[screamingduck]

I have used a Boss CS-3 with excellent results for over twenty years.
My personal preference is to set a high level but a low sustain which
gives you a nice strong even signal with not too much squish.
I recently bought an Analogman BiComprosser which gives you one
side of DynaComp/Ross type compression plus another side of Dan Armstrong
Orange Squeezer type. My initial impression has been very positive
as both sides have quite distinct and very musical sounds.
The BiComp is rather pricey so I would recommend the Boss CS-3 as
a great first compressor. There are so many great choices available
so I'm sure you will find something that suits your particular needs.

[smallbutmighty]

For transparent compression the best I've heard is the TRex CompNova...but it's overpriced IMO. I'd go with the Maxon CP101. It's sounds great also and is priced right.

However, transparant compression is not my thing. I want to hear it squashing.

My favorite is my trusty Boss CS2. It's beat to crap, but it still sounds awesome...and like no other compressor out there that I've heard. And if you're looking for the Brad Paisley sound, the CS2 is it. Go check the gear list on his site...he uses it on almost everything. If it broke I'd probably go with a CS3 and have it modded, or maybe the Marshall ED.

A

[whitenoise]

i have a homebrew CRP, and it works great! if you can find one to try out, give it a shot.

[TRUEMAN]

AYA R-Comp! Fantastic!

[VanStone]

+1 for the Barber. It's the compressor for people who don't like compressors - it can be set for a very light effect like you describe.

V

[ZepFuzz05]

Does anyone have any experience with the MXR Super Comp? I have heard very good things about it. . .

[mlongano]

Does anyone have any experience with the MXR Super Comp? I have heard very good things about it. . .

I have an MXR Super Comp...nothing wrong with it at all. I like the fact that you can dime the compression, and still vary the pick attack so it thumps!!

[Moe45673]

Just got my Diamond Comp back (with original specs reinstalled). Used it at rehearsal on Sunday and damnnnnnn, did I miss it.

I've been playing without it for about 6 weeks, and I've had trouble cutting through the mix whereby I had to step on my lead boost pedal for some single note lines and fills and stuff. Stuck the comp in my chain, and now the boost pedal only sees action when I have an actual solo to play. LOVE IT.

[drolling]

Yep- I've kept my '70s DynaComp for chick'n pick'n & my '80s CS-2 for fake pedal-steel stylin' where I need huge amounts of sustain for the bendy stuff - but my Diamond comp's always on.

It doesn't 'compress' in a conventional sense, but it enhances the sound of my entire rig. It's a jim dandy booster, too - Takes great OD pedals like the HoneyBee or the Eternity to the next level.

But some players who've tried the Diamond say that the BJF's even better.

I find that very hard to believe, but I've got one on order to hear for myself!

[bobbymack]

I sold a Keeley, way too squishy and hard to dial in. Replaced it with an Analogman mini bicomp, and I'm happy. The Ross side is great-- subtle, and you can dial in how much attack you want. The Juicer side is cool for country flavored stuff...

[TieDyedDevil]

If you want a comp that's not squishy but still levels out your guitar volume, check out the Aphex Punch Factory. It's dead simple to dial in an preserves pick attack better than any comp I've tried. (I've tried most of the comps mentioned here, with the exception of the Diamond.)

The comp in the Visual Sound Route 66 is a bit less subtle than the Aphex, but it's possible to dial that in (in the lower third of the sustain control when using vintage-output humbuckers) so it doesn't squish unless you really slam the strings hard.