Compressor Pedals: How to Begin

This video explains what compressors pedals do and gives you 5 cool ways to use them. Affiliate links below. Drone footage and stop-motion animation by John Marty. Additional graphics by Greg Sadetsky.
My album HARD FEELINGS:
distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cyb...
The cover songs in this video:
bit.ly/3vZ0yft
Zoom guitar lessons:
forms.gle/nFMVSEPoraq2LTPy6
Patreon & KZbin memberships:
/ cyberattack
/ @cyberattackworld
AFFILIATE LINKS:
Fairfield Circuitry Accountant:
bit.ly/3QLKCH5
MXR Dyna Comp (vintage reissue/script logo, aka my fave):
bit.ly/3G7soec
Dyna Comp (non-reissue/block logo):
bit.ly/3sMvuB1
Dyna Comp Mini:
bit.ly/3MPu53r
Dyna Comp Deluxe:
bit.ly/3sFbfVW
Boss CS-3 Compressor:
bit.ly/3R4a77Q
If you want to buy a pedal (or synth) not listed here, just use this link and then search for it at Perfect Circuit, and I'll still get the commission:
bit.ly/3IsCN4n
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
00:15 What a Compressor Does
01:38 Pro-Tip #1: The Thwack Sound
02:39 Sound Example
03:24 Pro-Tip #2: Underdrive
05:21 Sound Example
06:00 Pro-Tip #3: Making Unusable Sounds Usable
06:40 Sound Example
07:19 Pro-Tip #4: The Lo-Fi Thing
08:02 Sound Example
09:05 Pro-Tip #5: Compressed Reverb & Delay
09:57 Sound Example

[@GlennJimenez]

The idea you have for replacing the video of yourself playing with visuals is genius It really takes away from the “KZbin” experience and lets you hear the guitar in the music

[@LM-uk5fo]

Never thought about an "underdrive" effect, it's so simple but blew my mind.

[@willhennessey438]

I've been getting so much more from my pedals since I found your channel. Hope it keeps growing and you get the audience you deserve.

[@CyberattackWorld]

thanks man. if you wanna share the vids (reddit or whatever), that always helps

[@bombcollective]

Me too, I was about to ditch my Slicer then I realised how badass it is. Thank you!

[@kwyatt261]

You're an amazing musician, and you are the GOAT of creativity with pedals, that is all.

[@zachary963]

I thought I was the only one who did the “underdrive” thing lol. I like doing that into my Walrus 385. I set it to be moderately driven, and then use my compressor to keep the verses clean. I turn off the comp in the prechorus, and then I can use the natural dynamics from my playing to rise into the chorus. Great tip!!

[@shawnvstaden]

UNDERdrive!😮 36 years of playing and I only discovered that now... Thank you, fuzziah. Time to unpack those olde pedals. 🙏

[@ToneSherpa]

I like your stuff dude. And I am happy to see Nightcrawler putting in the work on the heavy bag. He's improving himself. And that's what it's all about.

[@CyberattackWorld]

it's so important to put in time on the heavy bag

[@Dwightpower88]

​@@CyberattackWorldthat's the secret to their true thwack sound

[@emilyharpist]

now THIS is epic

[@emilyharpist]

02:50 sounds so good

[@CyberattackWorld]

thanks but nothing will ever be as epic as this friendship

[@marvinvieth7853]

sound example #4 is fucking genius. cant wait to hear the full song

[@UberNuber]

Just made that dimed out compressor demo my ringtone

[@SuperdangerStudios]

This video blew my mind. I love this channel man.

[@CyberattackWorld]

my man

[@psychotogether5114]

Absolutely unreal. No one says half the ish he says. Everyone says the same old, same old.

[@rahzark]

Wow, never owned a compressor (not even in my bass playing days). I kinda want that Fairfield now, the lo-fi is beautiful.

[@CyberattackWorld]

affiliate links, baby!!!!!!!!! bit.ly/3QLKCH5

[@addy_hits]

#3 is a super pro tip. I'd already been intuitively using a compressor like that after heavy distortion but this inspired me to use it after my DOD bass envelope filter (which I like a lot but sounds brutal anywhere above the C on the G-string) and now I can play the whole range of the bass neck without having to adjust the filter sweep range knob to avoid that signal clipping, whip crack resonance blast. Thanks! My fave compressor is the Boss AC-2 (acoustic simulator) which, to my ear, is a compressor with a weird EQ curve and while it will doesn't make your guitar sound like an acoustic, it gives it that thin, glassy, on the verge of spanky attack, strings about to break, Ovation electracoustic, solo Lindsey Buckingham style tones. And if you run a distorted signal into it, it doesn't sound like a guitar at all.

[@CyberattackWorld]

oh man i love the idea of using an acoustic simulator like that. i really wanna hear what that sounds like

[@BobcatOneManBand]

I have an unusual setup, jazzmaster with flatwound strings tuned to C standard, 2 dynasonic pickups with 500k pots with treble bleed. I run the volume at 7 for almost clean, and 10 for fuzz. First in chain is MXR Classic 108 Fuzz into EHX Eddy vibrato set to a subtle warble into a tremolo that's on but dialed back into an MXR phase 90 that's on once to twice in a set into an MXR Carbon Copy mini that's set to a gnarly reverb like tone into a Tech 21 Liverpool pedal with the character knob up and the gain down (almost like a tiny champ acting up) into an SP Compressor to even out the fuzz and clean volumes. All that into a neutral Fender Rumble 100 amp. I love my rig! I'm on tour across the US for a two-year stretch!

[@Shaqiliciouss]

you can't just hit me with the nostalgia of the GTA:SA gym without warning like that man

[@CyberattackWorld]

I'm sorry but also not sorry because the nostalgia is gonna kill you even with the warning

[@vijay6404]

Ive ben playing guitar for over 20 years and always ignored compressors, for the reason you mentioned at the start. This video was illuminating , and I will definitely be looking into one now! Also, i usually skip vids on youtube, but your visual style is very unique and entertaining! Allows you to really take in the sound / music, rather than getting bored watching a guy play guitar.

[@WHATISPOLITICS69]

cool, the compressed wah sounds especially dope. love the gorilla amp! and i have that same nightcrawler action figure hanging upside down from my window

[@CyberattackWorld]

NICE. i love that nightcrawler, he's posable and articulate in a way that really feels like nightcrawler. also my high school music department had that gorilla amp and i've always had a soft spot for how trashy it is

[@summercameron3505]

That last Mood Delay was almost ring-mod! Super-FAKE! Love it - thank you ☮

[@BatmanWangChung]

Suh dude! Thanks for the epic pro tips! Everything sounded awesome! 🔥🔥 🔥

[@emilyharpist]

epic

[@iosifkalpaktsoglou2045]

Perfect timing. Got my first compressor, dreadbox kinematic , a week ago, and I am sure by the end of the video i ll find other ways of using it.

[@zsoltcsizmar6498]

The art in this video was truly beautiful.

[@CyberattackWorld]

thank you. it was my attempt to capture this world: www.nj.com/entertainment/2021/12/the-oasis-on-route-17.html

[@omegasunn]

I think its criminal how you dont have more subscribers! Your videos are a joy to watch and you're really funny, without trying to be. I love how you allow yourself to be you, without the need to submit to the youtube 'way', like curbing your language etc. Thwack , **** on your reverb and the stuff you said about analogue delays made me spit my drink out! Enjoying your music on spotify too bro, keep it up. I've never understood the need for a compressor , but these tips are great and I'm considering one now!

[@Dwightpower88]

Just found your channel today, it's great! To anyone looking for a compressor I recommend the Orange Kongpressor. It's an optical compressor with a treble boost knob , I keep it on all the time, just sweetens my guitar tone, no matter which guitar I'm playing.

[@_OopsieDaisies]

the example/video for the lo-fi tip was gorgeous and seeing pictures of old malls, arcades, chuck e cheese's kinda took me there

[@CyberattackWorld]

my entire youtube channel takes place in that world

[@_OopsieDaisies]

@@CyberattackWorld i've noticed :)

[@indubiousComrade]

You are the most serious total goofball I've ever seen. Love your stuff dude, keep it up

[@tomosborne5949]

You must be one of the guitar gods. Bravo!!!!

[@CyberattackWorld]

If that's true then it falls to you to attack and dethrone god

[@LP-123]

Cali76 gang checking in. Compression 4lyfe!!

[@zrobertez]

One of my favorite things to do with compressors is to crank the compression and lower the guitar tone all the way. Just a dark but loud tone for some lead stuff. Add reverb or whatever. I use MXR custom comp because its just a dyna comp but with some internal knobs to get insane amounts of squish

[@keeganwills]

That 4th jam tho. So good.

[@brutallyremastered4255]

Last jam was dope.

[@CyberattackWorld]

you might get a kick out of this: bit.ly/3vZ0yft

[@irradix213]

Great tips, gorgeous examples vids

[@stephenghudson6179]

Cool video, great ideas for a compressor, which whenever I use one, I really don't get it even when it's explained. So thanks for the tips. Also great animations.

[@redguitar6062]

Fabulous. I love your stuff.

[@ChristopherSchlegel]

Creative, practical & entertaining as usual. The texture in tip 3 by combining the compressed wah & chorus lines is outstanding. Perfect for that funky groove.

[@CyberattackWorld]

thanks for the comment. i had never really thought of that kind of fast chorus as being funky before, but it really can be. but i guess it is kind of like the thing John Scofield does, so maybe i should have known sooner. anyway thanks for the comment

[@samhuntley344]

Thanks! Your videos are super informative and I can tell you put a lot into the production. Keep it up💪💪

[@CyberattackWorld]

Thank you, really appreciate it 🥊

[@alexfletcher9915]

Stellar vid! Pro-Tip 4 is particularly glorious!

[@geraldcasler5574]

Another great vid. Thanks

[@thetaokan]

Great video! :-) I love compressors, they are way more than they seem...

[@karlboman]

Wonderful, funny and insightful - as always! The third tip is something I haven't thought about myself but absolutely will have a lot of use for! My SY-200 can get pretty out there somtimes. Also I just got a Hypergravity, and with this my fifth (at least) compressor pedal I am finally started to "get it".

[@vladdyvansavage8760]

Very helpful tips. Refreshingly different. Subscribed

[@GRBAquatics]

Very Cool, Thankyou. I only play Compressor Pedals at the start of my chain after Tuners. This video inspires me to try other options, Cool. All the best, Cheers

[@JERSEYTARPIT]

I just found this channel and it’s SO helpful! And all the examples sound great, not to mention cool imagery

[@OfficialTuxedoMask]

2:49 i was already following but this shit made me hit the bell my guy great job!

[@brutallyremastered4255]

Ha ha-same here. I think...

[@cybresquid]

A lot of the time I like my chain to be able to get a little wild, and those highs and lows I like to keep. But sometimes I like to let my chain get REALLY wild, and in that case I can see how a compressor comes in handy!

[@hi8clique420]

You’re a cool guy. Those background visuals are so unique. Great video!!!

[@Roberto_MR]

great content. subscribed

[@waskerbasket9601]

Very useful. Dig.

[@lilSchmoob]

Dude! I was just thinking to myself how It would be cool to mess with a new compressor pedal on my board, this video is great timing!! I already have one early in my chain that I combine with an envelope-filter (with the sensitivity turned to zero so it never opens up) and it has such a cool tone for leads and stuff. I was curious about throwing my compressor later in my chain and experimenting with how it affects my other pedals, but I don't want to tear my compressor away from my envelope filter because I love the duo so much. I spotted some $15 Cyber Monday deals for cheap compressors so I may just pick one up!

[@edwingamesandmusic]

Yo, these are some exciting hot tips!

[@anthonyludington8320]

I think there are points you make about the signal chain that at times remind me to just try shit out. The compressor after wah idea was like 🤦🏻wow, duh, why haven't I seen things that way?

[@Fabianorocknwood]

Nice!

[@ericamoretti5148]

Great stuff, dude!

[@CyberattackWorld]

❤️

[@xcarmadax]

I hate that i didnt find your account sooner, love your content man

[@MajicFreeman]

Always loved your vids. This was perfect timing. I've played guitar for 25 years, been collecting pedals for over two decades and only now have I finally thought about buying one. I first used compressors that were on board a few bass amps that I was either backlining or borrowing at times over the years, cuz I don't think any bass amp I owned had a comp on it, but now for the past 5 years or so I commonly use compressors and limiters in my daws too; at least once guaranteed on any song that has more than a couple tracks. But, I've recently started playing a xii string and I read about how very commonly they run electric xii strings through dual compressors, so I tried that in my daw and it sounds fantastic. I also have always done a few guitar tricks that I'm now realizing would sound way better with a comp, like I like to do pinch harmonics, and very percussive muting and funky stylings and I love playing out of phase on my strat so like all signs point to I should have a compressor on my board pronto and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get it and wonder why I waited so long. I know I won't use it as an always on type deal either. I've been looking at any pedals that have dual compressors and the Origin Effects pedals like cali76 and sliderig are at the top of my list. I do a lotta of clean vibrato/tremolo stuff that kinda sounds like slide sometimes too (think like chris isaacs wicked game that i cover) and I was reading a few weeks ago that guess what that wicked game has dual compressors on the vibrato take.

[@CyberattackWorld]

thanks for the comment dude, have fun with whatever compressor you get

[@brekreney5734]

new favorite youtuber

[@s.manuel7969]

Your video has had 2746 views as of this post and you should have 2746 “likes”!! Your videos always impress me, thank you for your hard work. And what did you do to your hands?!?! 😂

[@ubdejones1]

i love the 144p images

[@CyberattackWorld]

thank you, i spend a stupid amount of time on that part

[@EarleMonroe]

That Mood reverb into the compressor sounded sick! It’s the kind of sound I could hear Jonny Greenwood using in an older Radiohead song. He gets that frazzled Subterranean Homesick Alien type sound in a different way, but this is in that same neighborhood (EDIT: The sound is actually more My Iron Lung than Subterranean Homesick Alien

[@aaroncurtis4476]

Job well done! Tiny bit of feedback, IMO anyway, if you can do more of the On/Off comparison when showing us something I find it helps, for example when you compress the reverb "shit" at the end. Not a big deal, but I was hoping to hear what it did there. Anyway, keep these coming! :)

[@CyberattackWorld]

thanks for the comment. you make a great point. i always wonder about doing more on/off comparisons, but i tend to skip them to keep the videos as close to 10 minutes as possible. but who knows if that's even worth the tradeoff. so i'm gonna look into doing more on/off stuff, thank you for the feedback

[@tilmanwolff-moore276]

Underdrive Pedal!! 🤘🏻

[@Cvreedy]

Underdrive! Gonna try that

[@CyberattackWorld]

PRO-TIP #6: if you wanna buy a compressor, you can support my channel by using these affiliate links to make the purchase, and I'll get a commission: Fairfield Circuitry Accountant: bit.ly/3QLKCH5 MXR Dyna Comp (vintage reissue/script logo, aka my fave): bit.ly/3G7soec Dyna Comp (non-reissue/block logo): bit.ly/3sMvuB1 Dyna Comp Mini: bit.ly/3MPu53r Dyna Comp Deluxe: bit.ly/3sFbfVW Boss CS-3 Compressor: bit.ly/3R4a77Q If you want to buy a pedal (or synth) not listed here, just use this link and then search for it at Perfect Circuit, and I'll still get the commission: bit.ly/3IsCN4n

[@dr.k6205]

Wait, did you use the CS-3 in this clip on any of the Sound Example?

[@NohFyuchur]

Thwack!…and ya got the ‘funk face’ to go with it…yeah!

[@jelmer4643]

Hi, I've been loving these videos and can't wait to try out these tips! I've been looking for a compression pedal, but haven't been able to decide which to get because I play both bass and guitar and would ideally get one that functions fine for both. I've heard using a 'regular' compressor for bass can have some downsides, but what about the other way around? Would it be best to get a bass compressor or a guitar compressor if I can only get one?

[@CyberattackWorld]

thanks for the comment, I'm so sorry to tell you that I basically never play real bass and I have no idea how well the pedals would translate back and forth. so sorry not to have a better answer

[@MatheusRobis]

Peak KZbin content

[@LysanderLH]

I think people buy compressor pedals because they think they should and because everyone they see has one. I see compressors as effects like any other and because I prefer to be able to control how I express myself, rather than have it all averaged out by an effect, I dont use them very often.

[@emcnasty2033]

I could just tone out on all the funk-a-delic grooves we got going on here. FEEL MEH?

[@masterofreality230]

5:28 Hey thats my 1st amp from 38 years ago!!

[@CyberattackWorld]

time is never time at all

[@iosifkalpaktsoglou2045]

When I went to buy my first amp[1991] I asked my guitar teacher which one to buy( he knew my budget which wasn't much). Just don't get a gorilla or an elephant he advised.

[@brickboy7020]

Whats the song used after pro-tip #4?

[@CyberattackWorld]

happy to report that's a song I wrote called "Friends Again," and it's gonna be on my next album. also this may be of interest: //bit.ly/3vZ0yft

[@harrisfrankou2368]

Nice Bernie Edwards and Nile Rodgers references.

[@phillip7928]

In a bedroom setting, volume spikes were unavoidable with my right hand. Adding delay didn't help either. It's a must at home playing

[@gamezharks]

What they don't tell you is that compressors are usually cheap as hell second hand, people will practically pay you to take their dynacomps off their hands.

[@riverstone5994]

Bro can you do an audiobook of lord of the rings or something. I can listen to you talk for ages

[@CyberattackWorld]

thanks for the comment. I'm gonna do it at some point, but in the meantime the AMAs are the next best thing: kzbin.info/aero/PLzaV6dQDtY18FRCWV_GAk36j1FK2Fr2k3&si=fdzFUa3k3vlYdvMy

[@MrLambo0905]

🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@blkrbbt]

How'd you fuck up your hands? Rollerblading?

[@dixydo]

I've been building a pedalboard for the past month. I bought all the basic pedals, but when I put them all together I realized that I still don't understand how to use them properly. Before today.

[@escapegulag4317]

So Ben Affleck has a youtube channel

[@CyberattackWorld]

yup, it's me!!!! however i did lose j lo's number so please give it to me if anyone has it

[@escapegulag4317]

@@CyberattackWorld 🤣🤣

[@jirispidra6242]

No its his brother Ben effect

[@Jobble]

Does this guy sound like Mitch Hedberg to anyone else?

[@GamerSirus]

I love how the pictures of the pedals are digitally compressed to shit lol.

[@CyberattackWorld]

thank you, it takes me a stupidly long time to do that

[@GamerSirus]

@@CyberattackWorld Loved you on Emily's video btw.

[@ileutur6863]

I gotta say, I disagree with the part about having your compressor on just to level out the entire signal. It can be such a livesaver for live if you play dynamic music and need to send your sound guy consistent volume levels.

[@CyberattackWorld]

I realize there are different schools of thought on this. Part of the reason I stuck in that shot of Shao Kahn saying FIGHT was to encourage debate. Thanks for the comment.

[@thomasj.9686]

I hate compression pedals on guitar. Works well for bass to my ears, makes guitar sound clacky. Informative video, though!

[@iosifkalpaktsoglou2045]

CBA released lossy ten days ago. Cyberattack gives us the tip to use compression after delay and/ or reverb. I fear that lo fi delay reverbs with extreme compression last in the chain will start appearing by all the usual suspects ,wannabe hip, instant noise, pedal building companies. Its only natural as the market has been saturated with shimverbs and analogue sounding lo fi delays with " extreme" and/or " subtle" modulation of various waveforms. As always stereo outputs, expression control but no fx loop. L.A.M.E.( Legalise Antiquated Musicians( and pedal builders) Euthanasia.

[@christdolphin69]

there have also been like 4 high profile stereo bbd's released by boss, eae, walrus, and something else i think in the last like 2 months

[@iosifkalpaktsoglou2045]

@christdolphin69 The sending v2 by electronic audio experiments is very, very good. The asheville music tools adg1 se is also very very very good.

[@twosjalltheway]

Pro Tip #7 - Exaggerate ALL the bullshit