GUITAR COMPRESSORS EXPLAINED! Tone Secrets #5

[@gordrock]

this is the best explanation of compression I've seen. great work Pete. outstanding talent.

[@mrjtibor]

For me compressor is the hardest effect to deal with. This was a quite good explanation about the basics. Thx Pete!

[@atmafra1971]

By far one of the best and clearest explanations about compressors I've ever seen. The idea of using the drive of the amp to detect when the compressor kicks in is just perfect. Great job, Pete!

[@lance134679]

Thank you for the compression tutorial. That's a good compressor to demonstrate what a studio compressor does because it has pretty well every control you'd find on a studio compressor.

[@jimmymarchisotto8152]

I use a Keeley two knob compressor. I like that its got only two knobs, it's less confusing. I welcomed your explanation on these important tools. To hear an accomplished player/teacher like yourself explain it, I pick it up much easier. Thank you Pete, your lessons always hit home!

[@PeteThorn]

Hi Jimmie- I generally dig simpler compressors too- less to fiddle with! ha

[@markmcdonald2421]

The first person on KZbin that I've heard explain compression clearly and correctly.

[@solocam1962]

Hey guys and gals! If you are not getting Pete and Tim's video series, you have no Idea what your missing! ANYTHING Pete releases is top notch and incredible. I have learn2d so much from him and his compadre Tim! Pete does not know me and this is unsolicited. Just gotta pass the word along! Thanks Pete for helping this 54 year old geezer take it to another level!

[@RLDWEBER]

Best explanation I've ever found! Awesome down to earth guy with no ego too.

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks Randy!

[@jatin7361]

I'm very thankful that Pete took the time to put this together. The sound examples were one of the first videos on the subject that audibly relayed each control's function. Not simple to do on this platform, so kudos! It may also help others to point out that analog audio compression and computer file compression are quite different from each other. They both will affect your audio quality, but in much different ways.

[@RandomButtonPusher]

Thank you, thank you for this Tone series -- and your clear explanations and demos of the pedals and the settings. Straightforward and no wasted goofing around, which is much appreciated.

[@reidhowland]

Excellent job. Compression is tough to explain, especially in a short time. You hit the high points without dumbing it down. It took me years to really get a handle on it and I'm learning more all the time. Cheers!

[@1011skarn]

I just subscribed to this dude..... He seems genuine, explains things without being condescending, and he is simple and clear. I am now a fan, and a fan of his channel. Thank you Pete.

[@Stemma3]

This is like a living manual of compression. Amazing explanation.

[@empireentertainmentevents1353]

Pete....thank you. Your explanation and demo are so easy to understand. You dont use jargons to explain. You used simple easy to understand words.

[@jnh73]

Awesome video, Pete! Easily the most misunderstood and abused effect. The mark of a good compressor is that it shouldn't be overly obvious to most when it's on, but when you turn it off it should be readily apparent. Set correctly these things can work some serious magic!

[@JM-eq3sx]

Thanks Pete. Good technical description of compression. Could you do a Part II that gets into general settings for the esthetic side of compressors, and in different styles, especially live applications. For example, do you use a compressor to push a drive or do you prefer a booster? How do you work with a compressor to help an uncooperative amp get great sustain and feedback without squashing the signal, unwanted feedback or extra noise? Would a compressor always go behind a drive pedal, or would it work in front for some things, maybe leveling out a boosted lead by setting the threshold and ratio correctly. Thanks.

[@johnmac8084]

Thanks Pete. Tim Pierce sent me here and he's right, this is the clearest explanation I've seen on setting up a compressor.

[@PeteThorn]

Tim was so nice, to share my video. Thanks John!

[@walterworrall]

Your hair gets nicer as time goes on. Kudos!

[@PeteThorn]

+Walter Worrall ha! Thanks Walter

[@GretschGod]

Great licks and great hair. It's what rock stars are made of.

[@3dsman]

You looked awesome in your shaggy days!

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

Great explanation Pete...I will say that whenever anyone asks me what compression is and what it sounds like, I usually refer them to the John and George solo on "Nowhere Man". It's an exaggerated example, but I think it is one that just abut anybody can hear and understand.

[@RobbDizzl]

Best video on compression. Great explanation and even better sound examples.

[@Jamin73x5]

The best video on what compressors do I have seen, well explained and demonstrated . Now I understand what compressors do a lot better. Thank you, Pete.

[@PhillipRing-gw2yx]

2 years after this video is released... I find it and it's amazing, really fantastic explanation

[@AndyDrudy]

Compression is a subtle effect. It creates sustain with a clean sound so you don't have to use loads of gain to create long notes. The BOSS CS3 is great for this although it adds a glassy sheen which you either like or you dont. Its great in a smooth jazz solo situation where you want long legato notes without distortion. It is great if you want to sound like Larry Carlton. Try playing "It was only Yesterday" or "Room 335" with a clean sound and a compressor to give you those long notes. Try playing "Mercy mercy mercy" with a compressor. Sounds great! Why people use compression on chord work is a mystery to me as it removes all the dynamics which is the opposite to what ou want to achieve if you want to sound like Chic or something similar.

[@AndyDrudy]

Pete is doing exactly this with the piece at the end. Listen to the lead sound.Without the compressor the lead parts would be lost and weak sounding. Basically, long notes without loads of gain.

[@jhc1230]

I am just now discovering Pete Thorn! AWESOME! The best training videos I have EVER seen! A perfect voice, a perfect knowledge level, a perfect teacher's presentation skill. THANKS SO MUCH! 🤗

[@carabidus]

Very nice discussion about a vital piece of gear! I'm a university educator and I wish more of my colleagues took the time to properly *explain* concepts like you have, no matter the subject...

[@PeteThorn]

+carabidus thank u!

[@DaveRave23]

Great video thank you. I love the way you used the gain make up to show the effect of the compressor cutting in and out - that's genius.

[@eduardotepoxteca9171]

One of the best videos explaining compression

[@huginstarkstrom]

brilliant Explanation. Thx for that. BTW: it makes a difference where in your chain you use the compressor: after the distortion means you can roll back volume, get less distortion but volume stays the same.

[@StephenRybacki]

That was the best explana-demo of compression I've ever seen Pete. Thanks.

[@PeteThorn]

thanks!

[@irblueflames69]

Thank you for demystifying the “secret code” of compression I’ve been having issues with my tone I’m using a lp and it sounds quite harsh so I’m trying to get it to sound more even and smooth.

[@CamiloVelandia]

Great man. I can honestly say I was confused about compression for a very very long time til I got my axe fx and was able to experiment. A video like this would've saved me tons of time. Ill share it with my students!

[@cyrusfontaine2598]

I've always loved the sound of a bit of compression on guitar. Thanks for this!

[@maxx.mazzeo]

Such a clear and practical explanation

[@thormusique]

Thanks very much for this, Pete! It's the best and clearest explanation and demonstration of compression controls I've ever seen. And thanks to Tim for linking to it!

[@matthewcuthbert5046]

Pete, Just wanted to say thanks so much for all your videos and knowledge that you share. I've learned so much about technique as well as gear from all of your videos, and really appreciate your willingness to take time out of your schedule to educate.

[@bobvogjr.3671]

Pete! Thank you for this video (and all the many others), I'm finally grasping how a compressor works! I'll need to watch it a few more times for it to really sink in. Thanks so much for sharing your musical knowledge and demonstrating various musical gear. You're the best. Aloha!

[@andrewbettis4247]

so wish I had these kind of tutorials about 20 years ago! great video

[@PeteThorn]

+Andrew Bettis me too! Ha

[@saimonoliana]

One of the most useful videos I've watched lately

[@zackorr421]

Amazing video. Using the amp clipping to illustrate the signal reaching the amp/being attenuated is genius. Thank you Pete!

[@samlloyd8668]

As always, great video, Pete! I think for a lot of people it would have been useful to go into a little more depth on the threshold setting. Playing softly vs. playing aggressively, demonstrating how the compression doesn't kick in until you play loud enough to cross the threshold. But again, very thorough and helpful.

[@TimMcKibbon57]

I use a TC Electronic Hyper Gravity compressor, it has Sustain, Level, Attack, and Blend controls and it has the TC toneprints.

[@23dvs]

Great way to explain compression..you're a great teacher, Pete! 🤘🏻

[@sn95_mustang_garage]

Thanks, have a better understanding now. Just glad to see and hear the white Suhr, not worried anymore.

[@Joj1n]

He Pete It’s so relaxing and informative to watch you explaining these sounds secrets. Clear, to the point and inspiring! Thank you from the heart

[@georgethomas9436]

Thanks for demonstration of the efffects pedals.

[@TomsGreenMind]

This video was simple, very easy to follow and cleared up something I didn't fully understand for a long time now. Thanks! It would be really cool to do a video on when it would be appropriate to use compression and what it can do to a guitar in the mix and the negatives of over using it on guitar.

[@dalepal]

Excellent explanation along with the demo on what compressors and their settings do.

[@ernestovelasquez9147]

Best video on compressor ever.good verbal skills very informative I have a Boss comp stop using it cause I was 😞 now. I'm gonna use it thanks

[@arcanics1971]

I've never quite got my head around the compressor, even though I do use it a lot. I've got a couple of settings I like for different things but haven't really understood the whys and hows. This is the first time I have heard it explained and demonstrated in a way where I can make sense of it. So much so that it now seems so obvious that I feel like an idiot for not really getting something so simple! Which illustrates how well you've explained it. Thank you. I feel like I know what I am doing with compression so much more now.

[@Wallimann]

Super useful, thanks Pete!

[@bostonmordechai3297]

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[@maysonavi6163]

@Boston Mordechai instablaster :)

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[@maysonavi6163]

@Boston Mordechai You are welcome :)

[@MrBHBjr]

I thought i had a good comprehension of compressors until i watched this video. Thank you Pete for opening my eyes!

[@PeteThorn]

Glad to help!

[@B3Band]

Pun intended?

[@DPG-Guitar]

Great vid, as always Pete. You have that rare knack of being able to impart knowledge in a clear, easily understood way. P.S. Nerd alert and useless trvia - 2026 is the postcode of Bondi, NSW, Australia......for those who were wondering.

[@companionofowls5438]

Pete, you're such a cool guy I wish we could hang out and jam. Thanks for the great wisdom and knowledge!

[@chrissullins3]

Thanks for the clear explanation of all these controls. I've used a couple cheap compressors which although they seem to add signal strength/sustain they also add more noise when not played through. In other words the compressor itself has a problematic noise floor. This has left me using the default limiter setting built in when recording with my Zoom H6 (which isn't bad). I'll probably have to shop around for a quality compressor.

[@chaza.2891]

the clearest compression explanation

[@Mist_R]

the best video explaining compression

[@thepiperofsimms9974]

Perfect Presentation Pete ! Thank you for your post. Yuma,AZ.

[@mauricioaravenagajardo3704]

Thanks Pete. I have a compressor dusting out there. I never managed to handle it. Now I will experiment.

[@rogerphilabaum4563]

Thanks Pete! Best explanation of compression on KZbin.

[@PeteThorn]

Roger Philabaum thanks!!

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks!!

[@Bingbangohmigollygod]

That was an excellent description of compressors. Thank you very much.

[@jaym4958]

Thank you so much for all your vids explanations I always doubted when I saw all these other bids on the same information cuz I was positive when I got home but I usually play it would be different thanks again for bringing all this out all the best to you peace, Jay.

[@videotaker4356]

I know what most of guitar pedals can do but most of the time I have a lot of problem to find out the real effect of each knobs on these pedals. I'll check your channel to look at some pedals you can probably have done some tutorials about the knobs effect they can effectively do. Thanks in advance for these useful tutorials. Your really good guitar playing help a lot to understand too !

[@LemureDeiCampiElisi]

By far the best demonstration of how compressors works. Just a question: In many digital rigs (Amplitube, guitar rigs, bias fx) often there is a blue compressor and a red compressor. I understand they want to emulate different brands, but effectively what is changing from one to another? Thanks to whom wants to answer.

[@beneddy99]

Glad I found this channel. Really enjoy hearing your thoughts on different tones/effects and how to dial in certain sounds

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

Finally I understand the Peramiter values!🎓Thank You Pete for another great lesson in Tone🎼🎸😀

[@steveclark6514]

Great video and explanations. I’m always looking for better ways to explain and demonstrate compression to newbie players

[@stefanhamilton8713]

Very instructive, well explained. Thanks.

[@gilmarriner3011]

Best explanation I‘ve heard. Thanks Pete

Great Introduction to compressors, but I think the video is missing on showing applications. We want the tone secrets of compressor, not just what the buttons are for! :-)

[@Claimjumper55]

Compressors have always confused me. This helps a lot. Thanks Pete.

[@supertal6074]

Always a great job Pete!

[@marvindemension]

Thanks peter, your explanation is easy to understand and to the point (y)

[@etherelement]

Perfectly explained in terms of how the ear hears it. Great clip

[@3dsman]

You should explain 'knee'... just the shape of the graph but helpful to understand soft/hard knee. Awesome demo as always!

[@3dsman]

Just realized I didn't mention you never mentioned what KNEE was. The graph of the effect looks like a human knee... if people realized that was where this seemingly technical term came from they might get it easier.

[@PeteThorn]

+3dsman well I didn't even know that, you taught me something!

[@3dsman]

Cool! Totally separate note, have you ever seen Craig Anderton's "Electronic Projects For Musicians". book? Best FX book ever written IMHO. Keep up the great work! Hope new CD is on the way!?!?!? Love your work!!

[@darrelde8160]

Oh..NOW I get it!!! Thanks Pete...much appreciated!!!

[@RichieBenno]

Just found your videos and these pedal ones are bloody great.

[@samlloyd8668]

For the most part (unless your settings are extreme, for effect) compression is often more about the relationship of your playing versus the dynamic response. It "feels" different more than it sounds different.

[@michaelgreen5206]

I, too was a doubter on how compressors affect guitar tone until purchased one and now can't play without it!!! The compressor that I use is Origin Effects Cali 76 Stacked and when comparing uncompressed to compressed tones, my ears like the guitar tone with the compressor engaged, especially on guitars' with single coils PUPs.

[@shook9042]

Awesome explanation Pete

[@HarryStoneDotCom]

Pete, your videos are the best!

[@radioesparta]

Thank you so much, been years trying to get it

[@theericbeaty]

Great job at explaining compression. The problem I always have is not knowing at what level to set the threshold. Is it based on playing dynamics, attack of the pick on the strings, or what?

[@PeteThorn]

the threshold really controls when the compression kicks in. So, hit the strings hard- and adjust the threshold until you hear the compressor kicking in, reducing loud peaks. Now, you can keep reducing the threshold until even soft pick attacks trigger the compression. It's up to you! Then, increase the gain to make up for the reduced volume the compression creates. What I do- is bring up the gain until the volume is the same as when I have comp off and hit a loud pick attack. The result- you'll hear more sustain, the notes and chords will ring out, whereas with no compression, you'll hear a loud lick attack and then the sound falls off quickly.

[@theericbeaty]

Thanks for this insight, Pete! Now I finally understand. It's the attack on the strings/instrument that engages the threshold. From my research, I've been watching people tweak the threshold until they see a bit of compression happening, but I always thought it had to do with determining the volume levels in an actual audio wave. From what it sounds, it's mostly trial and error, but it seems a lot simpler than before. I'm assuming the release time parameter is what gives the compressor the name compressor/sustainer. Makes perfect sense to me. Thanks so much for replying with your insights.

[@dapperdanman1956]

great show Pete thorn

[@vicshere99]

Really helpful and simple to understand, thank you!

[@bluenotgreen63]

Thanks Pete. Very helpful.

[@epsilonvonvehron5820]

Looking forward to the demo!

[@TroyGuitarGear]

wow Pete... killer demo and explanation, many thanks!!

[@PeteThorn]

+Troy Knox thank you Troy thanks for watching

[@RobertFisher1969]

Thanks, Pete! So many compressor demos I’ve seen over the years have been: Here’s without the compressor. (play) Here is with it. (difference so subtle that I don’t hear it) Huge difference, right! (No, no it wasn’t.)

[@johncostopoulos7741]

Excellent!! Thanks so much for sharing your expertise. That was really instructive and helped considerably!

[@johnk3195]

Excellent descriptions. I always learn something from your videos Pete.

[@michaelkelly6583]

Thank you Pete. Much appreciated.

[@PeteThorn]

+Michael Kelly thank u!

[@dewwhatchadew1]

Great video Pete.,compression was one that always had me a little curious with all the different settings. I always just messed with it till I got was I was lookin for. At least now I think il be able to dial it in a little faster on the fly. Your videos are always top notch, great quality, kickass guitar playing,an educational as well. You Rock Brother!!

[@ian1eh944]

Great video! Do you think there is a benefit to using a line level compressor (like a DBX160), instead of a pedal for a live guitar rig? Is there a scenario where the rack comp might be preferable? Thanks!

[@profxpedals2009]

Great demo and explanation!

[@tripinprogress2225]

finally i understood what the comp does. thanks!

[@LarsBauer74]

thank you so much Pete for yet another extremely informative and useful tutorial/video.

[@ArielsSmartyPants]

I like how the light changes color when the compressor is working.

[@jross68052]

excellent video. Nice Job Pete

[@HankCScorpio]

Between playing and practicing, I watch Pete's videos.

[@wakjob961]

After searching high & low for a decent DBX 160x at a non-crackhead price, I just bought the Keeley gc-2... along with the 30ms for stereo detuning. So, the 80's rack of awesome I wanted to build will end up being in a pedalboard format.