How To Use Compressor Pedals

How To Use Compressor Pedals
I get asked about this so thought I'd make a video. Thanks to Keeley for sending over the Comp+
get one here: bit.ly/2ygyng5
*Feel Free To Read This Lot*
Hey Guys - I'm Rabea
I'm the lead guitarist in Dorje and Toska, where i write music, make songs and have a great time with my mates.
Toska - bit.ly/2bhVMn5
Dorje - apple.co/2bPvowz
I've created a complete online guitar course - Sign up for FREE here: bit.ly/learnfrombea
I also have my own line of guitars with Chapman Guitars, and i've designed numerous products with some really cool companies, such as the Victory Amps VX Kraken.
Anyway, i hope you enjoy my videos, thank you for watching!
Please SUBSCRIBE to my channel: bit.ly/29M2DC6
You can also follow me here:
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Peace & Love

[@RabeaMassaad]

Thanks for watching guys, and a huge thanks to Keeley for sending over the Comp+ get one here: bit.ly/2ygyng5

[@tammycoates7816]

Rabea Massaad like them tunes! By the way your accent it's so soothing

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Rabea Massaad you're awesome dude. Been watching your vids and following you for years now. So glad you've been more and more success as time goes by. Someone as humble and talented as you really deserves it!

[@arensel84]

Rabea Massaad I really like your rhythm and licks. I can hear the Gilmour PF influences and even though your much faster, you don’t suffer from relying on speed and technicality to get your sound. Great video too!

[@Leo-be5ke]

Rabea Massaad great video

[@valentinolupo4532]

Why don't people use it after distortion? I've found that it sounds better and smoother for high gain leads. Great player, by the way

[@Thibz68]

My wife doesn't like you Rabea, because I always buy something after watching your vids .. Great video ..

[@Gerardo.GarciaGarcia]

Jajajajaja

[@azmanazmanudin7981]

Hahahahahaha buy more

[@sr567]

😂

[@DrKlimax]

It's a classic!!

[@shawndouglass2939]

@@azmanazmanudin7981 def8byy more,you can never have too much guitar gea or guitars,,?,!!!

[@rockrollinnolan8521]

I tried watching this video but I was too busy looking at that blue light strip through Bea's afro. Wow. That looks trippy.

[@thedondeluxe6941]

It's mesmerizing O.O

[@hYpYz]

lol you two might need some warming and flee tablets :D

[@guitarreviews]

Same here!

[@acbundy88]

its like hes a hologram

[@seanjoseph3813]

Rock & Rollin' Nolan 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@keatonkipker1528]

1:45 that transition was the coolest editorial thing I’ve seen in a while. It’s so great when people add in little stuff like that, or in Anderson’s when someone sets down a glass and it “shatters”.

[@64thBuck]

Rabea, we need to see lots of the Moog behind you. Beyond excited to hear what you can do with that.

[@deafeningmrm]

man, the love you feel for making music is so damn inspiring and jumping in my face when I hear and see you play guitar. thanks man, I needed that.

[@samuel.langhorne.clemens]

Best demo/review of a compressor I’ve found. Showing with/without effect for comparison is very helpful, and I like how you explain and describe things. Thank you!

[@aaronogrady4373]

Amazing video! It's great to see someone demoing pedals like this. Playing the same passage with effect off, then on, back off and back on. Makes so much more sense than "Let me play this one thing with it off then play something totally different with it on and move on to something else"

[@kamilkowalczyk4258]

Duuuuuude this is the video been waiting for for years! Sometimes you just can't hear much difference on many pedal demos around KZbin. I am glad that you have explained throughly what compressors do and this helped me to finally understand it and I'm buying my first compressor pedal right now. Thank you very much!

[@soundemergency]

I've tried watching tons of videos trying to understand compression and your's made the most sense to me. Thanks!

[@andrij.demianczuk]

Thanks for putting this together! I have an MXR super comp I've been having a hard time with. After watching this, no more than 90 minutes later I was able to dial in a tone I really dig.

[@CatalystOfFire]

The day I buy the MXR Bass Compressor, you come out of nowhere with a brilliant explanation. Thank you, sir!

[@magykjames9534]

I just got one of these over the past weekend, can't stop messing with it. It sounds really great on this video too!

[@JimothyDaG]

Seems like Rabea is up all night to "Get Lucky" haha. Awesome video dude!

[@kolbyatkins2588]

thank you SO much for this video. i’ve looked all over for a video like this and couldn’t find the right one until now. love what you do man!

[@erikrummel6277]

Bea thanks for the easily digestible compression explanation. Lots of people describe it wrong, but this was really a good way to think about it. Nice!!

[@diegotobar6839]

"Compression is to your clean tone what overdrive is to your dirty tones"

[@forester057]

Diego Tobar Thanks Dan...

[@chrishorton615]

Good way to describe it

[@dime_life4768]

took the words out of my mouth

[@zachtefertiller7490]

Hahahahahahaha. No.

[@mpactdesignmedia]

Another Brick in the Wall - Pt. 2 solo is a great example

[@0eulogra0]

Just in case someone at keeley is looking at the comments, I'm from Québec, Canada and this video made me buy that pedal. I would advise sending him more stuff. Excellent review.

[@simoncoulston7223]

Thanks. I have compression on a multi-fx pedal and have never even tried it as I had no idea of it’s function. I’ve now found it very useful. At the moment I can’t see me ever using it on overdrive or distortion but on clean it really can make a nice difference. Cheers.

[@chazjr2390]

Freakin' awesome, Rabea! I just bought a compressor/sustain pedal a few weeks ago and reorganized my board to put it in front of my other pedals (not really knowing that was the best - just a lucky guess - kind of made sense to me) and noticed everything you're saying here. I totally love this pedal for everything it does for all of my other pedals. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Rabea! I really appreciate it!

[@kevinmusso2397]

I can totally hear the diff. Amazing how sweet it becomes with compression. It blooms

[@setphaser]

this is the only video where i both understand AND hear clearly what compression can do on guitar. every other video is a waste of time. thank you. it gives me a goal to aim for when setting up my compressors settings.

[@shawnreed9016]

Thank you for an awesome video. I’ve been around Guitar Players for years so I heard of most different types of pedals. As a new Guitar Player it is nice to have videos like this that explains things that make sense for the Rookie. I love your videos. You shred on the guitar.

[@Mr29Tiger]

man, bea I feel like your playing grows more phenomenal with every video! Your tone and feel are amazing and you're a great inspiration. Keep Rockin, Dude! \m/

[@LBRSpeed]

This made the most sense of any video I've seen on the topic (which is quite a few). Great teaching, tones and playing!

[@ianwicks2998]

An excellent and concise explanation and demonstration of the use of a compressor, combined with with a playing skill level that serves to highlight very well how a compressor can be used for different styles of playing, as well as in different applications. You have also shown the versatility and efficacy of the Keeley comp+ which, I must say, is impressive, and it's small footprint makes it pedalboard friendly too, so all in all, I think that, at the price, it represents excellent value. A really good video, thank you.

[@DanMufc-jt9le]

Hey rabea great demos recently glad your operation went ok here's to a speedy recovery. Great video very well explained now i understand what compressor does.

[@justbob242]

Thank you for explaining that. I've had a very......disjointed understanding until now. You are a superb teacher. Keep up the amazing work.

[@lennykrainie1903]

Best compressor explanation and example out there in terms of practically using one for guitar playing !

[@OrionPSG1]

Great demo! I've been using my comp pedal for all of these applications. Great sounds and value for days as an effect.

[@smoreshaunted]

Compressors are an absolute must for ALL guitar players! It sweetens high gain chunkyness, as well as making legato and tapping licks a breeze. You don't know just how essential they are until you have one! They are the overlooked hero of any pedalboard, usually boost pedals get all the attention, but I think compressors are more applicable and necessary.. Combining different combos of boosts and comps, that's where the fun starts, but if I had to choose either I would choose compression!

[@gingerjam2192]

Haunted Smores Too much compression is the devil. Awful with humbuckers and gainy amp, this is enough compression. I only use the compressor when I play my Strat, and it's always on.

[@RikJSmith]

That's exactly what I think of the Keeley 2 Knob Comp in my pedal chain. 🎸🎸🎸

[@ivanlow2570]

BOT IS LIFE Twin Reverb is a seriously good amp without much sustain. What are you talking about?

[@lucianobadoe36]

Rabea, is always a pleasure to listen you play. Salute you man!

[@xXxdevilsxXx1982]

Wow I've been trying to learn compression for ages even my mate trued to explain it and I didn't understand I think he was trying to make him sound intelligent lol but the way you do it Rabea is so straight and to the point brilliant great teacher

[@cliffwhite2812]

Plain and practical explanation delivered in a friendly and professional style.

[@tbonz8059]

Finally - somebody who a) knows how to play and b) knows how to explain compression! You rock bro!

[@forester057]

I got this compressor and the blend knob is key to keep it from sounding like country night at the bar. If the sustain goes up, the blend might need to come down to keep a more natural sound. One other important thing to know is all the way down on blend is still 50% compressed signal. So at noon that’s 75% compressed and 25% dry. That level knob is great for keeping volume where you want it (if you put comp after OD that is) and about 2 o’clock brings some great clean sparkly sounds with no OD on. Love this pedal - usually on.

[@dylangraef715]

thanks for taking the time to share this video man.. ive had an idea when to use a compressor and what they do. but you really ironed out some questions i had.. very good watch

[@danxthexman82x7]

Your one of my favorite guitar players. Keep the videos coming! Cheers from the US

[@vokeyguitars]

Thank you for being direct, clear and prioritizing what we need to know. Subscribed dude 🤘

[@javierf55]

Great video, a perfect explanation of what to expect from a compressor pedal. Just bought mine at Reverb, can't wait to get it. Thanks!!

[@thomasseveroii5093]

👍👍👍 I searched for a video about compressor and this is the first video I clicked and I don't think I need to watch more videos about it from other channels. Nice!!!

[@mmorgado1]

Great insights you provide! Some of the best for guitarists in KZbin. Thanks bro! 🙏🏼

[@ClearAdventure]

This is actually bringing down the louder sounds so they are more equal to the quieter ones. Giving all the sounds a similar volume. 🤘

[@PLively]

Hi, Bea. I know this is a while ago, but that's the beauty of KZbin! Valuable content, preserved as a snapshot in time (until the Zombie Apocalypse). I'm listening to you and it is clear that you fundamentally understand compression. I found this massively helpful. Thank you.

[@delusive86]

Thank you for this video. I've never fully understood compressors, so this has helped to clear things up a little. The demo was really useful!

[@ArunKamathMusic]

Such a useful video! Thank you Rabea, very informative. And those tones are just simply to die for.

[@basildog007]

I always use the boss CS2 in front of my chain, mainly because it warms up my clean sound a lot, making it jazzier and more expressive. It inspires me in a weird way.

[@SsWargazmSs]

Thanks for the video, you did a great job. Seeing other's info and opinions on gear and how it works is helping me to figure what I'd like you use to get my own sound. Keep it up. ✌

[@victorramsey5575]

Dude, you always explain things in a logical way. Keep rockin bro!

[@jondouglas6900]

Hey, Rabea! You do great work. Please keep it up. I would love to see an in-depth video on delay theory. You know, how long to set decay, when to set the delay repeats at quarter notes or 16th notes or triplets across multiple beats, level of volume wet and dry. I know it's all rudimentary stuff, but your comments about rudimentary stuff help rudimentary musicians like me. I thank you. Keep spreading the love!

[@gabrielxi7298]

Duuuuuude love your work!!! Did a lot of research! And with your vids on the Andertons channel. I decided to buy the Sheraton ii with a vox ac 15. You guys are such an inspiration! Keep up the great job!!

[@ronsansone6032]

Nice job man. I realize now why I really need one. It always seemed to me that all it did was make it Louder, but I really hear the difference now. I just bought a new guitar and was considering changing pups, but I'm gonna try this first. Thks

[@sauroros]

Thank you man. I've just watched 1min and 53secs of this video and you've already teached me so much about compression. I'm being honest man. I didn't know anything about dynamics or any of that and how we can manage it. Really helpful details man. Great video. One question: Compression goes before or after Distortion&Overdrive? Thanks a lot.

[@iantullie]

Great vid, Rabea - clear and simple for us noobs whilst also providing higher level info for people who aren't. Is this the first in a series about all guitar effects? I'd love that!

[@timsmith3613]

Dang! I don't leave to many comments especially when it's already been said many times, but in this case it needs to be repeated. That's is the best most relatable review of any pedal I've ever seen. I bought one of these last week due to arrive today. Thanks for the lesson!

[@KeeleyElectronicsEdmond]

Thank you for such a great video! I've already started to email it to customers! A+

[@setphaser]

Keeley Electronics it really is the only video that so clearly demonstrates the benefit of compression, i think a lot of the time people are asking for that kind of sound, that extra crunch and power. but no one tells you, you need a compressor, they just sell you another overdrive.

[@Antonio-nn5ot]

Is this one true bypass or buffered? How about the bubbletron? Both

[@COLDMKULTRA]

@Rabea Massaad ... Totally spot on Man ... A true Guitar Artist who "understands"

[@tommc49]

Thanks for suck a detailed explanation. Best demo in front of dirt I've seen. Been shopping compressors for a while, I'm going to get this one..

[@tomhand1070]

Finally!!!! A Compressor video that makes sense!!! Cheers Bea!! 👍🏻

[@sammyp1971]

Great vid bro! I haven’t left home without comp since I started working in cover bands that play country. Nothing like light overdrive and comp!

[@guitar1067]

Well done! Love my Keeley Comp + and you`ve given me ideas for it. Soulful tasty playing by you.

[@EclipseAtDusk]

The master bus compressor on Strapping Young Lad’s Alien does that “cranked ratio” trick at times & I *love* it - it just makes it feel absolutely Insane, as a massive rumble of bass drop hits so hard as to duck the rest of the mix

[@EDAR96]

I always dig your reviews because you’re the closest player on KZbin to what I like and play. I’m tired of every compressor video being country licks, we need more people that grew up on Hendrix/frusciante type playing

[@whittlad]

Thanks Rabea great overview video that has cleared up (for me anyway) a lot of compressor pedal mysteries🤘

[@mettall1981]

Thanks, this was the best explanation I have heard concerning compressors.

[@brianburke808]

Compress all night 'til the sun Compress all night to get some Compress all night for good fun Compress all night to get funky ...I'll see myself out :D

[@ronsansone6032]

brian burke LOL I recognized it too.

[@maxmileage4168]

I liked that riff better in Wildcat, by Ratatat. (Minute 2:30). If you want to hear where they got Lucky from. ; )

[@brandonanderson2066]

Nice!

[@bobisadrummer]

@@maxmileage4168 That's a weird way of spelling Robot Dance by Zack Kim.

[@horsecockexpress7612]

PLEASE STAY

[@edgarlucas3111]

Man, Keely have some great sounds. Bought the Caverns after one of your videos, and now I think I've got to have the D&M!

[@davefrankel1295]

So stoked on this demo! I've been researching compressors to get the most out of my strat through D&M drive et voila, here it is! Your excellent playing clearly illustrates the broad functionality of both of these pedals. Though perhaps there would have been little point to take it one step further and engage Dan into Mick and vice versa, It would have been awesome Im sure. Thanks for posting this very informative tutorial. Kealey is awsome.

[@kosmicwizard]

I bought the keeley aria (red dirt od and comp+ in one), super phat mod, ep boost and kot clone. So great!

[@markinthemix6055]

Great demo and great explanation of compression. I love a good compressor. It’s the one pedal that I keep on. To me it’s the “more” pedal. Greg Koch calls it talent. I struggle with different compressors though as far as which ones are transparent or noisy pedals. Prices range a lot. I have a Keeley GC-1 compressor limiter that I use on my bass board. A SP Compressor for guitar and in front of a Kemper.

[@the_swoletariat1621]

I literally just picked up a keeley four Knob compressor, so this is EXTREMELY helpful, thank you for giving me some tips to improve my tone!

[@shinayanami]

yesterday, I started thinking of picking one up heh

[@Anchors]

I just got the comp plus last week. Stoked!

[@paulcowart3174]

Myself as well......didnt like it too much at first cuz Ive never been a comp guy but after using some different applications (absolutely loved it by itself) it helped my dirty tones..placement of the pedal in the chain is crucial IMO and am glad I gave it a chance Enjoy Great vid Am glad I came across this it helped so much

[@jaychen2000metal]

The_Swoletatiat I played one yesterday and i was sold. It just makes clean sound better and high gain sounds tighter 👍

[@DeadRingerMachine]

Love that funky riff you had going on. And yes, it sounded quite a bit better with the compression pedal.

[@damien6685]

Excellent demo, answered the questions I didn't know I had I knew the theory, and have the compressor function on my FX unit but never took much notice of it. Certainly opened my eyes, particularly as I've been trying to work out the funk tone and the compressor is what I've overlooked

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

fx units really pretend to do things single effects pedals do far better

[@damien6685]

@@trillrifaxegrindor4411 , simply a cost issue, if I could, pedals would be the route I'd take and as such my pedal collection is slowly expanding. But at time, starting up at £160, the Boss GT-1 was damn good bang for the buck.

[@HC_GUITAR]

Very insightful explanation of compression, at last i fully understand how they work. cheers.

[@aldopolo7]

Thank you for show the perks of use a compressor, you teach me how to use it, you truly are an awesome guitarist, I admire you Cheers from Mexico \m/

[@seansixfive]

I picked up a cool tip from TPS where they suggested using the compressor AFTER boosts and drives. I got some pretty cool results doing this, especially for taming some top end transients from the drives. It has a nice thickening effect.

[@stevenprince9907]

Thank you that that was a great tutorial .I've learnt more with yours than anyone's.

[@doctormysterioso1]

Super tutorial. I use the Keeley and I love it, but you showed me how to better understand and operate it. Thank you.

[@stevec5586]

Excellent video. Explains how to best use a compressor, rather than just how it works, which I knew already! Thanks.

[@mikehawkinsmph]

One important thing to understand is that most guitar compressors don’t work in quite the same way as your typical studio compressor - they’re compression expanders, as opposed to compressor limiters. That’s the reason they boost the noise floor so much, adding all that hiss. It was a bit of a revelation when I realised this. There are relatively few pedal format compressor limiters out there, the Keeley Compressor Pro and MXR M76 being a couple of examples.

[@pirhala]

That Strat is sick!!! Great playing too!! Bass player stopping in to check out that compressor.

[@moose6676]

Thanks 👍🏻 just placed an order for my Keeley compressor. Great video 👍🏻

[@bruces819]

Thank you Rabea, I have the same compressor, learned a lot from this video

[@MrGreenYeti]

I love using a compressor playing clean stuff, it just shows off each note strongly and makes it sound better to me.

[@jamessmart685]

The best compression pedal video on KZbin 🔥🔥

[@Elektrifekt]

Great playing! Those pedals sound so good in your hands! I’m going to save for a Keeley compressor.

[@davidvogel6247]

I wasn't sure if I wanted a compressor until I watched this, I just ordered the Keeley. Great video once again

[@BadMofoMusicCritic]

Thanks for the demo. Just ordered the Keeley plus. Sounds nice, not so muffled like some other ones

[@sheffieldgeek]

Its crazy that i used to make this guy bring in one amp after another in the jamming booth for me to "test" at Andertons Music Co. :P and here he is now a big musician and a KZbin star.

[@DarthEcoli]

Thanks Rabea. This confirms why I feel I need a compressor. I've always felt I've been missing a bit of sustain and even tried fuzz to compensate for it. I'm looking at either an EHX Soul preacher or Tone corset. I considered getting the new EHX platform but honestly, it's a bit much especially when you've got other pedals with many of the same effects. I do like that the Keeley has single coil/humbucker toggle though. Neat feature!

[@zenbeeblebrox9339]

Very informative. Thank you for posting this!

[@backsidegrind76]

I freaking love this guy! Killer guitar player, and he is pretty good on a skateboard also. I was looking for a compressor pedal, and now I Know which one to get! Thank you sir.

[@joshuamonks5921]

Brilliantly put, I’m not a very tech type person, but this was explained perfectly. Will definitely consider a compressor after watching, cheers mate!

[@Wildoneexp]

Rabea you are the man...Great clip demo! 🙂

[@1973larryrichardson]

That is such a sweet sounding Strat. Now I want a Strat and a good compressor.

[@CharlesEBusa]

Great video! I finally picked one up. I was messing around with the multiamp and came across an edge of break up tone in front of which I threw a compressor. I started noodling around and thought "damn, you can shred like a crazy mofo with a clean tone, thanks to that thing." So I like having that option and reverting back to more dynamic playing, especially when using a clean tone, which is why the easiest way to do so was to get an actual pedal instead of messing with presets. Rock on, man!

[@dmyers9230]

Great description of the use of a compressor! Thanks for that.

[@geconucd]

Thanks very much, Rabea, for this excellent video. Really useful and lots of insights! Cheers! 👍

[@Piedscooter1]

You don't see many demos of the Keeley Compressor Plus. Rabea does a good job here. I have one of these, and it is a fantastic pedal to put near the front of a pedal chain. One of Bob Keeley's best pedals.

[@karylkidd1232]

First time on your channel Aside from the solid information from a former audio tech, I agree with your presentation of the topic. Enjoyed the manner you complete said presentation. That being said, Bloody well dig the hair cuz

[@dragui9932]

Thank You Rabea!Very informative and useful video