That Pedal Show - Compressors 101

PLEASE NOTE: From January 2016, we have moved. We are now here…
/ @thatpedalshow
Please subscribe to the That Pedal Show dedicated channel.
Everything you wanted to know about compressors but were afraid to ask?
Well, sort of. In this video Daniel and Mick use four different compressor pedals to help explain this most misunderstood of dynamic effects.
• Original 1974 MXR Dyna Comp
• Dinosaural Opticompressor
• Xotic SP Compressor
• Carl Martin Andy Timmons signature Compressor Limiter
Whether you want a funky rhythm tone, a hot-pickin' country squash or a dynamic boost, a compressor pedal can help you achieve the lot.
Daniel is playing is Fender Custom Shop 63 Telecaster. Mick is playing his Gibson Derek Trucks SG and Fender American Vintage 62 Strat.
The amps are a Mallard 18-watt Marshall clone and a Lazy J J20.
Enjoy this video as we talk through some of the compressor's many capabilities.

[@shckltnebay]

You guys are the myth-busters for guitars!

[@HunterJs2]

Eric sin sinner They believe in tone wood and the fretboard material making tonal differences so not really. still love them though.

[@shckltnebay]

Opinions are like assholes.....everyone has one

[@zhou_sei]

@@HunterJs2 wow, and you don't? wood most certainly makes a huge difference. even two different pieces of the same type of wood will have different timbre. q-tip and revisit.

[@HunterJs2]

@@zhou_sei How many times do physicists have to explain the mechanics of electronic pickups and the effect wood species has on them before people change their opinion to reflect the evidence?

[@zhou_sei]

@@HunterJs2 when the reality matches the theory, then people can change their opinion. when wood stops being a factor that actually changes tone, the scientists can have their field day. i cant speculate as to why the reality does not reflect the "evidence" (and please link me to it), but i know what my ears tell me is true.

[@anthonyp7340]

Really Cool watching some of these older shows! Yall have come a long way. thanks again for all the help over the years

[@wayneschlegel1340]

I can´t wait for the moment when Daniel channels the secret spheres again, which are unaccessable to us ordinary folks, just to leave us in awe for another qualified, yet carefully balanced reply to Mick.

[@aboc500]

these are seriously my favorite videos on youtube right now! please keep making them!

[@loudmuthas]

After watching this I bought a Xotic SP Compressor. Great show. Good reviews. Good advice.

[@pauldehorn]

You both are awesome. I just bought a compressor on Reverb and now I feel confident in where to start in testing it out. Thank you 🙏

[@birdsinwinter]

This was the most informative video I've ever watched. You guys earned a new viewer. I can't wait to go through more videos and learn even more!

[@TheGigRigDaniel]

+Peter Bys cheers Peter ;)

[@jamesgrobertson8024]

Hi Daniel you and Mick are doing the best gear demos on YT, really enjoying them thanks.

[@adamwebb241]

outstanding video gentlemen - soooooo good to find some guys who are so informative and knowledgeable but also fun to watch

[@PhilHeesen]

Just got the Xotic SP Compressor today and I'm loving it!

[@randerson2842]

Seriously great videos guys - keep em coming!

[@stratmagic6893]

I just subbed-great explanation and demo of the compressor-going to watch the rest of your vids now-thanks

[@GuitarCailuong]

I appreciate builders, tech guys, ... who can play! Great job, Dan. I learn something today :)

[@dobby240]

9.50 to about 12 mins were so informative I learnt alot right there. Great video

[@dntExj0ny]

Daniel: *Tapping and shredding shenanigans* Mike: There's no money there LOL

[@applemanuk]

I added the Xotic SP compressor to my pedal board not really fully understanding how a compressor would help shape my sound or whether it would add anything. Apart from my in-line tuner my SP compressor would now be the last pedal I would get rid of. Awesome pedal. Amazing build quality and the sounds I get are truly awesome. More colourful, greater sustain and character.

[@NoStringsAttached777]

Good to know but were you able to try the SP against the Keeley Compressor Plus or the Pigtronix Philosopher Tone Micro?

[@metfed100]

Really love these videos! So informative and helpful.. Thanks guys.

[@JensLarsen]

Great video! Really clear! How much of the compressor enigma do you guys think comes from the fact that the manufactureres reduced several functions in one button on the pedal and just called it "compression"? (and left out the explanation of what it was..)

[@AndresGonzalez-lg4ki]

Still a little confused, but did get some helpful tips from this. You guys are awesome! I am really enjoying watching this series.

[@chescajimenez3204]

Learned a lot from this (and your other videos), thanks a lot! Never understood compressors before. Now I know why a lot of players use them on their boards. It's good that you tried them on different styles,guitars,uses,etc.

[@patricklandfair4945]

So appreciated fellas, I learned a ton from this one.

[@vsapph]

GREAT Demonstration guys

[@seanmarkowitz4216]

I have an analogman compression sustain pedal and I love it. Permanently on my board and always on. Sustain set low and used as a volume boost primarily.

[@onixtheone]

This is awesome maybe more shootouts against the most popular pedals and compare the differences but these mini lessons are awesome! Keep them comin! Blessings from Los Angeles!

[@drumjjj777]

Y'all should definitely remake this one

[@Stratblooz]

Great video guys I've never really understood how to use compressors before now ! Also you are both great players :)

[@cyrusfontaine2598]

I come back and re-watch this episode every now and then and think, "Wow, I really need a compressor!" Have I bought one yet? No.

[@the_swoletariat1621]

Cyrus Fontaine I love my Keeley 4 Knob, definitely worth checking out!

[@peterbrazeal7171]

I've learned so much from this.

[@rafsbio]

Great video as always, Daniel. Very instructive and fun. I have a MXR Super Comp that it's almost always on, but it does make the tone a little darker. I use it in a subtle setting, trying to adjust the output to have no difference when strumming chords. This makes the compressor to rise the volume of single notes, almost like a "intelligent" booster. It works great in single-guitar line ups. Also, I think a good way to explain what ratio is: when it's 2:1, it takes a 2db raise in the input signal to generate a 1db raise in the output.

[@DrDan1406]

What an amazing video. I just received my AT comp and love it to death, too.

[@U2WB]

I use an Origin Effects Cali76. To my taste it's the best, most transparent compressor I've ever played through.

[@kosmicwizard]

I agree, but since I couldn't afford one, I got a 4 knob Keeley compressor. It is a very good substitute.

[@dannyblau3850]

Pricey but great compressor to check out is the Origin Effects Cali76. They essentially made an 1176 studio compressor in a pedal. So like a the carl martin, you can use it in a more specific and controlled way to get some of that level work and sustain without losing any of your top end or attack. As someone that generally stays relatively low gain, i've been able to use that first in line (before my boosts/overdrives, currently an archer and archer ikon while i wait on a king of tone) and that is my core tone. The archer choice really depends on amp. The ikon better in front of my princeton blackface, the silver in front of my Vox ac15 handwired.

[@j.rozman7016]

I have Keeley two knob compressor and I love it!!

[@elsapucai]

Excellent video

[@williamsimmons4678]

Thx giluys !! Im running one but need to know more bout the tech side...sound clips are not good enough you guys nail it !!!!

[@ajsrhodes]

I really enjoy your videos, they're very informative. I do have a question about your signal chain you're using. You mentioned the SP compressor had a blend feature, is it in line before or after the overdrive pedal? Also, what is you're blend setting on the compressor? I have a Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone, and it also has the blend/mix feature, just trying to get idea of where in the signal chain to put it.

[@zhou_sei]

tele > dyna comp reminds me of coming back from commercial break on a country station

[@tor2886]

Just discovered your channel, absolutely love your videos thus far. Just wondering about your opinions on the Strymon Ob.1 compressor?

[@minitom74]

love the lazy j hanging in the background...

[@danxthexman82x7]

That 'Lazy J' is beautiful sitting back there. Rare amp and sounds amazing. You guys put out alot of good useful videos. Love the show. Keep them coming!

[@Guitarmike]

Brilliant thoughts, I have been playing for 35 years plus and trying to figure out compressors. I have used them, but have I used them to their fullest? NO! Thanks for the clarification and I will know more the next time I plug one in. Hopefully the Andy Timmons Carl Martin model! Thanks again for the info, more valuable than you will ever know.

[@Edier_dz]

what a good video, what reference are the microphones that fender strato has, blessings

[@Hardjaxl]

That Best Pedal Show on KZbin!

[@robertdavis4089]

Hey guys,love your videos,cant stop watching them,have a question are you 2 in bands?would love to hear more of your playing you guys are awsome players

[@stevedrown7414]

This was a very informative video! My VFE White Horse had a "Response" knob who's function eluded me (even after researching the website). That makes more sense to me now. Thanks! Also, I have a Visual Sounds (V2) Route 66 Compressor that really makes some magic for me! I don't know if it's video worthy or not, but maybe look into it just for the tone control option it offers. You might be surprised. I almost hate not having it on my board... but, you know, it's good to have adventures and all... :)

[@kosmicwizard]

I realise this video is a dinosaur, but I just want to reinforce what Dan said here, if you have a blend knob on your compressor it sounds best to my ears to have it before my overdrive pedals. Thanks for all you do, Mick and Dan!

[@SCOREWIZARDSMUSIC]

Best show on youtube!

[@Nicko30able]

This was very informative. I noticed there is no mention of tube compressors. Thinking of the Effectrode. What is the difference, or advantage disadvantage? Is there a reason you did not throw one into the mix here? Tough subject, but well done, thanks.

[@franciscofernandez4964]

great vid

[@whisperthiefmusic]

Informative and entertaining in equal measure. Thanks for making these Gents, im really learning quite a bit in a massively practical sense too that means I know Ill use these tips. Im away to dust off that Konji Comp that i only bought 'cause its a cool colour......

[@whisperthiefmusic]

Ps the Suhr Konji compressor has a mix knob too!! An alternative to the SP featured in the vid

[@whisperthiefmusic]

Ive come to the same point mate! I also find the little toggle switch excellent when using differnent guitars. I have a quite dark sounding 335 and i find if i move the toggle switch to to the right it just brightens it up without me having to touch the amp or, like i used to do, put another pedal in my chain. The comp has let me use much less gain which i never really like the sound of before to get some sustain and aggression. And its all thanks to this channel!!

[@alistairscott2011]

Chaps, could you please do a video exploring different/best options for an always-on tone enhancer (taking the edge off a clean sound, or just livening up a flat-sounding rig) ? Compressor? Boost? Blues driver with gain rolled down?? That would be really helpful!

[@kosmicwizard]

They have done this video on the new channel. Any/all 3 of your options will work. If you go for the always on pedal I recommend an EP booster. Cheers.

[@tfajsh]

From a fellow guitarist and BJJ black belt, cheers ! I dig the shirt!!

[@TheGigRigDaniel]

OSS 👍

[@tfajsh]

@@TheGigRigDaniel oss!!

[@LesterMoormanLFM]

Awesome vid once again! Any thoughts on the Ego Compressor by Wampler? I'm thinking about getting one :)

[@antoinebachelier9351]

Hi chaps. Love your videos. Only, did you consider the fact that the video adds its compression to your sound ? It does not change anything to the point you are making though. Thanks a lot.

[@joelmariomaranhao]

the Walrus compressor also has a blend knob ... I think I like that feature. MXR Studio compressor pedal has the 5 controls ... no blend knob

[@rorymcclellan3740]

Hey so I`ve got a rather involved question about compression. I only have an AM Beano boost to drive my modern ac30 which is running into the front end rightfully. I just got a dyna comp and I`ve had to put it into the effects loop to have it after the Beano. Reason being that the Beano picks up the local radio station (literally less than a mile from my house) soooo terribly much that the radio gets compressed too with the dyna comp on and it can be borderline unusable because of this with my single coil guitars. Bur now...is the dyna comp after the beano but before the preamp gain of my ac30??? or am I confusing that? Any solutions to the Beano with a germanium transister and the effing radio??

[@xogmusic]

Daniel: Was the Carl Martin AT compressor before or after the KOT?

[@dowaliby1]

The MXR is perfect for those almost pedal steel type of riffs on a Tele. But hey all bring something to the table.

[@marcogman8905]

Great video!!! Now I'm torn between a Diamond Comp Jr, Xotic SP, and the C Martin A/T Comp. Any recommendations would greatly be appreciated. Also, how do you resolve the comp settings when using a guitar with HSS setup?

[@napalmhardcore]

I'm a singer and guitarist. The singer part of me envies the amount of choice guitarists have to experiment with/get their sound via pedals. A good example of this is analogue compressors. There seems to be so little in the way of (relatively) affordable yet good compressors for vocal use. It seems to go from total crap to "I can't afford it" with almost nothing in between. Ignoring the lowest end stuff (like gimmicky vocal preamps with tubes that cost say £60 and just muddy up the sound), when it comes to mid-tier equipment there is very little choice aside from preamps. If you want any kind of effects or dynamics control, you basically have to go with low end (and it seems most of the affordable rack gear is more than a decade old, which isn't great when you consider how quickly technology moves, especially if it's digital) or the equivalent of a multi-effects pedal (jack of all trades, master of none) that I'm pretty sure requires you to use its own preamp anyway, thereby making whatever choice of preamps you had moot. The market goes straight from your multi-effects equivalent and aging rack gear straight to prohibitively expensive stuff basically intended for pro studios. It would be nice if there was more mid-tier equipment that would allow people to take a more modular approach.

[@MRxr400]

are you wanting something for stage? not happy with the sound guy sorting out compression for you? They should have good ones. There's on I really like in guitar pedal format that very studio like from Maxon. or look at a"really nice compressor", their small and are excellent.

[@napalmhardcore]

Thanks for the advice. On stage, half the time I'm my own sound man and using my own PA equipment. Due to not being able to stand at various points in the venue to see how it sounds and tweak accordingly, and being that when I'm singing and playing I'm hearing my voice in my own head as well as from a monitor, it is difficult to know exactly how it is coming across to the audience. In these situations I tend to leave the EQ flat and use no compression (though my Yamaha mixer does have a one knob compressor). I'm a bit old school in that I will vary the distance I am singing into the mic depending on how loud I am singing. I'll also ask the audience for feedback on whether it sounds Ok. To be fair, this has worked OK as I've never had any complaints about my sound and have received compliments/repeat bookings. My interest in this equipment is for recording and getting a more professional sound. I'm aware of the RNC and it is probably the one I'm most likely to buy. Another one I'm aware of (if I'm remembering correctly) is a rack unit from DBX. Those are literally the two relatively affordable ones I've been able to find that have positive comments about them on forums/reviews. I wasn't aware of the Maxon though. I will have to check it out :)

[@Yupppi]

Happened to end up here, in the very old video. The show feels a lot different now yet the fundamentals are the same. Have you started writing script for the episode more or have you become more relaxed in "improvising", or is it just the production? At least the camera changes feel smoother these days, although I never noticed it back in the day. And what is lovely, I completely forgot this, that you don't have to adjust volume between schwanging and talk sections aynmore! They're so balanced! So amazing! You should (some day when you're not really busy) do some kind of retrospect thoughts video about how the pedal show has changed over time with experience and production equipment, but also how it's changed things outside the videos we actually see. Things in life outside the pedal show or your character. Still love the so after many years :) Keep it up guys.

[@11-inch]

Guys what do you think about the Visual Sound Route 66 Compressor/Overdrive?

[@leohernandezcolonful]

Looking forward to try the gurus optivalve comp.

[@danmist]

Sorry, did he say mix knob or Mick's knob? :-)

[@stevekuh5784]

I've heard nice things about the Rothwell "Love Squeeze" (UK) -- it's said to be extremely transparent and virtually noise-free; although it has simple controls. Another is the Empress (Canada), which has many controls and also is said to be quite transparent. Have you tried either of these compressors and, if so, any thoughts? Thanks.

[@ruihenig]

anyone have suggested settings for a clean funk sound using the nova system compressor and a les paul style guitar?

[@BenjaminDahl-BennyD]

Hey Dan and Mick, it tends to make totally sense to me what you explained about putting the compressor after overdrive in your effects chain. But I have last doubts. Why do have all pictures which you can google about guitar effect chains the compressor in front of the OD? Cheers Benny

[@martinsherwood3271]

Hoping this will be a quick question for you. What booster/compression pedals would you recommend for humbucker guitairs? Ive got mxr dyna comp which is amazing for single coils but awful for my humbucker guitar. Thanks!

[@kclawrance]

Hi guys, have just discovered your channel, think you're both awesome. I wondered if you could do a very basic - intermediate guide on recording with pedals on the new cubase? I've got cubase 8, pro tools lite and Ableton live and I've no idea where or how to start. Got tons of pedals, decent amps and a modelling amp (amplifi 150) but I'm really struggling to get my stuff down. The vids for cubase aren't for newbies.

[@johanolsson7953]

I have a really hard time getting unity volume when i use my dynacomp with a humbucker guitar, its always alot quiter than with the pedal off. Even with sensitivity on zero and volume maxed out. Anyone who knows whats up with that? Feel like i have to switch compressor :/

[@peterharoldjanakjr2078]

The first compressor you mention. The red one. Amitube has an identical looking compressor. So, the compression knob on the left if I turn it up. Say 15% up from zero. Is that only compressing up the quieter sounds in the 15% range? So. Ilafly if I dial in 50%. Is it only compressing up the sou D from 50% and below? Or does that dial determine attack speed?

[@Senira322]

hi mick and dan! i'm into clean tapping (math rocky) stuff. I heard that getting a compressor is close to necessary for that type of style. any compressor you'd recommend? i use a telecaster into a fender bassbreaker amp. would really appreciate the help! thanks guys!

[@nitemunky76]

Best guitar related show on KZbin!

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Hey guys,,some suggestions. Bogner Pedals, XTS/XActone pedals, Amptweaker Pedals.

[@michaeliankirsch]

Hi Daniel...I also own a Dinosaural OTC-201 and it's incredible! I am wondering if you prefer using it in standard mode or in the blend wet/dry mode, and still prefer running it after drives? I'd like to use mine as a tool to keep the guitar's level a bit more consistent in the mix while using various levels of boost, overdrive and fuzz for color. I constantly ride my volume knob for gradients of dirt, which can lead to the guitar sometimes getting a bit buried in the mix (light OD, guitar volume knob rolled down) or standing out too loud (stacked Fuzz/OD or Boost, volume knob rolled up). How would you suggest setting the OTC for this purpose? Thanks!

[@tommyburroughs2550]

I have the "SP' and love it..but I don't understand why they don't show what the toggle switch can do on it! It really can cover alot ways to use the comp

[@padmarley]

Which compressor would you recommend for me? I have a les Paul, vox ac10c1 with big muff in my pedal board. Basically which compressor would fit best with this combination? Thanks

[@anthonymaloney6838]

I see ya rockin' the Gracie gear Daniel! Are you at Gracie Barra or Gracie Swindon? I've been training six years, I love it almost as much as guitar!

[@lavrgs]

I get a substantial amount of noise from my SP. What do you suggest? I have gone through and changed the internal switches. knobs are usually at 12 and the switch on mid, default switch positions & playing a strat

[@joshhobbs3519]

I have the TC electronic hypergravity compressor. It has made my clean sound so sweet and fat - however it has also added a lot of background hum (even with humbuckers) which is not so good! Is that just due to compression and will happen with any pedal or do certain compressors improve your sound without adding background noise wen you're not playing?

[@tuberockero]

Daniel what are the internal dip switches set to on your sp compressor

[@CaevanOShite]

I'll be receiving a VFE White Horse optical compressor pedal in a few days. Have you ever tried one of those? I *LOVE* my VFE Bumblee, which is a "swell" pedal (think Boss SG-2, Guyatone SV2) that includes an optical compressor circuit to improve on sustain after the swell, reducing the chance of unwanted chopping-off the envelope-tail of notes before you want them to end. ANYWAY, the Bumblebee impressed me so much that I decided I'd buy the White Horse six-knob optical compressor. If you like, I'll chime in here after I get it in my eager mitts...

[@andyread5363]

Guys - what is the best pedal compressor i can also use in a mix for other instruments and a bus?

[@hughjass311]

That sonic blue is gorgeous

[@KonradChen]

When will the new Carl Martin compressor be available? They don't have this one on their website yet.

[@Subtle-System]

Can you guys talk about the TC Hypergravity multiband compressor? I think it's feature packed but lacks that sweet sounding sound that you get from a xotic sp or the like... And sounds digital with overdrives

[@TheGigRigDaniel]

Will be doing another show on compressors soon :)

[@tusharshankarrai1303]

Can it even out the output of a guitar with louder humbucker and Quieter single coil pickups?

[@rkteanio]

Great video man!!! Super helpful and very informative. You roll Jiu Jitsu?

[@TheGigRigDaniel]

Ryan Teanio Cheers Ryan. I try to. Oss! Gracie Barra in Swindon but whenever I'm in LA I'll stop by the Gracie Academy ;)

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

Hi there great info. I have a question I have a pedalboard and the first pedal that goes my guitar goes into the compressor pedal. On a clean sound it amplies my tone greatly, I love it! It has a nice thick fat beefy tone. The next pedal that signal goes into is my Ibanez Tube Screamer. My Compressor pedal is always on, then when I turn on the tubescreamer, the volme of my sound decreases significantly. I hear the compressor and the tubescreamer, but there is quite a decrease in sound. Can someone tell me why is this? Thank you.

[@johncruz1811]

Daniel, how do this comps compare to the effectrode comp?

[@sergiocirioni4537]

Perdón por mi ignorancia.. hay posibilidad de ver estos videos subtitulados? (en castellano..)

[@JessLoh]

Hey Dan, what pickups are in that tele? Loving the Lazy J, I have a J40!

[@bottom_time]

A question asked in a few places - given your advice on compression after gain stages would you consider having one as first pedal in effects loop rather than in front of amp?

[@TheGigRigDaniel]

+Bernard Mills it depends on the compressor, if it works with line level, certainly worth a try

[@markford4587]

Do the blend knob on the Xotic and the ratio knob on the Carl Martin do essentially the same thing?

[@ed2000888]

Boss CP1X, TC Hypergravity or Rothwell Lovesqueeze, please advise which one I should purchase?

[@joseceraia]

Hey D & M, where to put the compressor, before or after drive/distortion pedals ?

[@timothysavage4958]

What settings does Andy Timmons use with his signature Carl Martin compressor? And how were the threshold and response knobs set in your demo? Those knobs are too small to read in the video. PS. I can't wait for my G2 to arrive!!!

[@strat1701]

I get what they do, BUT....I think you'd want that dynamic level control that your hands can give you in response to your pick attack. I've always thought compressor/limiters were a waste of money but that's just my opinion.

[@ruscoelee]

The MXR would have sounded better if both pots were set at around 12 o'clock. If you're practising at home, place it after your distortion pedal, so you can whack the guitar as hard as you like and the compressor will keep the noise down. I brought mine in 1980 and it's still going strong!

[@s.barreto8700]

Hi guys. I want to know your opinion on the use of compressors in a bedroom setup. I am using 2 compressors in my setup: one in front of anything else, as a classic guitar compressor, and another after the overdrives, trying to emulate the compression of the valves and speakers in a loud amp being pushed). Using carefully, this really made a huge difference in my tone, in a way that only one compressor can not. The point is: I got it using a software. Would that be a good option for an analog setup in bedroom volume? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.