This is why you need a COMPRESSOR

All about compression. The most seen usages, we'll see what it does to the sound. The transients, attack, release, ratio, threshold, we'll learn it all!
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▶SUPPORT ME◀
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▶COMPRESSORS USED◀
Tegeler Audio - VTRC
Origin Effects - Cali76
▶GEAR◀
www.amazon.com/shop/pauldavids
▶GUITAR◀
Haar classic T
▶MICS◀
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▶SOUND◀
Soundcard - amzn.to/2xk7pSM
DAW - amzn.to/2fhPZjz
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Hi, my name is Paul Davids! I am a guitar player, teacher, producer, and overall music enthusiast from the Netherlands! I try to inspire people from all over the world with my videos, here on KZbin.
If you want to know more about me, check out PaulDavidsGuitar.com
Thank you for watching!
Paul

[@PaulDavids]

Compressor on the pedalboard? Yes/No?!

[@cobalus_official]

No! (great video dude once again)

[@willking2973]

Yes, got an MXR dyna comp

[@aira6574]

Yes forever!!!!!

[@Hekkin]

Yes, nut a small one for saving space

[@evanward4303]

Yes. I use my Tech21 BoostComp a lot. I leave it off when playing with distortion. Boost function is very handy on this pedal. It's a winner.

[@slimkt]

I swear, most of the time, people talk about these kinds of things and how they work and I feel like they’re speaking another language, but you always manage to explain in a way I can understand. Thank you!

[@sseltrek1a2b]

yep (on both counts...)... (:

[@G0RD0NL1M35]

I love his videos all because of what you just said here.

[@TheNinnyfee]

Yes, they talk so confidently about it that you suspect they consider you a doofus when you want explanations or to just try it the first time. I also love how you take your time on this one effect, thanks!

[@leotrovatomusic]

And now imagine he's not even native English speaker. Lol

[@tttm99]

Will second that. My new go-to video for explaining the concept. Even understanding it, some others had me wondering what they're on about at points but this explanation was perfectly clear. Brilliant.

[@jakelecroy5553]

This is the best explanation of how compression works that I've seen yet.

[@DJYukie]

Jake Lecroy i agree

[@shaunw9270]

I agree and love it when he says "electrical guitar" 😉👍

[@jakelecroy5553]

@@shaunw9270 yeah he's got a great accent but speaks better English than most Americans lol

[@shaunw9270]

@@jakelecroy5553 ...and probably better English than me...and I'm English 😁

[@zardeh63]

The showing of the waveforms helps alot!

[@alanmuller5374]

The Chocolate Rain moment was pure gold!

[@MrJuliw]

i died =DD

[@SamuelBlues]

**I move away from the mic to breathe in Thanks for the lesson Paul!

[@TenThumbsProductions]

Compression has changed my guitar tone and pedal board forever, I am a big fan of having one on my board

[@EmanuelFrias]

No matter how many tutorials I've seen about compressing, I can never get enough of how much it helps to watch these, especially with guitars. Thanks Paul :)

[@onelove8062]

Hey man I just wanted to say that I have a lot of respect for you, being able to create this amazingly high quality content and supporting yourself through focusing on your passion, and giving it your all. It must take a lot of time and effort to create such high quality content, and I commend you on that, and appreciate that you are helping so many people like me to learn, taking great pains not to leave out crucial details a student of music might miss. Love you man!

[@robertbrown2728]

In response to all the people who claim not to like compression I think it's worth pointing out that nearly all pop and rock music involves compression in some form. People playing electric guitars are getting a compressed sound almost always even if they have no compressor pedal in the chain. The pickups, the pre-amp in the amplifier, the power amplifier, the loudspeakers all are capable of compressing the dynamics of the sound and very often that compression is what people like about a particular amplifier even if they don't consider it to be compression. Any kind of overdrive or distortion pedal adds compression. Using a dedicated compressor pedal is hardly any different to using any type of drive pedal in the sense that it results in a reduced dynamic range. Most country lead guitarists are happy to use compressors and people like Vince Gill have created their signature sounds using compressors. Lowell George of Little Feat is famous for using two 1176 compressors in line to get his trademark sound. Compressors have a long and honourable history amongst guitar heroes. There's no need to use them all the time if you don't want to but to dismiss them is to ignore a huge legacy of great guitar sounds.

[@keithremedy]

The complaining don’t really know what they’re talking about. The best amps and the majority of all blues and jazz players use compression. Good quality amps like 2 rock does it on its own. But there’s a reason why people like the Cali76. It’s like complaining about the keely katana

[@TheMrVengeance]

I think a lot of people who _"don't like compression"_ have only ever heard about it in regards to the loudness-war where mixes are just completely over-compressed or 'brickwalled'. Meaning there's no dynamic range left in the mix, all life is taken out. A hit on the drums is just as loud as a whispered vocal. And at the same time this links compression to pop music. Pretty sure that leads to a lot of "real musicians" claiming they "don't like" compression because they don't "need" "pop music" compression, and that it just "sounds bad". Your run-of-the-mill snobbery really.

[@hammill444]

Well, if all these factors- from pickups to amps to speakers- create compression, why add another form of compression with a pedal? Outside of country- and you name checked Gill and George- virtually no one uses a compressor really. The list of great players in rock and roll using them is extremely small. I don’t think there really is a great legacy of guitar sound via compressor pedals outside of perhaps country and maybe some funk, which are both pretty standard sounds.

[@robertbrown2728]

@@hammill444 agreed it may not be that common amongst rock players but. David Gilmour sound on Another Brick in the Wall definitely uses a compressor. Mark Knopfler has used one on some songs. Chris Buck has his cali76 permanently on and I would dearly love to be able to sound like him Clearly if people are getting the sound they want without using a compressor then that's what they should carry on doing but I find it really helps me to nail my sound.

[@wthinthecompassofman]

@@TheMrVengeance As someone who thought he hated compression until I saw this video, I think you're correct in your first sentence. Anytime I heard people talk about compression it was always focusing on the negative aspects of over using it without ever mentioning how it can be used to improve your sound when used thoughtfully. I added a subtle amount of compression to my chain after watching this video and the impact has been huge. Definitely showed me it's not what you use but how you use it.

[@Letsthinkthisthrough88]

I understood compression pretty well before clicking on this - but this is the best and clearest presentation I have ever heard. Not sure which is better, Paul’s musicianship or his communication skills - truly one of the absolute top YT creators!

[@marcusmcgill5393]

This is the best and most understandable way I have ever had compression explained to me. Thanks for doing this video!

[@OriginEffectsUK]

Super-informative and accurate video, Paul! Thanks for choosing our Cali76 pedal to demonstrate the benefits of using a compressor pedal on guitar.

[@MelO-du4sn]

Thank you - excellent stuff - after years of listening to numerous people explain compression you are the first one to talk about it in a way I can CLEARLY understand!!!!!!!

[@santiagochirinos462]

I liked the video only because of the chocolate rain reference

[@PhenomenonStudios]

Best KZbinr Award goes to...

[@MrKongatthegates]

*takes weird breath*

[@againthewiz]

I know!!! ❤

[@dostacos1]

Dude, I love your channel, you're so sincere about your topics and the production quality is top notch. Keep it up!

[@hanten10]

Compressor can kill our dynamics if it doesn't set correctly. It is very subjective topic to tell depends on what individual like how their sound to be. I always love your video content 👍

[@fecklessmovies]

I'm always scared to use it in case it squashes the life out of the music. It's kind of dangerous because it initially sounds good when you apply it but can tire the ears quickly

[@hanten10]

@@fecklessmovies yup I understand. Many people like to compress their sound after recording because if you record your sound with compressor there is no way to kill it anymore 😂

[@fecklessmovies]

@@hanten10 yes even more dangerous compressing it on the way in! I play folk music so compression is seen as the devil incarnate. However I'm wondering if a bit of judicious comp might actually be helpful.

[@shaunw9270]

That's what has always put me off . I have a really old compressor that was cheap to begin with and it just doesn't feel right , kind of takes away too much ... one day I might try out a Joyo which I think is meant to be like an MXR DynaComp , that might be better but to be fair , that Cali 76 is not in my price range at all ! 😊

[@hanten10]

@@shaunw9270 The cheapest and trusted is BOSS Compression Sustainer CS-3 bro, many guitarist use it including Paul Gilbert. I think it is better than any JOYO compressor. You must try it 👍

[@caprianders]

Im a bass player and when I got my first compression pedal it radically changed my bass sound for the better, it sounded strong and the notes sustained as long as I wanted them to. Really awesome in other words!

[@thezoexperience1]

Loved the Tay Zonday reference. 🤣

[@AlexanderTheFirstMate]

shh this video will get a copy right flag

[@aumenarys]

It made me laugh more than it should have hahahaha

[@JohnnyBeane]

I always use a compressor on my clean tone. It gives me the sustain i need without distortion. Love the sound too!

[@vedranb87]

Isn't that kinda the definition of overdrive? Clips the peaks a bit, boosts the body of sound, provides for a better sustain, but without distorting the guitar or the amp sound significantly, and still responds nicely to dynamics.

[@Joonsik_e]

This video really helped me understand what compressor is and how to use it! Please make videos for other effects too😝👍

[@frigginjerk]

I agree. As a mostly-acoustic player until pretty recently, I'm way behind on my understanding of what effect do and how they work. Having a few more of them explained this well would be magnificently helpful.

[@augmentedkeys5971]

Think compressed: Think compressed: flattened by pressure; squeezed or pressed together.

[@robhaley5136]

One of the best explanations of compression I've ever heard. From a sound engineer to another, hats off to you.

[@thomashilton425]

This was a great video for folks to understand compression, but then also let them think on how they can explore the sound further with pedal placement in the effects chain, and blending in on particular pedals. Kudos to you!

[@annunacky4463]

I agree with the other folks. This made more sense than any explanation Ive seen. Thanks man!

[@TedSchoenling]

did you reference chocolate rain? brilliant

[@PaulDavids]

What? I just moved away from the mic... I do that all the time when I breathe in, because it's so loud because the compressor brings it up so much, I hate that compressor thingy. Never again.

[@simonmarty99]

@@PaulDavids Never change

[@lefthandluke8923]

I caught that, too. Absolute genius!

[@T25de]

So good

[@ALT3REDB3AST]

Haha!

[@marcusgray7515]

I've been in music for years as a singer songwriter amd everyone gave me confusing descriptions on effects. I love how you undo a years worth of confusion in 30 second explanations.

[@choimdachoim9491]

Calm, quiet, understandable explanation and demonstration. Perfect.

[@youssefmansour38]

This video came out right when i needed it thanks dude you're great

[@HilkoGuitars]

Great video making compression clear. It is a great tool when used right! Thanks for the time making these video's. I enjoy them!

[@jonathankessler4684]

This was easily the best explanation of compression I’ve found anywhere. Your explanation was so simple but it told us everything we needed to know about it, and the visual representation helped SO much with the side by side comparisons too. Very glad I subscribed👌🏻

[@brentverc]

Hands down the best music channel on youtube. Love your work Paul and thanks for sharing your skills and expertise.

[@JumpStop1]

Chocolate rain! 🤣😂😂 Nice reference! Great video with a real solid explanation

[@RickProkosch]

Great video, really enjoyed the use of the visual with the wafeform in there.

[@escottescott91]

Your work is much appreciated. We're lucky to have your help.

[@jimkelley1000]

Paul, thank you for your videos. I have been playing for half a century and you are still my "goto" guy. Your efforts do not go unnoticed!

[@ivanjelicic]

4:30 love that reference to chocolate rain hahaha

[@maxster0097]

some stay dry and others feel the pain

[@Cryo837]

Compression has been very confusing. I have read about it and seen other videos, but there is nothing like seeing the effect on the waveform. Kudos to you sir. This BY FAR the best explanation of compression I have EVER seen!!!

[@Thortheitchy]

I have been trying to understand compressors for a while, concerning producing music. This is the first time I feel like someone explained it in a way that I can comprehend. Thank you much Paul

[@MovieMaker19100]

I only expected to learn how guitar compression works. What I didn’t expect is that I would actually get how compression actually works, in general. As a musician/producer who is quite new to compression, this really helped me! Good job, man! Continue to explain concepts that can be understood by everyone!

[@vague5043]

Sometimes i watch paul just to calm myself😌down,such a deep voice!😂

[@SolidXdamage]

Doesn't help that your name is deep. dang bro.

[@vague5043]

Duct Tape lol sometimes

[@schizophrenicenthusiast]

This is by far the best video on compression, what it does, and how to use it. Thank you so much. I can finally fix my guitar tone now.

[@680mudman]

I also agree this is the best and simplest tutorial on how to use compression and how it works that i have seen. Thanks for making videos like these they help me greatly!

[@bert9910]

Damn, Iemember when I first subbed to this channel; it had like 200k subs. You're growing fast! I'm happy for you, man. Edit: grammar

[@--uday]

Hey Paul! Any advice on using an EQ pedal versus EQing on the amp? Great video as always!

[@drdev44]

One of the best, well explained videos on you tube - most of the others start simple and then get too complex but you made me understand attack, release etc like nobody else - thank you

[@kennethyates]

One of the best explanations I’ve seen on KZbin. Thank you.

[@joelprekash]

You are actually my mentor and I’m really inspired by your playing and it would be great if you would do an entire playlist on lead guitar lessons 😅❤️

[@aaronjg15]

Can you make a series of these videos for other guitar effects?? Love the way this video is laid out.

[@bigl6322]

I’ve been an electronics engineer by profession for 40 years working on diagnostic imaging equipment. (CAT scanners, MRI, Cardiovascular etc…) when you are imaging a heart cath procedure we use a video processing scheme called EDR (extended dynamic range) to bring the brightest spots down out of sun flare status and the low level signals up out of the background noise….. video compression basically. I’ve also been a musician for 40 years and when I did my recording studio internship, I was stoked to find out that compressors are just the audio version of my EDR and I already understood the stuff….. Best/cleanest presentation of audio compression I have seen on the interwebs…. Excellent educating sir!! This is why I am a subscriber…. And on your “compressor on the pedalboard” question Paul, that is the first thing on my board, add some delay, and some overdrive ……and I consider that my basic seasoning recipe and build out from there…..

[@silvertineprime]

So glad you made this video, Paul. I'm an audio engineer and compression is the single most useful tool in our arsenal.

[@Monomorphismus]

I'd love to see a video on EQing the guitar

[@eugene6472]

I'd like to try one. All these years I've been playing softer or turning the volume down

[@iamj3861]

Today it’s a great day... I finally understand what the compressor does!!! I love that visual example with Ableton and I really appreciate what u does for all of us. Keep going👍🏻

[@chrisc.1668]

Best explanation for compression on guitar that I've seen. Seriously...the compressor is the very most difficult thing to wrap your brain around. Great demonstration Paul!

[@kevinnel7038]

I think everyone that says it sucks the life out of your playing is missing the point, in a full band mix subtle dynamics get lost and louder ones become overpowering, compression is there to help all of the parts be heard. Paul even touched on how overcompression can suck the dynamics out. I think that example with the funky guitar part was really a good depiction of a good use of compression.

[@MrScrofulous]

There is a big difference between using compression in the mixing phase vs over-using it in regular playing, making it harder to control dynamics with technique. I don't use a compressor on my board per se, bit I'm aware of which elements of my rig are providing compression ( eg pups, OD/distortion/fuzz).

[@martijn3151]

a nerd video of length 13:37 ... that can't be a coincidence! :D Love the explanation, thanks Paul!

[@mkpownerboi3320]

@@ansems3136 ik like voor je naam, Ride the Tijn was ook leuk geweest xD

[@PmrGuitar]

Thank you for this video. I've always had trouble understanding the ratio in compression. And the way you explane it, just perfect.

[@bradleyhohner8775]

Fantastic digest of otherwise fairly complex concepts. What a gifted instructor.

[@TetzFiles]

"And a hum, like.... hum!" \*literally sings the word hum\*

[@markrigg6623]

Very well explained. Controlled specific use of comression does have some merit the way you explained it but overall I still hate it for the way it its killed the overall dynamics of cd recordings these days. Recordings should sound better than they did in the 80's but its not the case. Limiting dynamic range in music should be a switchable option on the playback device rather than baked in at the studio. Its also very subjective as I prefer the uncompressed sound of an acoustic guitar for example. Play Dire straight's "Brothers in arms" cd from 1985 on a decent system and compare it to just about any modern recording.

[@Westerdd]

Very well explained. The visual representation of the signal helped a lot

[@vince10nats]

Hey Paul, please keep making videos like this! Youre the man

[@joeshmoe8310]

0:19 No Paul, we don’t have any pedals to put on our board. Or a board to put them on. *Cue sad music with a slow, tragic zoom*

[@bruceartur]

4:30 Paul becoming a Meme Lord 🤣

[@rogerwaters1346]

I don't get it

[@blacksperrow]

Very very very good video. The way you explain and show everything with the waveforms was super straightforward.

[@ghrnandz01]

Best, most clear explanation of compression ever! Thank you.

[@monizag]

After using effects for 40 years, i finally know what a compressor does.

[@KidNeedMoney15Age]

"using"

[@HerroYuy246]

If only my compressor pedal could be spelled the way you say it.

[@user-zg7xy3dz1d]

Finally after years of watching compression videos I GET IT. 😂 Thank you. 🙏🏾

[@RobM1606]

I can see from this how compression makes the sound tighter and more polished sounding. But if you already have good technique and feel, I’m not sure whether you really need compression. It sounds worryingly akin to vocal auto tuning.

[@slipkik8781]

I think I know what your getting at but it’s far from the same deal as vocal auto tuning, compression isn’t a cop out as much as vocal auto tune when it’s done correctly and as Davids said “with care.”

[@BRZguy]

If you have good technique and feel, you definitely need compression. Because good feel usually means that you play very dynamically which means you never have a consistent volume.

[@TheRezus35]

is it just me or the sounds without the compressor are sounding more "alive" than with compressor?

[@spookybaba]

You're correct. It is more alive, and more dynamic without, for sure. 👍

[@G0RD0NL1M35]

Yes

[@cerveshred]

I played all my life without compressor

[@ericscaillet2232]

@@cerveshred over processing has its advantages and limitations whereas when it starts to negatively affect the quality of the sound it is better to do without it unless that is the sound you are after

[@galus14436]

When recording, without some compresion, all the peaks will keep your mix from being loud. And i'm not talking about a loudness war. Now, if you can control your dynamics some with how you play the instrument, you can be your own compresor. As for playing live with a compresor, for a bass player it's really great. Without it, you simply do not cut through the mix consistantly. Now again, if you control how you play and drive your amp hard, or add overdrive, then you are technically adding your own compresion. For electric guitar, not as important, but just a tad will help tame the wild beast a bit. All just my opinion, and from my experience.

[@TheFULLMETALCHEF]

Just might be the best explanation of compression ever. Great job, Paul.

[@nc6714]

Excuse me Paul David, but you're videos are by far my favorite guitar related videos available on KZbin. Thank you, from all of my heart.

[@TomLuck]

Can you do a tutorial on your hair style? no joke

[@nerijusvilcinskas7851]

I would love to have a Beard like that :/ Doesn't grow as much sadly :/

[@UkeofCarl]

I agree!

[@douglaslay7487]

You people need to get out more and meet something that we used to call - A WOMAN !

[@nerijusvilcinskas7851]

@@douglaslay7487 Thanks for the tip man

[@markrigg6623]

He needs to use a compressor on his hair.

[@zedmelon]

Compressor Gain! Made me move away from the mic again Compressor Gain! Please listen to how it works as I explain

[@crashtahoe]

Thanks Paul. This video was really really helpful in understanding compression. I love your videos and look forward to seeing more.

[@keithfenwick6548]

Great video, Paul. Really informative, delivered with expertise and fun. And really helpful too. Cheers, dude.

[@Evan-ef7tk]

John Frusciante used it, and if it's good enough for him it's good enough for me!

[@superdoggo9041]

Ronnie Jackson well you absolutely have the right to think that but that’s just not true

[@morten1]

Didn't he use heroine too? :D

[@Evan-ef7tk]

@@morten1 Yeaahhhh I'm only referring to his music, not his lifestyle lol

[@Josh-iw2kw]

@Ronnie Jackson Many people above the age of 50...

[@MarshallLore]

@Ronnie Jackson dont worry. RHCP are the most overrated band of all time.

[@musefan69]

no one NEEDS a compressor...they can be useful, though.

[@RolandDeschain1]

Excellent video. It explains the principles of compression better than just about any video I've seen.

[@VILUTEAR]

Hi Paul. As usual, a very educating video of yours. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, and for your (always) very clear and graphik explanation. Greetings from Spain

[@thrash1337]

TL;DR - it's a waveform sausage machine.

[@robmds8256]

Youll get copyrights strike by using the word COMPRESSION

[@deepakbolangady1554]

Hey Paul, you are extremely skilful. I’d love to watch what you do with the guitar when you are practising by yourself! I love watching your videos. Every aspect of your presentation is brilliant.

[@tooruoikawa8985]

Thank you for your explanation. You have a great understanding and yet can make it sound like common knowledge.

[@acf2802]

"This is why you need to kill all of your dynamic range for no reason." Uhm, NO.

[@airgliderz]

No logic in your statement. If you abuse compression, like any affect it can cause issues... Kinda like your generalized statement which are all ways wrong...

[@lemfandango]

Calm down clown. Go listen to classical

[@acf2802]

@@lemfandango Make me.

[@airgliderz]

@@lemfandango calm down listen to some great blues or rock. Though I doubt your capable of calm.

[@drmedwuast]

it's pronounced tran"s"ient with an s, not tran"sh"ient

[@email3575]

not in his language tho...we know what he means

[@chrismortlock2192]

Imagine there are people out there who speak a different native language and have a different accent thus pronouncing a word differently than you 🤯

[@drmedwuast]

@@chrismortlock2192 I’m not a native speaker. If I said a word wrong I would like to know. I’m just trying to help him out.

[@stan92401]

Nondeju jouw video's zijn echt goed! Niet alleen leerzaam maar ook heel veel diepgang in het onderwerp. Keep goin'!

[@strenfoo7396]

Thank you so much for making this. I've always understood the basic theory of what a compression pedal does but never really fully understood all the subtleties of it or why you'd use one. Sounds like something I'd like to use. Great video!

[@cristianhernandezperez3134]

Paul your videos are the greatest ! Greetings from Colombia !

[@steverae]

A great video Paul. One of the best compression explanations out there.

[@reamasaurusrex7236]

Great tip about rolling the volume down when using distortion before compression - works beautifully

[@ericmohler5609]

Excellent. Straight to the point. Thank you.

[@geldeddonkey7320]

I'm a secondary teacher and laughed at the kids antics. I've had the opportunity to teach music for a while , wish I had have started that way. You are an inspirational teacher , love your implied humour , and your slightly "Mork" accent

[@MultiMcfarlane]

Wow, this is a great video. Very clear with audio and visual examples with simple explanations.

[@colinmason9974]

Great video! This really showed exactly what compression does versus a lot of other videos that are just demoing guys noodling around with pedals. I just started using my compressor again after a long time, and while I didn’t like it with my last guitar, I love it with my current one!

[@HansMcSix]

Finally compression well explained for us guitarist. Great job again, Paul ! 👍

[@thomscott159]

Excellent explanation Paul!

[@michaelgaurnier3108]

Thank you very much! I was trying to figure out why my new compression pedal was totally removed in the dynamics from my Les Paul volume knob and pots. I found my answer here, thank you.

[@soundguitar]

Your videos are so well done! cheers!

[@paraglide01]

Thank you Paul, for this very clear explanation.

[@karelhoogendoorn]

Very clear explanation Paul. Thnx!