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Any compressor hints? Favorite compressors for specific use, etc.?


grdGo33
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Do you guys have some advice for which compressor to use for different styles, or for example whether some work better for single coils vs humbuckers, or if some work better with or without distortion, etc.?  I'm guessing some might be better for example heavy metal tones, modern, clean, strat, etc.,

 

So many compressors and settings.!  I've mostly just used the Rochester & LA Studio in front of the amp, without really tweaking, for both clean & dirty tones..  None of the others ever really seem to impress me for some reason, but I'm likely just not using them correctly.

 

For reference, list of PGO compressors.

Spoiler

Deluxe Comp  Based on: Line 6 Original
Red Squeeze  Based on: MXR® Dyna Comp  Buy MXR® Dyna Comp at Amazon
Kinky Comp  Based on: Xotic® SP Compressor
Ampeg Opto Comp  Based on: Ampeg Opto Comp
Rochester Comp  Based on: Ashly® CLX-52 and created in conjunction with Billy Sheehan
LA Studio Comp  Based on: Teletronix® LA-2A®
3-Band Comp  Based on: Line 6 Original multiband compressor

 

Legacy:

Tube Comp  Based on: Teletronix® LA-2A®
Red Comp Based on: MXR® Dyna Comp
Blue Comp Based on: Boss® CS-1
Blue Comp Treb Based on: Boss® CS-1
Vetta Comp Based on: Line 6 Original
Vetta Juice Based on: Line 6 Original
Boost Comp  Based on: Line 6 Original

 

 

 

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  • 4 weeks later...

I've been using some distortions Kokko overdrive & distortion pedals that had been lying around in conjunction with the Go, and damn, I was impressed how well they work!  For cheap pedals, they really sound great.  Shockingly even, given they compete with the Go's fancier od/dist pedals!

 

Which brings me back to compressors... Being that I'm using them before the Go, well, the compressors in my presets are sitting behind the od/dist, and again, a bit shockingly, seems to also work out quite well!  I always used to put them before distortion, but also works out after..  Interesting!

 

Just did a bit of research, and perplexity.ai delivered!  I'm sure it could also be very useful for others!

 

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what are the different types of compressors (guitar effect)?

 

Guitar compressor pedals come in various types, each with unique characteristics and applications. Here are the main types:

Optical Compressors

Optical compressors use a light source and an optical sensor to control the compression. They are known for their smooth and natural compression, making them ideal for subtle dynamic control and tone enhancement. Notable examples include the Diamond Comp and the EarthQuaker Devices The Warden.

OTA (Operational Transconductance Amplifier) Compressors

OTA compressors are popular for their straightforward design and effectiveness. They tend to add a bit of "squish" and can sometimes introduce a slight amount of noise or "dirt" to the signal. Common models include the MXR Dyna Comp and the Ross Compressor.

VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) Compressors

VCA compressors are known for their precision and versatility. They offer a wide range of control over the compression parameters, making them suitable for various musical styles. Examples include the Keeley Compressor Plus and the Boss CS-2/CS-3.

FET (Field Effect Transistor) Compressors

FET compressors use transistors to achieve fast and punchy compression. They are often favored for their ability to add character and presence to the sound. The 1176-style compressors and the MXR Studio Compressor are notable examples.

Tube Compressors

Tube compressors use vacuum tubes to achieve compression, providing a warm and smooth sound. They are more commonly used in studio settings rather than on pedalboards due to their size and power requirements. Examples include the Electro-Harmonix Black Finger and the Effectrode PC-2A.

Multi-Band Compressors

Multi-band compressors divide the signal into different frequency bands and compress each band separately. This allows for more precise control over the dynamics of different parts of the frequency spectrum. They are less common in pedal form but can be found in some digital and studio compressors.

Parallel Compressors

Parallel compressors blend the compressed signal with the dry signal, allowing for more subtle and transparent compression effects. This type is often used to maintain the natural dynamics of the guitar while adding sustain and control. Each type of compressor has its strengths and is suited to different musical applications, from subtle dynamic control to more pronounced effects.

 

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what are the advantages and disadvantages of running a compressor after or before distortion pedal

 

The placement of a compressor pedal in relation to a distortion pedal can significantly affect your guitar tone and dynamics. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of placing a compressor before or after a distortion pedal:

Compressor Before Distortion

Advantages

  • Consistent Input Signal: Placing the compressor before the distortion ensures a consistent and controlled signal is fed into the distortion pedal, which can result in a smoother and more predictable distortion sound
  • Enhanced Sustain: The compressor can increase the sustain of your guitar notes before they hit the distortion, allowing for longer note durations and a more expressive tone
  • Controlled Dynamics: By taming the peaks and valleys in your guitar’s signal, the compressor can create a more consistent dynamic response when combined with the distortion

Disadvantages

  • Reduced Dynamics: Compressing the signal before it reaches the distortion pedal may limit the natural dynamics and responsiveness of the distortion, potentially making the tone less lively
  • Loss of Character: Some guitarists feel that compressing the signal before the distortion can soften the unique and raw characteristics that make distortion pedals desirable

Compressor After Distortion

Advantages

  • Preserved Distortion Dynamics: Placing the compressor after the distortion pedal allows the natural dynamics and tonal character of the distortion to be preserved, maintaining the raw and untamed qualities of the distortion
  • Increased Sustain: The combination of a compressed signal and the already saturated distortion tone can result in extended sustain, allowing notes to sustain and decay in a pleasing way
  • Unique Tonal Textures: The compression applied to the distorted signal can create interesting and nuanced tonal textures, adding depth and complexity to your sound

Disadvantages

  • Amplified Noise: Compressing the signal after distortion can amplify any inherent noise and artifacts produced by the distortion pedal, potentially resulting in unwanted noise or interference
  • Reduced Control Over Dynamics: The compressor's ability to control the dynamic range of your guitar’s signal may be limited, as the distortion pedal has already introduced its own compression and saturation
     

Ultimately, the choice between placing a compressor before or after a distortion pedal depends on the desired sound and the specific characteristics of your rig. Experimenting with both configurations can help you determine which setup best suits your playing style and tonal preferences.

 

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in the pod go, what is the type of every compressor effect?

 

Based on the search results, the Line 6 POD Go offers several types of compressor effects. Here's a list of the compressor models available in the POD Go:

  • Line 6 Original: A general-purpose compressor designed by Line 6 
  • MXR Dyna Comp: Based on the popular MXR Dyna Comp pedal 
  • Xotic SP Compressor: Modeled after the Xotic SP Compressor pedal 
  • Ampeg Octo Comp: Based on the Ampeg Octo Comp compressor, added in version 1.40 
  • Ashly: Modeled after an Ashly compressor 
  • Teletronix: Based on a Teletronix compressor 
  • LA-2A (Legacy): A model of the classic Teletronix LA-2A optical compressor 
  • BOSS CS-1 (Legacy): Two versions - one with the treble switch off and one with it on
     

The POD Go includes various types of compressors, including optical (like the LA-2A), VCA (like the MXR Dyna Comp), and FET-style compressors. Each of these compressor types has its own characteristics and can be used to achieve different dynamic effects on your guitar tone. It's worth noting that while the POD Go offers a range of compressor options, the device does have processing power limitations. In some cases, using more CPU-intensive effects blocks (which may include certain compressor models) simultaneously can push the unit to its limits, potentially requiring the use of simpler models in complex signal chains

 

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