Question:
what is a compressor, and what does it do for you as a guitar player, especially in terms of just playing by yourself, not like studio recording or anything?
Answer:
In simple terms, it just creates a longer sustain, enhances pick attacks, and constricts the tone volume-wise to eliminate dynamics.
Answer:
Originally Posted by simple servant In simple terms, it just creates a longer sustain, enhances pick attacks, and constricts the tone volume-wise to eliminate dynamics. so how important should it be to get one?
Answer:
If you don't know what a compressor is, you probably don't need one yet.
Answer:
A compressor is basically a variable gain device that is used to either try to smooth out the dynamic range of a signal, or is also sometimes used as an effect. Different compressors have different types of characteristics and sounds that they impart to the source signal as well... the really expensive compressors are often expensive because of the character of their sound that is desirable for a lot of applications. More info here.
Answer:
I think they are a useles effect.
IMHO
Answer:
^you dumb then
sorry i didn't mean that i just think a lot of people just don't use compressors right that work amazingly well at country and is the only effect i use
Answer:
Originally Posted by ibanez_dude so how important should it be to get one? It comes in handy for playing solos that need a lot of sustain, and also for when you're playing in a studio, so you can make sure that your guitar will always be at the same general level volume-wise. However, it is advised not to use it while you practice by yourself. So I guess it's basically up to you.
Answer:
Originally Posted by smashing guitar I think they are a useles effect.
Okay.....why?
Answer:
Originally Posted by smashing guitar I think they are a useles effect. Then apparently, you don't need one. Not everyone does. I for one find mine to be most-necessary for achieving the tone/control I need.
I share the same opinion of certain effects such as ring modulators, that you do of compressors - but only because I don't know how to apply a ring modulator to the music I play. Not dissin' ya', but just sayin'...
Answer:
Originally Posted by wesley7777 ^you dumb then
No. I just don't find compressors useful. I have no need.
Answer:
Originally Posted by ibanez_dude what is a compressor, and what does it do for you as a guitar player, especially in terms of just playing by yourself, not like studio recording or anything?
a compressor restricts the dynamic range (volume) of what ever you put through it so that it can't fall below a certain db level and can't exceed it.
They are most useful in recording
but if you have a compressor that has full features (expander, gate, compressor, level, limiter, sidechain) live you can use the gate to stop feedback, use the compressor and limiter to prevent overloading pa systems, and balance out the sound so that the low notes and hi notes are equal in level/volume.
If you are using a Tube amp, the signal path in the amp will compress the signal the more you turn up the drive. So if you are recording an amp through a mic compression often isn't necessary. But if you are recording direct to a the recorder with something like a pod of vamp2 it can come in handy for creating smooth and consistent levels without huge spikes/peaks in volume. In recording a compressor's gate function is often used to remove room noise and ambience (you can actually use the gate to remove reverb from a track you've already recorded with reverb on it), and use the limiter to stop clipping when recording.
The side chain feature is used with an EQ, in recording to do things such as remove harsh consonant sounds from a vocal track (sibilance) or to make a drum sound tighter with less room noise, or make a bass guitar line lock to the tempo of the kick drum so that it pulses with it (listen to Boston's song Don't Look Back to hear and example of this)
The effect of a compressor is subtle, if you are using it right it should not be notice but the overall sound should be better, more controlled, stable, consistent in volume.
It's not so much something you would use to create a noticeable sound like a phaser or flanger but more of a way of controlling and improving the attack, rise, sustain, decay and release envelope of notes so that they match the style of music.
Answer:
Originally Posted by simple servant However, it is advised not to use it while you practice by yourself.
um why?
Answer:
Originally Posted by simple servant However, it is advised not to use it while you practice by yourself.
Interesting thought. Care to explain? Mine is always on when I play/practice.
Answer:
I think it would depend on what you are practicing. When doing scales and exercises you want to practice playing with a consistent volume and tone. Since a compressor kind helps you do that it can make you a little lazy as well.