I need a good compressor unit

Lauri M · #1 12-14-2002, 09:51 AM

It should be also quiet. How about the Boss Compressor Sustainer? Any other options? What Steve uses, or does the compression come from his amps?

pri0531 · #2 12-16-2002, 11:03 AM

I have used a BOSS CS2 for a while and I do like it. It is a bit noisy. Live Steve probably uses the compressor that is in the TC rack. In the studio - Lord only knows and He ain't talkin'

Out,
GP

gkelm · #3 12-16-2002, 03:47 PM

I went on a compressor binge a while back and had a few. Of all three Boss models, I prefer the CS-2.

The Ibanez CP9 is nice, but I found it to change the fequency resp too much for my taste...kind of a mid hump like the TS9. Also had a couple old MXR Dynacomps (block logo), which are fairly squashy and milky smooth.

I still have the CS-2 and a DOD Milk Box, which is amazing for the money (Clean, clear, flexible, and cheap). I also recently bought a use Analog Man modded DynaComp (Ross mod/true bypass)...it's nice, but to me compressors are relatively subtle and I don't find huge differences.

As far as Vai, I'd suspect he does not use compression other than what his tube amps do naturally...I don't believe I've ever seen a comp on his board, but as GP indicated, he might use the comp in a rack processor.
Greg

rilla · #4 12-16-2002, 04:36 PM

I think im accurate in quoting vai as saying "Well what i normally do, is take a guitar signal and compress the hell out of it, then compress it some more!"

wyldbill · #5 12-16-2002, 04:56 PM

WHERE you use the compressor will make a big difference as well. Try it before and after your drive box (assuming you use one) and also in your FX loop if you have one. They'll all affect your tone differently.

FWIW,
-bill

gkelm · #6 12-16-2002, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rilla

I think im accurate in quoting vai as saying "Well what i normally do, is take a guitar signal and compress the hell out of it, then compress it some more!"

Was he speaking of the guitar rig or the signal path in the recording process?

Guitarlos2 · #7 12-16-2002, 11:22 PM

Ive been using the Presonus Bluemax stereo compressor for a while and im quite happy with it. Its great because it has preset parameters that you can choose from, or you can use manual mode and tweak your own compression parameters. Its a great little unit, that wont break your budget. $150!! Its also nice because of its compact 1/3 rack space size........if you dont have a rack you can set it right on your head or combo.

rilla · #8 12-17-2002, 11:27 AM

In the guitar rig, afaik.. tho bear in mind i might be wrong

stratoskier · #9 12-17-2002, 03:11 PM

I've had very good experience with the 1/2 rack Boss CL-50 compressor. It's far more tweakable than their pedal compressors and it has a built in noise gate. The gate is a big advantage to cut the hiss before it slams into your preamp section. These are out of production now but they're not hard to find on the used market.

Darin W · #10 12-23-2002, 09:18 AM

I recommend Marshalls compressor pedal no matter what else you do. Add's goodness to your tone, before you hit the amp, and that's a good thing.

Jimi D · #11 12-23-2002, 09:36 PM

In my rack I use the compressor in my G-Major, but on the floor in front of my vintage Fender amps I'm currently using a Marshall ED-1 the Compressor (upgraded from an Ibanez CP-9 I've been using for 10 years) and I'm very, very happy with it... It's that rare gear find; cheap and musical. Highly recommended.