Do you use a compressor with your Mesa?

[nosajwp]

If so, how and why do you use it?

If not, why not?

 

[eldi]

I was just using a compressor in front of my Boogie on a studio session last night. I was running a Fender (US) '57 Strat through an Alesis Nano Compressor, going into a genuine script logo MXR Phase 90, into the front channel of my Mk IIB on the rthym channel, set relatively clean, with a Rocktron Hush C in the FX loop. I was playing playing some mellow funk leads, & the compressor really added some extra "bite" to it, & giving my sound a little extra funk twang. (We were also running an Avalon tube compressor/EQ on the board while tracking it) I've never tried useing it when playing distortion, & when I start playing live again I'd like to get a compressor pedal (I'm thinkng, a Keeley perhaps?)

 

[Red Barchetta]

As I am sure most long time readers here know, I use a Keeley compressor. I mainly use it for clean stuff, because the o.d. stuff compresses naturally, but sometimes put it on my channel 3 lead for a bit more smoothness for legato leads. Used judiciously, it is transparent, and a great tone enhancer. On clean sounds with my Strat...can you say Mark Knopfler? Also turning the compression all the way up while on clean with my Strat in bridge position absolutely nails the sound and feel of the lead solo on the Beatles "Nowhere man".


RB

 

[Russ]

No

I used to use a compressor years ago but I have found that I like more dynamics in my playing. If you want everything to have the same signal strength fine but you loose a lot of character having it in the chain.

 

[Brewski]

I use a Keeley compressor for clean sustain. I do more rythmn playing than leads and I like the tones that it helps bring out. It's also a great tool for country tones, if you're doing any of that sort of thing.

 

[screamingdaisy]

It's also a great tool for country tones, if you're doing any of that sort of thing.

Busted!

Time to turn in your rack and your Silverchair poster.

 

[Brewski]

Busted!

Time to turn in your rack and your Silverchair poster.

OK, ya got me this time. I have never played any country, until the last year or two. It took about 8 months of stringent conditioning under duress before I got a twang out of my guitar. HAHAHAHAHA!

Rock is still in my roots! So there! That's my story and I'm sticking with it! :wink:

 

[bjoneill74]

I don't use a compressor in my rig, but I do tend to compress the snot out of recorded tracks in Nuendo or on the way into the DAW.

Brian

 

[straitouttahell]

Yep, I have a T-Rex Comp Nova at the very beginning of the signal path.

I use it because I don't like the way a tube amp compresses sound when too much distortion is dialed in, so I keep a lower gain setting and boost the sustain with the compressor.

Comp Nova is a true jewel in doing this, it's quite weird to say it for a compressor, but it's very dynamic for being a compressor :shock:

When you turn it on, it doesn't seem to *compress* your tone (unless you max all the knobs out), it's more like a *sustain enhancer* effect. It's just addictive.

 

[cvansickle]

I use a JangleBox compressor with both my Nomad and my Blue Angel. It's vital equipment for me.

 

[paleamberglow]

i use an alesis 3630 compressor with my MK IV. i like how you can shape the attack of your sound to your liking with a compressor, which is particularly useful for clean lead sounds. i also use it for utilitarian purposes such as when I am recording something like a keyboard track that is very quiet, i can use the compressor to add more gain and consistency and get a better level in the input / tracking stage.