Compressors can be confusing. We discuss what a Compressor does, where it is most useful, and some of the drawbacks with using compression to try and conclude if it is an effect you need to have. Buy Hypergravity Compressor: US - imp.i114863.net/rMjYv EU - www.thomann.de/intl/tc_electr... #compressor #hypergravity #doineedone Gain access to exclusive content at: www.patreon.com/csguitars Buy CSGuitars Merchandise - www.csguitars.co.uk/store Website - www.csguitars.co.uk Contact - colin@csguitars.co.uk Affiliate Links: Thomann - www.thomann.de/gb/index.html?... Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/2mGGg CSGuitars uses: LEWITT Microphones - www.lewitt-audio.com/ Hoffnine Cabinets - www.hoffnine.co.uk/ Hosa Cables - hosatech.com/ Dragon's Heart Guitar Picks - www.dragonsheartguitarpicks.com/ Title graphics and logo by: www.studiosmithdesign.co.uk/ Join the discussion at: Facebook - facebook.com/csguitars Instagram - instagram.com/csguitars/ Twitter -twitter.com/CSG_Scotland
I use a compressor for extra sustain only for Doom metal. I shut off the compression and turn up the sustain for really slow parts that I just can't have the guitar die out befor the next note.
Wow, this is the first video about compressors that explained all the important questions I had in my mind, in well under 10 minutes, and without confusing me or boring me at all. You're a great teacher , keep making these videos. Thanks for the lesson!
if you've got the time, could you do more videos like this explaining the details of other pedal types like phaser, reverbs and the like. this was really cool and i learn a great deal. thanks
Having an active noise gate in a signal chain BEFORE the compressor will remove the low floor before evening out the dynamic range with a compressor, effectively removing the signal noise and allowing cleaner compression...
Could you explain your point? This is currently what I am doing, and I find it works, but could be better. Why is it better to place your noise gate afterwards?
Once you play a note, the noise gate will open, letting the note through along with any noise. Gates rely on the noise being much lower than the notes and their job is to keep the signal silent when you are NOT playing notes (that being when the noise is most noticeable, with nothing over it to cover it up). Once the note opens the gate, the compressor will then lift the noise that comes through the gate and make it more audible under the note. So basically, while you are playing, the gate is not removing anything, and it doesn't matter if it is before or after the compressor. While you are NOT playing, then yes, the gate before the compressor is going to work better.
@@KimonFrousios Pretty sure thats not how compression works, while playing the compressor would be turning the volume of the guitar down (compressing it) and in turn also turning the noise down. Compression doesn't bring up the low volume stuff, it just brings higher volume stuff down so the quieter sounds are even with the loud sounds. I haven't tried it but in theory a gate before a compressor would work although youd get a nast tail from the release of the gate
@@WADstephen The least you could do is look up the definition of compression, instead of talking garbage out your backside, so let me do that for you: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_range_compression You didn't even need to own or have ever actually used a compressor for this (clearly you never have, the effect is not that subtle)... Compressing to zero amplitude: "volume control". Compressing to middle amplitude: "compression". Completely different things.
Kimon Froussios I know exactly what compression does. Seems you are the one misunderstanding it - your link only supports my point. Compression doesn’t magically bring quiet things up, it recudes the volume of the louder things and brings the volume of everything up hence making noise louder when not playing, however, when the guitar is being played the compressor brings the volume of the signal coming in down, and in turn the volume of the noise comes down with it. Therefore, in theory, if you cut the noise out in between playing (with a noise gate) then the only noise you’d hear is the time between you playing and the release time of the gate. I have a number of compressors and use an mxr dynacomp regularly on my guitar board. Check yourself before you wreck yourself
I just gotta say, you're videos, while funny and well made, have definitely helped with my understanding of guitar gear. As a still developing beginner/intermediate, I have learned more from your channel in a few weeks than everything else I've learned over the 4-5 years I've been playing. Thank you for these awesome informational videos, and Rock on, Dude!
I enjoy your videos. Been playing 25 years. You know what you're talking about. Refreshing. Too few youtube guitar channels cut through gear hype. Keep it up.
Compressor is a MUST HAVE pedal! First time I tried one it was ON for ever.. Every so ng, every solo, every gig! As a beginner guitarist you may not hear a big difference when using it or not using it. But once you get to know what its for and how much it cant do your will also be on for EVER! You can use it to boost the sound, to limit it, or to compress it.. The sustain will give you the sound of your strings for twice as long as without. Saying you dont need one is a mistake.. Thisis one of your most importand pedals if not the most importand. The distortion after the compressor sounds just so good.
Really great explanation .. Speaking for the bass player side of compression I've found it to be a pretty essential tool .. There are a lot of bass amps (Carvin is what I use) that have it built in.. It evens out those moments where I'm laying down a groove and then when my attack is super heavy like a slap bass part.. Helps greatly in a full band setting, for guitar I can see it's time and place .. But defiantly not a must (Me Wise Magic by Van Halen intro is a good example of compression on a clean signal)
I play a low tuned 7-string and only thing I have hooked up is a compressor pedal xD It honestly gives my tone more bite and sounds great with it and keeps its clarity.
Not saying that what you're doing isn't working and is wrong, but I'm wondering what would happen if you used a boost pedal/overdrive pedal instead. It sounds like you're just hitting your preamp harder. Not trying to cause a fight, but more curious if you'd get the same result with a boost/OD
Collin, you just made me rearange me board man, thank you for the advice (back in time), speaking to you in a clip approx 5years ago is like playing a reverb and delay ;) Greets from Belgium So logicaly and chronologicaly it looks like this: Compressor and Noise Suppressor which will be used in alternated ways, because I play Metal (noise suppr.) as Ambient sounds (compr.). Send Noise Suppressor to amp Laney IRT clean and sometimes high gain for Swedisch chainsaw Death Metal. (Whah+exp+vol), Metal Zone, Chorus to Digital Delay and Reverb RV-6; from there to the Return of the Noise Suppressor, Output (noise suppr.) to (Loop Station from time to time) and finaly Cab. Than the piggy squeels 'That's all Folks!'
I already knew all of this. But your are absolutely brilliant at explaining it all concisely and in detail with no waffling. Same goes for all of your videos. You'd be a great teacher.
This video was super helpful, thank you! I almost went ahead and bought a compressor but after he said active humbucker pickups being played with lots of gain, distortion, etc. I'm glad that I did not go through with the purchase without fully knowing what I was getting into. Thanks!
Amazing. Simply amazing. You make some of the most clear and concise informative videos on UA-cam in my opinion. Pleasant demenor and a killer accent to boot! Lol Thank you for all that you do
As a blues player, I use a compressor all the time. It is especially useful for playing slide, boosting low to medium gain overdrives, leveling out lead runs, and as a tone coloring tool. Gotta love that dynacomp sound.
dude ive watched a couple of your videos. you are super knowledgable. I've been playing guitar for 10 year and have never really bothered to learn much about any of this stuff, but now im finding myself having to confront my lack of knowledge. i really appreciate it, keep it up!
Also, they absolutely do NOT "render a noise gate useless", mate. Yeah, if you put it AFTER the compressor in the chain they'll *absolutely* make the noise gate useless. But if the noise gate is BEFORE the compressor it's completely different: in that case, the noise gate is receiving an uncompressed signal and thus can work perfectly - then it's cutting all the noise before it goes into the compressor, which compresses what remains.
Nope the compressor does not compress "what remains" because nothing is removed. Gates simply cut the signal when it drops below a certain level, ie when you stop playing. When the threshold is exceeded (ie you start playing notes again), the gate opens and lets everything though, both notes and noise. It does not remove the noise from under the notes it just hopes your notes are much louder than the noise to cover it up. So the compressor will still receive the noise while you are playing and make it more noticeable under the notes, regardless of where the gate is. The rest of your statement is correct though, the gate will work as normal if it is before the compressor.
@@KimonFrousios Yeah, so the noise gate would function fine and do it's job because, as you said, it only works when the signal drops below threshold level... You're thinking too hard.
Really helpful video. Been debating getting a compressor for ages now and couldn't find a straight answer as to whether I needed it or not. This video definitely made things much clearer and easier to understand than a forum with two dozen guitarists all bickering with each other.
Excellent video! Very enlightening. Although I would say a bit of compression might not be all that bad in blues because while dynamics in volume is certainly cool, a big part of the appeal to playing "softly" (for me) is the actual tone of the soft picking, not necessarily the volume.
Couldn't you pass a clean sound through the noise gate, then the compressor, then add distortion to get a decent sound? I don't have the pedals to test this theory, but it seems logical to me: filter out the noise first, compress second, and distort third.
Noise gates and suppressors don't work how people think they work...Once you start playing you have to 'open' the gate, so all the noise while actual note is ringing will still pass through. It's only inbetween where it will tame the noise. There are a couple of gates on the market that claim to filter out 60-cycle even when you play, but they usually will mess up your sustain and dynamics - and it's exactly what you don't want to happen while trying to get 'decent sound'. Hope it helps. However, you have to remember - there's no rights or wrongs in this question. You can run any pedals in any orders, and if it sounds good - it's good. There definitely are guidelines, but they can be completely ignored :)
What i do is pass my guitar through a compressor into a noise gate and then into my distortion pedal and then an eq pedal. Noise stops pretty quick once you stop playing because the noise gate only has to deal with a clean sound to turn off. Also the compressor adds power to the distortion within my setup at least.
You have to use the Noise Suppressor (Boss NS-2) as an Effects Loop. GUITAR PEDAL ORDER (Right to Left) : Guitar - Small Amplifier - Volume Pedal - Chromatic Tuner - Wah - Acoustic Simulator - Octave - Harmonist - Envelope Filter - Compressor - Overdrive - Distortion - EQ - Cable into "Input" of the Noise Gate and Cable from Noise Gate "Send" into Time Effects - Stereo Chorus Output 1 - Phase - Flanger - Delay - Tremolo - Reverb - Cable into Noise Gate "Return" AND THEN a Cable from Noise Gate "Output" into Looping Device Input 1 - Volume Pedal - Amp. Stereo Chorus Output 2 - (Delay - Reverb - are optional here !) Amp
CSGuitars You do some really fine instructional vids. I tried a compressor. Tossed it. Really does interfere with dynamics. My Strat has all the natural sustain I need
Fantastic explanation. Just wanted to add that compressors do wonders if you're using low tuned or extended range guitars. Once you hit drop B and lower, chords and string skipping riffs that include the low string can get really muddy and the low note can drown out the higher ones. I've found boosting the mids to be very helpful, but if thats not enough, or if you dont like that sound, dialing back the gain and putting a compressor in your signal chain (preferably as early on as possible) does wonders. Couple that with some well set up noise gates and you can get a tone that stops on a dime or can sustain big chords with ease.
I play heavy metal and rock , and I add compressor just for correct those spikes that you mentioned. the noise boost is a great issue. If u use a noise gate with loop fx in out, doesnt it need less threshold to supress the noise without fucking up clean tones? since as far as I am concern it compares your signal before and after the prev of the amp , to identify the portion of signal thats noise ?
Hi Collin, Brilliant video, thanks for clearing up the Compressor debate, you explained it perfectly, just subscribed looking forward to more of your videos. Cheers from Melbourne, Australia.
I play a '78 Telecaster bass and an Epiphone EB3 both of which play nicely with the Orange Kongpressor pedal and the setting on the compressor actually works well with both basses i.e. I found a setting that I didn't have to "settle on". This video definitely sheds new light and knowledge on the compressor for me. Thanks dude.
I have to say; your videos are among the most informative and educational I've watched in a long time. after watching this video I'm glad I wasn't stupid enough to go and actually buy a compressor, I use a Zoom G3X (primarily for the tuner and expression pedal) and I've recently been experimenting with compression in my signal chain to see if it aides in gives a more aggressive "modern metal" attack and because of the way I've set my different amp channels all I've found it does is slightly raise the level of my rhythm and lead driven tones and almost completely flattens my clean sound... after watching a video with John Petrucci explaining how he achieves his crystal cleans I've started sacrificing clean gain for volume and headroom so the compressor obviously views this as a much louder natural sound and thinks "Hmm, better drop that slightly"now I understand perfectly and feel like a major moron... Thanks, Colin!
I’ve used a compressor in front of my boost paired with a guitar equipped with PAF style pickups, and it really helps those PAF style pickups get into high gain territory. I get just a bit more gain and low end, and every note is more up front and present while I play.
I would also add, that a compressor can sort of be an effect in itself. I bought one to immitate the sound of Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Listen to the intro of Under the Bridge for example. However I think generally a compressor is not high priority in a signal chain. Before I was using an Overdrive pedal with little to no gain, that is boosting the signal into the amp and compresses the input a little and in a very natural way. Works great to make clean sounds a bit nicer
Great video Colin! Something else you can use them for, especially if you have an older compressor that doesn't track too well, is enhancing your attack transients. I had a cheapish bass amp about ten years ago with an on-board compressor, and when turned all the way up (down?) the initial picking or slapping would sound before the compressor kicked in, about 20 ms or so later. Sounds a bit like having a kick follow you when you play staccato. There are probably better ways to do the same thing now (mixing a compressor and notch filter?) but it was a really cool sound from a cheap effect. I'm also neither here nor there on gating based on your clean signal; it works but you lose that extra sustain you get from the compressor.
Very helpful! I had compression on my first bass amp but never payed it much attention because I didn't really know what it did. Now I know how and when to use it. Thanks :)
They sound great on a clean sound with chorus or flanger for that 80’s clean tone! Also a great clean boost in the loop of your amp over a dirty tone not adding anymore gain just volume with the attack/sensitivity all the way off!
you can also clean up you crunched sound with a compressor (Put the Level down)...that is what I do...so if I kick it on I have a nice compressed clean sound with a good amount of sustain
Finally, someone who tells us what it's good for based on pickups and genre! Thanks for for outshining these other youtube clowns who don't seem to realize that other people might actually have different gear than they do and might have different needs.
Really interesting and informative vid. Thanks Colin. This has pretty much shown me that I don't need a compressor at the moment. I'm already running a decent amount of gain through my signal that provides me with all the compression I need. I look forward to the compressor comparison though.
Cool vid Colin. That Pedal Show did a vid about the order of pedals and one thing they said about compression (and you also mentioned it), it can be used as an effective boost if placed after od/distortion in the signal chain. Something I never thought of, but have since tried.....and liked
I was looking at how David Gilmour set up his gear and he used a compressor and he always had awesome tone and sustain. It seems to me that it's good to have it in your effects toolkit even if you only use it at a low level to increase sustain. I bought a cheap student guitar that I intend to customize and improve by working on the basics of the build to increase the quality of the instrument over time. Parts I have in mind to install: Locking tuners (first), bone nut (possibly tusq), brass block, steel saddles (possibly tusq), flush the trem position for dive only (classic trem), better springs, and refretting. With shielding (copper), wax potting, and even replacing the single coil pickups with hot rails there shouldn't be a need for a noise gate or a compressor. I'll know more once I'm done with all of these mods. There's a lot you can do with the natural build of your guitar to solve many of the problems without having to spend a fortune on effects to solve them. Use effects for what they're meant for, creating your tone.
I like using the Cliff Burton compression method for bass. By setting the sustain on a boss cs3 high to boost and to add more compression, with the level control set very low, then saturating it with a big muff and fuzz wah, turning the compressor on takes the bass tone from a loud lead tone to a compressed muffled rhythm tone without turning the fuzz wah and big muff on at the same time and without squashing the tone. It's a ton of fun to play around with and sounds great if you set the amp for boosted mids and highs.
Compressors can be confusing.
We discuss what a Compressor does, where it is most useful, and some of the drawbacks with using compression to try and conclude if it is an effect you need to have.
Buy Hypergravity Compressor:
US - imp.i114863.net/rMjYv
EU - www.thomann.de/intl/tc_electr...
#compressor #hypergravity #doineedone
Gain access to exclusive content at: www.patreon.com/csguitars
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Website - www.csguitars.co.uk
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I use a compressor for extra sustain only for Doom metal. I shut off the compression and turn up the sustain for really slow parts that I just can't have the guitar die out befor the next note.
Checken peckin'
LOL :D
Gotta love Scottish accent 🤣🤣
You beat me to it... by 4 years.
Dang what a killer video!!
Thanks dude
What a killer accent!!
I thought I had a hair on my screen but it was your profile picture. lol
Jang Sudong same
imagine if this conundrum explained by Professor Govan, where would we be lol
Wow, this is the first video about compressors that explained all the important questions I had in my mind, in well under 10 minutes, and without confusing me or boring me at all. You're a great teacher , keep making these videos. Thanks for the lesson!
if you've got the time, could you do more videos like this explaining the details of other pedal types like phaser, reverbs and the like. this was really cool and i learn a great deal. thanks
I seriously needed this, thanks Scottish guy
I normally phase out when it comes to long talky videos but your accent just makes it worth listening to. It's like a song.
Having an active noise gate in a signal chain BEFORE the compressor will remove the low floor before evening out the dynamic range with a compressor, effectively removing the signal noise and allowing cleaner compression...
Could you explain your point? This is currently what I am doing, and I find it works, but could be better. Why is it better to place your noise gate afterwards?
Once you play a note, the noise gate will open, letting the note through along with any noise. Gates rely on the noise being much lower than the notes and their job is to keep the signal silent when you are NOT playing notes (that being when the noise is most noticeable, with nothing over it to cover it up). Once the note opens the gate, the compressor will then lift the noise that comes through the gate and make it more audible under the note. So basically, while you are playing, the gate is not removing anything, and it doesn't matter if it is before or after the compressor. While you are NOT playing, then yes, the gate before the compressor is going to work better.
@@KimonFrousios Pretty sure thats not how compression works, while playing the compressor would be turning the volume of the guitar down (compressing it) and in turn also turning the noise down. Compression doesn't bring up the low volume stuff, it just brings higher volume stuff down so the quieter sounds are even with the loud sounds. I haven't tried it but in theory a gate before a compressor would work although youd get a nast tail from the release of the gate
@@WADstephen The least you could do is look up the definition of compression, instead of talking garbage out your backside, so let me do that for you: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_range_compression You didn't even need to own or have ever actually used a compressor for this (clearly you never have, the effect is not that subtle)...
Compressing to zero amplitude: "volume control". Compressing to middle amplitude: "compression". Completely different things.
Kimon Froussios I know exactly what compression does. Seems you are the one misunderstanding it - your link only supports my point. Compression doesn’t magically bring quiet things up, it recudes the volume of the louder things and brings the volume of everything up hence making noise louder when not playing, however, when the guitar is being played the compressor brings the volume of the signal coming in down, and in turn the volume of the noise comes down with it. Therefore, in theory, if you cut the noise out in between playing (with a noise gate) then the only noise you’d hear is the time between you playing and the release time of the gate. I have a number of compressors and use an mxr dynacomp regularly on my guitar board.
Check yourself before you wreck yourself
Finally. A coherent explanation of compressors. Thank u for making me understand.
I just gotta say, you're videos, while funny and well made, have definitely helped with my understanding of guitar gear. As a still developing beginner/intermediate, I have learned more from your channel in a few weeks than everything else I've learned over the 4-5 years I've been playing.
Thank you for these awesome informational videos, and Rock on, Dude!
I enjoy your videos. Been playing 25 years. You know what you're talking about. Refreshing. Too few youtube guitar channels cut through gear hype.
Keep it up.
True masters know how to speak a complicated subject into simplicity - I LOVED this talk on compression.
Damn, i'm always impressed by how you convey so much information in a short time, while also being very understanding.
Compressor is a MUST HAVE pedal! First time I tried one it was ON for ever.. Every so ng, every solo, every gig! As a beginner guitarist you may not hear a big difference when using it or not using it. But once you get to know what its for and how much it cant do your will also be on for EVER! You can use it to boost the sound, to limit it, or to compress it.. The sustain will give you the sound of your strings for twice as long as without. Saying you dont need one is a mistake.. Thisis one of your most importand pedals if not the most importand. The distortion after the compressor sounds just so good.
Really great explanation .. Speaking for the bass player side of compression I've found it to be a pretty essential tool .. There are a lot of bass amps (Carvin is what I use) that have it built in.. It evens out those moments where I'm laying down a groove and then when my attack is super heavy like a slap bass part.. Helps greatly in a full band setting, for guitar I can see it's time and place .. But defiantly not a must (Me Wise Magic by Van Halen intro is a good example of compression on a clean signal)
Clear. Concise. To the point. Bravo.
I appreciate that this video is not longer than it needs to be.
I love being haired.
TheSodaLake in the mex?
Mey tooh
I play a low tuned 7-string and only thing I have hooked up is a compressor pedal xD
It honestly gives my tone more bite and sounds great with it and keeps its clarity.
Not saying that what you're doing isn't working and is wrong, but I'm wondering what would happen if you used a boost pedal/overdrive pedal instead. It sounds like you're just hitting your preamp harder. Not trying to cause a fight, but more curious if you'd get the same result with a boost/OD
Get a second hand OD pedal, your riffs will be much tighter.
Collin, you just made me rearange me board man, thank you for the advice (back in time), speaking to you in a clip approx 5years ago is like playing a reverb and delay ;) Greets from Belgium
So logicaly and chronologicaly it looks like this: Compressor and Noise Suppressor which will be used in alternated ways, because I play Metal (noise suppr.) as Ambient sounds (compr.). Send Noise Suppressor to amp Laney IRT clean and sometimes high gain for Swedisch chainsaw Death Metal. (Whah+exp+vol), Metal Zone, Chorus to Digital Delay and Reverb RV-6; from there to the Return of the Noise Suppressor, Output (noise suppr.) to (Loop Station from time to time) and finaly Cab. Than the piggy squeels 'That's all Folks!'
Somehow stumbled across this channel and have now watched about 10 of your videos. Really informative and interesting. Good stuff.
I already knew all of this. But your are absolutely brilliant at explaining it all concisely and in detail with no waffling. Same goes for all of your videos. You'd be a great teacher.
This video was super helpful, thank you! I almost went ahead and bought a compressor but after he said active humbucker pickups being played with lots of gain, distortion, etc. I'm glad that I did not go through with the purchase without fully knowing what I was getting into. Thanks!
This is the best video on compression pedals and their use, I've seen. Simple, but covered all the bases. Bloody good job!
Hey man, this is the best video about this topic without playing a note. Everything clear and you helped me taking a decision.
Short intro and got right to the point. I wish all channels were like this.
Amazing. Simply amazing. You make some of the most clear and concise informative videos on UA-cam in my opinion. Pleasant demenor and a killer accent to boot! Lol Thank you for all that you do
Gotta say, your videos are getting better and better! I'm enjoying them now more than ever, keep up the good work!
I was never able to be told the actual uses of a compressor before, I only understood what it did, this video is by far the best explanation on UA-cam
ALL THE GAIN!!!
SLAYERRRR
NO MIDS!!!!!!!!
AALLLLTTHHEEGGAAIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!
NNOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
Mids are for pussies
*DYNAMICS ARE FOR PUSSIES*
As a blues player, I use a compressor all the time. It is especially useful for playing slide, boosting low to medium gain overdrives, leveling out lead runs, and as a tone coloring tool. Gotta love that dynacomp sound.
Lol I was gonna say about the same thing, especially about playing slide. I have a 1977 Dyna Comp that never gets turned off in my signal.
So good my man. You’re one of the most well spoken on the interwebs.
I think this might be the best introduction-to-compressors video I've ever seen. Great job!
This was the best explanation of compressors I've ever heard. I'm subscribing, this is a great channel.
Nice video man. First video in 3-4 I watched which explained what I wanted to know!
Your videos have answered all the questions I have thought about for years! Thanks for the content!
dude ive watched a couple of your videos. you are super knowledgable. I've been playing guitar for 10 year and have never really bothered to learn much about any of this stuff, but now im finding myself having to confront my lack of knowledge. i really appreciate it, keep it up!
Another very well put together and informative video, thank you!
Probably the best explanation I've heard for compressor pedals. Henning does an alright one but yours is a lot easier to understand for the lay man
The best presentation of what a compressor is best used for. Thank you.
Also, they absolutely do NOT "render a noise gate useless", mate. Yeah, if you put it AFTER the compressor in the chain they'll *absolutely* make the noise gate useless. But if the noise gate is BEFORE the compressor it's completely different: in that case, the noise gate is receiving an uncompressed signal and thus can work perfectly - then it's cutting all the noise before it goes into the compressor, which compresses what remains.
Nope the compressor does not compress "what remains" because nothing is removed. Gates simply cut the signal when it drops below a certain level, ie when you stop playing. When the threshold is exceeded (ie you start playing notes again), the gate opens and lets everything though, both notes and noise. It does not remove the noise from under the notes it just hopes your notes are much louder than the noise to cover it up. So the compressor will still receive the noise while you are playing and make it more noticeable under the notes, regardless of where the gate is. The rest of your statement is correct though, the gate will work as normal if it is before the compressor.
@@KimonFrousios Yeah, so the noise gate would function fine and do it's job because, as you said, it only works when the signal drops below threshold level... You're thinking too hard.
Really helpful video. Been debating getting a compressor for ages now and couldn't find a straight answer as to whether I needed it or not. This video definitely made things much clearer and easier to understand than a forum with two dozen guitarists all bickering with each other.
Excellent video! Very enlightening. Although I would say a bit of compression might not be all that bad in blues because while dynamics in volume is certainly cool, a big part of the appeal to playing "softly" (for me) is the actual tone of the soft picking, not necessarily the volume.
Seriously. That was THE best explanation of compression I've ever heard.
Couldn't you pass a clean sound through the noise gate, then the compressor, then add distortion to get a decent sound? I don't have the pedals to test this theory, but it seems logical to me: filter out the noise first, compress second, and distort third.
Noise gates and suppressors don't work how people think they work...Once you start playing you have to 'open' the gate, so all the noise while actual note is ringing will still pass through. It's only inbetween where it will tame the noise.
There are a couple of gates on the market that claim to filter out 60-cycle even when you play, but they usually will mess up your sustain and dynamics - and it's exactly what you don't want to happen while trying to get 'decent sound'.
Hope it helps. However, you have to remember - there's no rights or wrongs in this question. You can run any pedals in any orders, and if it sounds good - it's good. There definitely are guidelines, but they can be completely ignored :)
nychold this will work yea
What i do is pass my guitar through a compressor into a noise gate and then into my distortion pedal and then an eq pedal. Noise stops pretty quick once you stop playing because the noise gate only has to deal with a clean sound to turn off. Also the compressor adds power to the distortion within my setup at least.
You have to use the Noise Suppressor (Boss NS-2) as an Effects Loop.
GUITAR PEDAL ORDER (Right to Left) :
Guitar - Small Amplifier - Volume Pedal - Chromatic Tuner - Wah - Acoustic Simulator - Octave - Harmonist - Envelope Filter - Compressor - Overdrive - Distortion - EQ - Cable into "Input" of the Noise Gate and Cable from Noise Gate "Send" into Time Effects - Stereo Chorus Output 1 - Phase - Flanger - Delay - Tremolo - Reverb - Cable into Noise Gate "Return" AND THEN a Cable from Noise Gate "Output" into Looping Device Input 1 - Volume Pedal - Amp.
Stereo Chorus Output 2 - (Delay - Reverb - are optional here !) Amp
this was the most useful compressor explanation video I've ever seen yet. great job man
This is probably the most well done and informative video you've made yet. I love it, thanks, and keep it up!
CSGuitars You do some really fine instructional vids.
I tried a compressor. Tossed it. Really does interfere with dynamics.
My Strat has all the natural sustain I need
Fantastic explanation. Just wanted to add that compressors do wonders if you're using low tuned or extended range guitars. Once you hit drop B and lower, chords and string skipping riffs that include the low string can get really muddy and the low note can drown out the higher ones. I've found boosting the mids to be very helpful, but if thats not enough, or if you dont like that sound, dialing back the gain and putting a compressor in your signal chain (preferably as early on as possible) does wonders. Couple that with some well set up noise gates and you can get a tone that stops on a dime or can sustain big chords with ease.
I play heavy metal and rock , and I add compressor just for correct those spikes that you mentioned. the noise boost is a great issue. If u use a noise gate with loop fx in out, doesnt it need less threshold to supress the noise without fucking up clean tones? since as far as I am concern it compares your signal before and after the prev of the amp , to identify the portion of signal thats noise ?
Hi Collin, Brilliant video, thanks for clearing up the Compressor debate, you explained it perfectly, just subscribed looking forward to more of your videos.
Cheers from Melbourne, Australia.
Compressors can be very useful for getting a guitar to sit better in the mix.
Thank you SOOOO much. You made it so clear what this is about. Always wondered how, why, and when you would use one.
as always great info, perfectly explained in a clear, concise manner. thank you
Bro you have by far some of the most informative videos I have ever seen....
EVER.
I play a '78 Telecaster bass and an Epiphone EB3 both of which play nicely with the Orange Kongpressor pedal and the setting on the compressor actually works well with both basses i.e. I found a setting that I didn't have to "settle on". This video definitely sheds new light and knowledge on the compressor for me. Thanks dude.
Possibly one of your best yet. To the point facts. Nice one.
I have to say; your videos are among the most informative and educational I've watched in a long time. after watching this video I'm glad I wasn't stupid enough to go and actually buy a compressor, I use a Zoom G3X (primarily for the tuner and expression pedal) and I've recently been experimenting with compression in my signal chain to see if it aides in gives a more aggressive "modern metal" attack and because of the way I've set my different amp channels all I've found it does is slightly raise the level of my rhythm and lead driven tones and almost completely flattens my clean sound... after watching a video with John Petrucci explaining how he achieves his crystal cleans I've started sacrificing clean gain for volume and headroom so the compressor obviously views this as a much louder natural sound and thinks "Hmm, better drop that slightly"now I understand perfectly and feel like a major moron... Thanks, Colin!
What a great, succinct and informative review of compression. Great video
Probably the best, lay mans explanation of compression. Really nice job.
I'm a 1:15 in and this is the best video on this subject by far.
Well put. Compressors are generally misunderstood, and this was a great explanation of how they work, and in what situations they're most useful.
All your videos are great. Unbiased and accurate information, thank you!
Compressor Pedal + Active Pick Ups + High Gain + Valve Amp Running Hot + Loud Volume + Large Hadron Collider = Opening Door to the Underworld
Underrated comment.
What a great video. So much information, so clearly and efficiently presented. Thanks very much
I’ve used a compressor in front of my boost paired with a guitar equipped with PAF style pickups, and it really helps those PAF style pickups get into high gain territory. I get just a bit more gain and low end, and every note is more up front and present while I play.
Man, great, thorough explanations are why I really dig your channel. Keep it up bro.
I play mostly blues and metal. Colin, you've answered this for me. Thanks!
Best explanation I've found about compressor uses.
I would also add, that a compressor can sort of be an effect in itself. I bought one to immitate the sound of Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Listen to the intro of Under the Bridge for example. However I think generally a compressor is not high priority in a signal chain. Before I was using an Overdrive pedal with little to no gain, that is boosting the signal into the amp and compresses the input a little and in a very natural way. Works great to make clean sounds a bit nicer
Finally a clear explanation on Compressor-pedals!! THX!
This video kicks ass. You answered absolutely everything I could ever want to know guitar wise
Best Explaned video/class on compressors!!
Great video Colin!
Something else you can use them for, especially if you have an older compressor that doesn't track too well, is enhancing your attack transients. I had a cheapish bass amp about ten years ago with an on-board compressor, and when turned all the way up (down?) the initial picking or slapping would sound before the compressor kicked in, about 20 ms or so later. Sounds a bit like having a kick follow you when you play staccato. There are probably better ways to do the same thing now (mixing a compressor and notch filter?) but it was a really cool sound from a cheap effect.
I'm also neither here nor there on gating based on your clean signal; it works but you lose that extra sustain you get from the compressor.
Such a good video! I'm trying to figure out which compressor pedal to buy right now and this was very helpful. Thank you.
Very helpful! I had compression on my first bass amp but never payed it much attention because I didn't really know what it did. Now I know how and when to use it. Thanks :)
Ive got one, you say not to use it for the blues but I like the sustain. Im keeping the blend down a bit to keep the dynamics.
Excellent video! Loads of great information delivered really well. Thanks!
Compressars can be impartant for recarding!
I read it in a beewk in doon-toon scotland!
They sound great on a clean sound with chorus or flanger for that 80’s clean tone! Also a great clean boost in the loop of your amp over a dirty tone not adding anymore gain just volume with the attack/sensitivity all the way off!
Peter Cross Loving this comment! Can't do 80's without compression that's for true
This is one of the best explanations I have heard. Thanks man!
I love this video!
Thanks. I got a much better understanding of proper compression use after watching this.
This honestly answered every question I had on compression, subbed that button so hard it was almost scary
you can also clean up you crunched sound with a compressor (Put the Level down)...that is what I do...so if I kick it on I have a nice compressed clean sound with a good amount of sustain
The best thing about not understanding half of what you say is that I keep replaying and replaying and laughing more and more. Keep going mate!
Found this video late, but fantastically made. Great information, production and all around awesome. Cheers!
This video is kickass. Thanks for all of the great info, even after playing a while I've never really understood compressors!
Finally, someone who tells us what it's good for based on pickups and genre! Thanks for for outshining these other youtube clowns who don't seem to realize that other people might actually have different gear than they do and might have different needs.
Is a sonic maximizer different than a compressor?
Really interesting and informative vid. Thanks Colin. This has pretty much shown me that I don't need a compressor at the moment. I'm already running a decent amount of gain through my signal that provides me with all the compression I need. I look forward to the compressor comparison though.
Best layman’s explanation out there. If after this you still don’t understand most likely you never will.
good description of compressors and their uses. if you havent done one, a vid on bbe type products would be good for alot of aspiring musicians.
Cool vid Colin. That Pedal Show did a vid about the order of pedals and one thing they said about compression (and you also mentioned it), it can be used as an effective boost if placed after od/distortion in the signal chain. Something I never thought of, but have since tried.....and liked
you can get some pretty good sound in regards to volume when you use a compressor in coordination with an eq as an effect on a single track.
I was looking at how David Gilmour set up his gear and he used a compressor and he always had awesome tone and sustain. It seems to me that it's good to have it in your effects toolkit even if you only use it at a low level to increase sustain. I bought a cheap student guitar that I intend to customize and improve by working on the basics of the build to increase the quality of the instrument over time. Parts I have in mind to install: Locking tuners (first), bone nut (possibly tusq), brass block, steel saddles (possibly tusq), flush the trem position for dive only (classic trem), better springs, and refretting. With shielding (copper), wax potting, and even replacing the single coil pickups with hot rails there shouldn't be a need for a noise gate or a compressor. I'll know more once I'm done with all of these mods.
There's a lot you can do with the natural build of your guitar to solve many of the problems without having to spend a fortune on effects to solve them. Use effects for what they're meant for, creating your tone.
Best video I’ve found about compressors, thank you!
so why not put the gate before the compressor?
I like using the Cliff Burton compression method for bass. By setting the sustain on a boss cs3 high to boost and to add more compression, with the level control set very low, then saturating it with a big muff and fuzz wah, turning the compressor on takes the bass tone from a loud lead tone to a compressed muffled rhythm tone without turning the fuzz wah and big muff on at the same time and without squashing the tone. It's a ton of fun to play around with and sounds great if you set the amp for boosted mids and highs.
The official definition of a compressor, well done.