New to Compressor - like and dont like and questions

[jtcnj]

New to me so I have no baseline or other experience to compare.

I got a Mosky (obscure brand) Dyna Comp , supposed to be an MXR clone.
It is a bit noisy and I have been trying to dial in the internal pots a bit.
It is a mini, ac power only, metal case, good switch and single pot, seems pretty solid construction.

it is noisy, though I know the power in my basement is kinda noisy, the internet says they can be noisy.
Are your compressors noisy, hissy not a hum?

Playing clean, I see, or hear actually the benefit. But it does seem to cut the treble a bit more than my liking.
Do you find this also?

Playing with an OD pedal, it is supposed to add sustain I think; dont really hear a benefit there.
Do you?

Still with OD and P90s; it absolutely sucks the mid / upper mid grit out of power chords, especially A string root, and notably when playing 3 finger (adding the octave on the G string)
Terrible.

Am I using this incorrectly or is this a typical application or ????

What Say You?

 

[eSGEe]

I found what you found and sold my Comp pedal ---or traded it--- or gave it away--- HELL I dunno -- but I didnt like it---
NOW -- that said I DO LIKE the Compression options built into my Fender Mustangs software suite......so--- not sure how that helps just my info

 

[syscokid]

I'm so glad you brought up the subject. I have never took some time to really understand and learn how to use these type of pedal effects properly. So I talked to my good buddy, Mr Google. He said to read this article by Andy of Pro Guitar Shop:
How To Use A Compressor | Pro Guitar Shop

 

[RVA]

Any compressor will accentuate noise already produced by your pedal chain, although some comps more than others.

Comp will tend to normalize volume, while at the same time decreasing dynamic response, both due to the compression of the signal. Some people describe this as increased sustain, which is understandable. Of course, it does not make your string vibrate longer or your pup magnets stronger, and it is not a time based effect, so it cannot increase "sustain" in these ways.

It is my experience that you cannot simply add compression and expect the same sound plus additional benefits. It increases the gain effect of od/distortion. The compression may require some EQ adjustments if you want the eq curve to approximate the non-compressed signal, so it can be helpful to use it in conjunction with an EQ.

A big part of what effect it has will be determined by the compression ratio. It always pays to know what this it. It is even more helpful if you have a comp pedal which allows you to select different ratios.

With the above in mind, it is a great tool in fine tuning your sound. If you are patient with it and do not expect one setting to be perfect for all situations, it can help you find the tone you have been looking for better than most other pedals. There are so may pedals that add compression that you have no control over, yet people see this as the tone of the pedal. It does not have to be on all the time, and one setting will not be right for all purposes. Accept this pedal for what it is and you will be very satisfied.

 

[eSGEe]

do you want a compressor jtcnj or a noise suppressor noise gate?

I find these are very different animals----

 

[RVA]

I'm so glad you brought up the subject. I have never took some time to really understand and learn how to use these type of pedal effects properly. So I talked to my good buddy, Mr Google. He said to read this article by Andy of Pro Guitar Shop:
How To Use A Compressor | Pro Guitar Shop

Al that typing. I should have just done what Sysco did - Andy knows his stuff!

 

[jtcnj]

Thanks guys, I learn a lot here.
As I read Andy's article i remembered the concept of OD / distortion adding compression; I mis-remembered (?) this.
I like it for clean playing I'll spend more time with it and fooling with the internal trim pots.

I really like Andy's playing, demos, lessons, and articles.

 

[jtcnj]

Update: I like my compressor!

Thanks again for the tips, very helpful.
I had it at almost at the end of my chain, before reverb.
I put it first and - much, much less noise, very usable.
Adjusting the pots helped some but not enough, I'm really happy with it now.

Mostly use it clean / cleanish but it also seems to smooth out my power chord playing with no dirt pedals.
I'm a heavy handed Sasquatch pick hand, but am always working on my skills.

I can run the 4-5watt 5f1/5f2a Champ volume at 11:00 and hit it hard with some clean / treble boost and it is sweet creamy OD.
Surprisingly loud too.

I'm still experimenting with guitar vol vs boost and amp volume to find the the range to roll back the guitar vol to pretty clean but really hit hard to get those distorted lead notes.

I've been playing the Silkyn and 18w TMB lately and was immediately reminded why I love Tweeds.

 

[Chubbles]

Good to hear. I missed this thread. When I use a compressor, I put it first. Then to OD /distortion usually. That way, there is less noise to boost when the sustain trails off. It boosts the volume when the volume is low.