What is Compression?
Compression reduces the dynamic range of your signal by automatically lowering the volume of loud parts and/or raising the volume of quiet parts. This creates a more consistent level and can add sustain, punch, and professional polish.
How It Works
Monitors input signal level. Reduces gain when signal exceeds threshold. Applies gain reduction at set ratio. Can add makeup gain to compensate. Attack and release control timing. Creates more consistent dynamics.
Musical Benefits
Even volume levels. Increased sustain. Enhanced picking attack. Better string balance. Improved mix presence. Professional polish.
Understanding Compressor Controls
Essential Parameters
Primary Controls
Common Ratios
Types of Compressors
Optical Compressors
Use light-dependent resistors for smooth, musical compression. Slow, natural response that's perfect for rhythm guitar and vocals.
FET Compressors
Field Effect Transistor designs provide fast, punchy compression. Great for adding attack and presence to guitar.
VCA Compressors
Voltage Controlled Amplifier designs offer precise control and transparent compression.
Tube Compressors
Vacuum tube designs add harmonic warmth and musical saturation along with compression.
Legendary Compressor Pedals
The classic guitar compressor. Simple two-knob design with distinctive character. Used on countless recordings since the 1970s.
- • David Gilmour - Pink Floyd sustain
- • Peter Frampton - Talk box setup
- • Country session players
- • Classic rock guitarists
- • Countless studio musicians
Evolution of Boss compressor pedals. The CS-2 is particularly sought after for its musical compression and sustain characteristics.
- • Clean guitar enhancement
- • Lead guitar sustain
- • Rhythm guitar consistency
- • Recording applications
- • Live performance polish
Modern optical compressor with extensive controls. Professional studio quality in a pedal format with multiple compression styles.
- • Multiple compression types
- • Sidechain EQ
- • Gain reduction metering
- • Mix control (parallel compression)
- • Studio-quality circuitry
Compression Applications
Clean Guitar Applications
- • Even out fingerpicking dynamics
- • Add sustain to single notes
- • Balance chord voicings
- • Enhance pick attack
- • Smooth strumming patterns
- • Country chicken picking
Electric Guitar Applications
- • Increase lead guitar sustain
- • Tighten rhythm playing
- • Control feedback thresholds
- • Enhance amp distortion
- • Improve recording consistency
- • Professional polish
Using Compression Effectively
Best Practices
- • Start with subtle settings
- • Listen for pumping or breathing
- • Use makeup gain to match levels
- • Adjust attack for pick response
- • Set release to musical timing
- • A/B test with bypass frequently
Signal Chain Position
- • Usually first in signal chain
- • Before overdrive for consistent drive
- • After overdrive for polished sustain
- • Can be used in effects loop
- • Consider parallel compression
- • Multiple compressors possible
Compressor Settings Guide
⚠️ Note: Good compression should be felt more than heard. If you notice the compressor working obviously, you might be using too much. The goal is usually musical enhancement, not obvious effect.
Subtle Enhancement
- • Ratio: 2:1 to 3:1
- • Threshold: -15 to -10 dB
- • Attack: Medium to slow
- • Use: Natural improvement
Lead Guitar Sustain
- • Ratio: 4:1 to 6:1
- • Threshold: -20 to -15 dB
- • Attack: Fast to medium
- • Use: Singing sustain
Heavy Effect
- • Ratio: 8:1 to ∞:1
- • Threshold: -25 to -20 dB
- • Attack: Fast
- • Use: Special effect