Confession time: I’d played in bands for years, got a degree in music, and toured all of Europe before I added a compressor to my pedalboard. Looking back now, I don’t know how I managed without it.
But the truth is that compressors can be difficult to understand, and some are easier than others to work with. I wasted years trying to understand what they were and how they could benefit my sound. To me, studio engineers used compressors, but not guitarists playing live on a stage.
How wrong I was!
I’ve written this article to help you learn how to get the most from your compressor pedal and start to use a compressor like the pros.
Table of Contents
What Is a Compressor Pedal, and How Does It Work?
A compressor pedal is an essential (yes, essential) tool for any guitarist looking to control their dynamics and tone. A compressor evens out the volume levels in your playing, making soft notes louder and loud notes quieter, resulting in a more balanced and punchy sound. This makes your tone more consistent and helps individual notes and chords stand out more clearly in a mix.
But that’s just the beginning. Compressor pedals are super versatile, offering more than just volume control. They can give you the sustain you’ve always dreamed of. Your notes ring out longer and it adds a singing quality to your solos and melodies. This is especially useful in music like rock and blues, where sustain is often a key element of the guitar’s voice.
Additionally, compressor pedals can add texture to your tone, giving clean sounds a glassy, polished quality and making distorted tones tighter and more focused. They can also be used creatively to radically reshape your tone, providing everything from a subtle enhancement to a heavily squashed, vintage-style compression that imparts a unique character to your sound.
There really is something for everyone in a compressor pedal. Whether you’re looking for the tight, controlled punch of funk rhythm guitar, the smooth sustain of a classic rock Gilmore-esque solo, or the consistent levels needed for intricate fingerstyle playing, a compressor pedal is a powerful and indispensable tool on any guitarist’s pedalboard.
Controls on a Compressor Pedal
Every compressor pedal is different, but here are some common controls you’ll find on many compressor pedals.
Threshold
The threshold control determines the point at which the compressor kicks in. Until your signal reaches this level, the compressor remains inactive. A higher threshold means the compressor activates later, whereas a lower threshold triggers compression more quickly. This setting typically ranges from 0dB down to around -60dB.
For beginners, a good starting point is between -10dB and -25dB, allowing for a noticeable compression effect without overly squashing the dynamics of your playing.
Attack
The attack control determines how quickly the compressor responds once the threshold is crossed. Faster attacks, set between 1-10ms, can smooth out transients but might dull the initial pick attack. Slower attacks, ranging from 10-100ms, allow more of the initial pick attack to come through before compression kicks in. This control can sometimes be confusing, as many compressors increase attack speed when the knob is turned counterclockwise (CCW) and slow down when turned clockwise (CW).
Fast attack settings are commonly used to achieve that classic country squish, while slower attacks are preferred for a more modern, dynamic sound.
Release/Sustain
The release control, often labeled as sustain, is the opposite of attack. It determines how long the compressor holds onto the signal after it peaks. Faster releases, typically between 50 and 300ms, allow the dynamics to return quickly, making your playing feel more responsive. Slower releases can sustain notes longer, which is useful for solos and melodic lines.
However, long release times can lead to feedback, so use this setting carefully. Depending on the pedal, release times can range from 50ms to several seconds.
Ratio
The ratio control adjusts how much compression is applied once the threshold is crossed. This is the mathematical part of compression: a 2:1 ratio means that for every 2dB, the signal exceeds the threshold, only 1dB will pass through.
Many basic guitar compressors have a fixed ratio set by the manufacturer, which you cannot change. However, some more advanced compressor pedals allow users to adjust the ratio. If there’s a knob for it, you can adjust it.
Common settings for guitarists range from 2:1 to 6:1 for light to moderate compression, smoothing out peaks without overly flattening the dynamics. Higher ratios like 10:1 or even 20:1 result in strong compression, approaching a limiting effect where the signal is heavily controlled.
Knee
The knee control shapes the way compression is applied. A hard knee results in immediate compression once the threshold is reached, giving a more pronounced effect. This can be visualized as a sharply bent leg, where the transition into compression is abrupt.
On the other hand, a soft knee gradually applies compression as the signal approaches the threshold, making the effect smoother and less noticeable. This can be likened to a gently bent knee, where the transition into compression is more gradual and natural.
The softer the knee, the subtler the compression, making it feel and sound more transparent.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Compressor Pedal: Step-by-step
A compressor pedal can really improve your guitar tone, but finding the right settings can be challenging. Follow these steps to optimize your compressor pedal for the best possible sound.
Please note that all compressors are different; this is just a guide. You might not have all the settings I talk about here.
1. Get Your Compressor Pedal Set Up
It’s always best to start with a clean slate to ensure you can hear your compressor properly and understand its effect on your signal.
First, connect your compressor pedal to your power supply and pedalboard. Then, set the threshold, attack, and release knobs to their middle positions. This neutral starting point lets you clearly hear the changes as you adjust each control.
2. Find Your Sweet Spot
Adjust the basic settings to achieve a balanced and noticeable compression effect.
- Set the threshold to around -20dB; this allows the compressor to engage without overly squashing your dynamics.
- If you have the option, adjust the ratio to between 4:1 and 6:1, providing moderate compression that smooths out peaks while maintaining the natural feel of your playing.
- Fine-tune the attack to 10ms and the release to 100ms, offering a balanced response suitable for most playing styles.
3. Find a Tone You Like
To find a tone you like, and that matches the sound you’re hunting for, try following these guidelines as a start:
For a Tighter Sound
Lower the threshold setting to increase compression, making your playing more controlled.
For Heavier Compression
Increase the ratio to add more squash and sustain, which is particularly useful for solos and lead lines.
For Punchier Notes
Set faster attack times (1-10ms).
For a Smoother Sound
Set a slower attack time (10-100ms) to allow the initial pick attack to come through, giving a smoother sound.
For Quicker Recovery Between Notes
Shorten the release time (50-100ms) or lengthen it (100ms+) to sustain notes longer.
4. If You Have Modern Features, Use Them
Some modern compressor pedals have advanced features that can help you get a more natural and versatile sound.
One relatively new feature is the blend control, also known as parallel compression, which allows you to mix compressed and uncompressed signals. Start with the blend knob set at 50% to find a balance between compression and dynamic range, resulting in a more natural sound.
To get a more transparent compression, adjust the blend control to minimize the noticeable “squish” at the attack. This way, the natural signal shines through while the compressed signal sustains, ensuring your tone remains uncolored and authentic.
5. Decide Where to Place Your Compressor in Your Signal Chain
The position of your compressor in your signal chain can drastically alter your tone. It’s always a good idea to experiment until you find a position you like.
Before Overdrive/Distortion
Place your compressor before the drive pedals to even out the signal before it hits the distortion. This smooths out harsh overtones and provides a more controlled distortion sound.
After Overdrive/Distortion
Place the compressor after the drive pedals for increased sustain and punch. This setup enhances sustain, making notes ring out longer and providing a pronounced compressed effect.
Try Parallel Paths
Use a pedal with a blend knob or run parallel setups to combine the benefits of both placements. This allows you to maintain natural dynamics while enjoying the tonal advantages of compression.
6. Get Creative
If you want to really experiment with your compressor, you might want to try some extreme settings and combinations for unique sonic textures.
For Squashed and Saturated Sounds
Set a high ratio (10:1 or 20:1) for a heavily compressed, saturated sound. This creates a distinctive, almost fuzzy distortion ideal for leads and powerful rhythms.
For Funky Pumping Effects
Use fast attack and release settings to achieve a rhythmic, pumping sound. Set the ratio around 8:1 or 10:1, attack at 1-10ms, and release at 50-100ms for a choppy, staccato effect.
To Blend and Stack
Combine multiple compressors or use a blend control to mix compressed and uncompressed signals. This approach retains natural dynamics while adding the desired level of compression.
7. Balancing and Fine-Tuning
Getting the perfect balance makes sure your tone stays musical and dynamic. You need to get to know your compressor pedal, and this might mean a lot of tinkering.
Try A/B Testing
Continuously switch your compressor on and off to compare the effect and ensure it enhances your tone without overpowering it.
Always Tweak and Listen
Make small adjustments to each control and listen carefully to how they affect your sound.
Make Sure You Play in Context
Test your settings in a band mix or recording to see how they sit with other instruments.
FAQ
Where should the compressor pedal go in the chain?
The most common place for a compressor pedal is near the beginning of the signal chain, typically after any distortion or overdrive pedals. But you should experiment and find what works best for you.
How to use compressor pedal for sustain?
To use a compressor pedal for sustain, if you can, try setting a high compression ratio (4:1 or higher) and lower the threshold to compress more of the signal. Adjust the attack time for your desired pick response and set a longer release time to sustain notes. Ensure the output level matches your desired volume. If available, use the blend control to mix compressed and uncompressed signals. Experiment with these settings to achieve the best sustain for your style.
Do you put the drive pedal before or after compressor?
Usually, guitarists put the drive pedal after the compressor. But it’s up to you. Experiment and see what you like.
Should I always use a compressor pedal?
Maybe not. It depends on your individual preferences and the sound you want to achieve. Some overdrive pedals are already very compressed, so you might think twice about using a compressor with them.
