Is it possible to modify the attack of a boss limiter pedal, to turn it into a comp?

[Blast9]

I bought a Boss LM-2 cheap. Its very transparent sounding and not grungy at all... But (obviously) it has a very fast attack time

It already has variable decay time, level threshold, and a tone control.

Is there any way to change the fixed attack to something slower?

[dementedchord]

turning it into a comp requires changing the ratio not the attack... that said yeah probably but with out a schemo i couldnt suggest anything off hand...

[Blast9]

Ok gotcha fixed infinity:1 ratio?...

I assumed that being a limiter, it would have a very fast attack?

[paully]

As mentioned, the real difference is in the setting of the ratio. Compression uses a ratio of mabee 6:1 or less to smooth out musical passages. Limiting ratios can get into the 20:1 area, and are used to control(squish) peaks. Otherwise, there's not a lot of difference.

Paul

[Blast9]

So is it only peak limiters that have an extremely fast attack time?

After all, limiters have to catch the peaks quickly...


Isn't it true that limiting is normally done with high thresh, high ratio, fast attack and slow decay, whereas comp settings (in general) have a lower ratio, lower thresh and slower attack/faster releases ---- According to program material of course.

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Anyway, it would be cool to let a bit more of the transient through to make this pedal sound a bit more lively.... Any thoughts?

Also is the approx 6:1 ratio what they use in gtr comp pedals?

[paully]

Originally Posted by Blast9

So is it only peak limiters that have an extremely fast attack time? After all, limiters have to catch the peaks quickly...

Isn't it true that limiting is normally done with high thresh, high ratio, fast attack and slow decay, whereas comp settings (in general) have a lower ratio, lower thresh and slower attack/faster releases ---- According to program material of course

Anyway, it would be cool to let a bit more of the transient through to make this pedal sound a bit more lively.... Any thoughts?

Also is the approx 6:1 ratio what they use in gtr comp pedals?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>
You may have misunderstood what I said. They're the same animal. Both can have -0- attack times. With limiting, you looking to immediately squash the really nasty peaks. With a compressor, you can also do this, but a quick attack will be really noticable over a period of time, as you generally want to set the release to a longer setting in order to avoid "pumping". You want to 'ease into' and 'ease out of' the compression state.

Threshholds allow you to make the quieter(uncompressed or limited) material louder.. PERIOD. If you value your dynamics, watch that threshold setting. Lowering it too much will turn you into early GreenDay!

Overusing the compressor and/or limiter is the best way that I know to eliminate the 'liveliness' of your music.

Most guitarists use limiters as a sustain device. Ratios, attack/release, threshholds and make-up gain are up to the manufacturer to include, set and make user adjustable. 6:1 as the highest ratio sounds a little conservative when used as a sustain box. Again, it depends on the device. Personally, I never used a sustain pedal. Find the right guitar and (low power) amp, and you're off to the races. Some can sing like a bird and sustain like a porn star.

Paul

[Blast9]

Cool... Thanks for clearing that up.

I assumed that the fast attack time would be designed into this pedal judging by how it controls dynamics.

I'm only using it for gentle compression on clean sounds, just to even out the spikiness of the tone and smooth it out a bit.