Guitar compressor, which would you first reach for...

[AdamJay]

Originally Posted by Dirty Halo

2. Alan Smart Distressor

huh?

[allencollins]

I think they used tape compression back then.
But if you must use outboard compression the most
transparaent is the best for Classic dist gtrs.....
the current 'squash' sound makes gtrs sound cheeeeeeeeeeeezy
and like cardboard (think nickelback and Pearl Jam)

[wilcofan]

LA2a

[thenoiseflower]

for tracking or mixing?
why not try Portico 5042, IF those were the tools, I'd try the 160vu's and the fatso first.

[Dirty Halo]

Out of the above, would an LA-4 change the choice?

-a

[Pasta4lnch]

I know and love the distressors for guitar but i'd be psyched to try the 1176

[Fletcher]

The one that gets the sound you're looking for... try them all, pick the one that's best. I know it's a drag to actually spend time experimenting with the tools instead of trying to follow what some annonymous person might suggest on the internet... but what the hell... give a couple minutes to the idea of maybe trying to serve the music or something silly like that.

Peace.

[GPl]

Originally Posted by allencollins

I think they used tape compression back then.
But if you must use outboard compression the most
transparaent is the best for Classic dist gtrs.....
the current 'squash' sound makes gtrs sound cheeeeeeeeeeeezy
and like cardboard (think nickelback and Pearl Jam)

Now it all makes sense I hate that sound also. Which is why I never really disagreed with your assessments of the listed

Dyna comp worked for me once.......

[Dirty Halo]

Originally Posted by Fletcher

The one that gets the sound you're looking for... try them all, pick the one that's best. I know it's a drag to actually spend time experimenting with the tools instead of trying to follow what some annonymous person might suggest on the internet... but what the hell... give a couple minutes to the idea of maybe trying to serve the music or something silly like that.

Peace.

I guess, I just have to try 'em, darn.

Thanks, I was asking people's opinion for fun and entertainment, I can wank off and try these all i want in my room...the thought did occur to me...oh wait, I did.

Just kinda curious what other people would do with the same set of tools. THAT'S interesting to me, sorry if it bugs ya.

One of the best interviews I read was a story about some great guitar player asking Eddie Van Halen what it was about his guitar that got that uniuq sound...Eddie handed it to him and said, "here, play."

it sounded like the guitar player who asked.

Eddie took it back and played, guess what?

You get the point, which is made endlessly here... so either this forum is about information or entertianment, sometimes both.

I was simply curious what someone ELSE would choose from what I have.

I love your brain Fletcher, I even love the dark-side acerbic wit, but take a happy pill sometimes, please.

-a

[Brad McGowan]

To those of you using compressors while tracking dirty electric guitars...what are you hoping the compressor will give the sound? Is it just for euphonic tone a specific compressor might impart even if it's not compressing? What kind of attack/release do you typically find yourself using? I'm still trying to get my head around the idea of using compressors on distorted guitars.

thanks,
Brad

[Dirty Halo]

This is just me, but for the brit rock dist thing, I like the darker tone that I can get with an LA4....or even something very ood like an old DBC 117/118 or 119...then the Fatso can give it some harmonic info that helps it pop out...and/or I also like to squeeze them with heavier cmpressors so they have the power and energy, but don't seem to take up as much room in the mix.

Hey, even the Alam Smart C2 has made an appearance, just a dash and it gives them a sparkle.

That's just me though.

Anyone else? I thought that was a great question and would love to hear other's thoughts on it.

-andrews

DIRTY HALO www.dirtyhalo.com

[indie]

Originally Posted by Brad McGowan

To those of you using compressors while tracking dirty electric guitars...what are you hoping the compressor will give the sound? Is it just for euphonic tone a specific compressor might impart even if it's not compressing? What kind of attack/release do you typically find yourself using? I'm still trying to get my head around the idea of using compressors on distorted guitars.

thanks,
Brad

For me, if I use a compressor on distorted gtrs, its an 1176 with the needle barely moving..if at all!! Used for euphonic love. Or Distressor with the dist lights on, with it barely lighting up...That's if I played the gtrs...if someone else played, and it's not right, I'll do anything to make it work. TG1 too!

[whitepapagold]

Originally Posted by Fletcher

The one that gets the sound you're looking for... try them all, pick the one that's best. I know it's a drag to actually spend time experimenting with the tools instead of trying to follow what some annonymous person might suggest on the internet... but what the hell... give a couple minutes to the idea of maybe trying to serve the music or something silly like that.

Peace.

Sometimes I think you have this response pasted permanently on the clipboard(maybe 5 or 6 variations thereof).... though its true in a perfect world.

[Dirty Halo]

Originally Posted by whitepapagold

Sometimes I think you have this response pasted permanently on the clipboard(maybe 5 or 6 variations thereof).... though its true in a perfect world.

Me or Fletcher?

-a

[Aearth]

Distressor works for me.

Nick

[prismtheory]

Neve 33609 do it........do it


-C

[RoundBadge]

Originally Posted by indie

For me, if I use a compressor on distorted gtrs, its an 1176 with the needle barely moving..if at all!! Used for euphonic love.

Me too sometimes..but it really is program dependent..

but really ,nothing beats a little tape compression and a good playerthumbsup

[indie]

Originally Posted by RoundBadge

Me too sometimes..but it really is program dependent..

but really ,nothing beats a little tape compression and a good playerthumbsup

That's so true, the player is everything. And tape IS king for gtr.......and drums...and bass...and strings..and...

[Jim Williams]

Nothing destroys the quality of a great overdrive guitar sound than a compressor.

Look at the track, does it move that much? No, it doesn't move at all.

Compressors are the vampires of audio, they suck the life out of the sound.

Yes, you can use that quote.

Clean guitars with some dynamic movement is another question, love my Aphex Expressors and Ashley SC-55 for that stuff.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

[Brad McGowan]

For the Distressor lovers: are you just lighting up the distortion LED in Dist3 or are you actually seeing some gain reduction?

The last time I tried to compress during tracking with my Distressor I totally botched up the guitar sound.

Jim, What is it you like about the Aphex and Ashley on clean electrics?

thanks,
Brad

[Jim Williams]

Originally Posted by Brad McGowan

For the Distressor lovers: are you just lighting up the distortion LED in Dist3 or are you actually seeing some gain reduction?

The last time I tried to compress during tracking with my Distressor I totally botched up the guitar sound.

Jim, What is it you like about the Aphex and Ashley on clean electrics?

thanks,
Brad

Yep, if in doubt, save the comps for mixing.

That Ashley is spanking clean, as is the Expressors. I have a custom Tele 12 string with special low impedance pickups Semour Duncan wound for me in 1979. It goes to 32k hz. Harmonics from heaven and very quick attack. I use these to even out stuff like that and the goal is to not lose any details when switched in, just like with the acoustics.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

[Dirty Halo]

Originally Posted by Sounds Great

A (valve) distorted rock guitar already has a compressed sound coming out of the speaker. Is additional compression really needed?

Yep, distortion is compressed, my question (or re-tooled questio) was more of tone and vibe...then possuible slight squeeze for mix room.

For example, doesn't your guitar tracks take on a different vibe through an old LA4?

-a

[Dissdnt_penguin]

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

Nothing destroys the quality of a great overdrive guitar sound than a compressor.

Look at the track, does it move that much? No, it doesn't move at all.

Compressors are the vampires of audio, they suck the life out of the sound.

What if I only want compressor to reduce attack? I've got this cheap korean Ibanez (Changed all electronics) that weeps like a real lady compared to the japanese made, but attack barks like a dog. I've fooled around with compressors on it (DBX160, 128, ashly sc50 blue [Thanks for the heads-up Jim]), and although they choke the tracks a little bit, more often than not I like results better than what I get with an uncompressed japanese Ibanez or Les Paul. I've been thinking about getting an old dynacomp or an analogman's Ross/Orange juicer clone and use it before overdriving, but maybe I could put that money to better use.

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

Yes, you can use that quote.

Jejeje, it might become my next signature !!

Thanks !
DP

[whitepapagold]

Originally Posted by Jim Williams

Nothing destroys the quality of a great overdrive guitar sound than a compressor.

Look at the track, does it move that much? No, it doesn't move at all.

Compressors are the vampires of audio, they suck the life out of the sound.

Yes, you can use that quote.

Clean guitars with some dynamic movement is another question, love my Aphex Expressors and Ashley SC-55 for that stuff.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

Wow. I LOVE comps prior to overdrive!!! Not that you don't know your stuff, Jim!thumbsup But I have to personally disagree- I LOVE a wall of immobile tone. But I think its a preference thing. I can't argue that a comp strangles the tone!!!

[whitepapagold]

Originally Posted by Dirty Halo

Me or Fletcher?

-a

Fletcher. King of the "try it for yourself" response. Which no matter how true, isn't always feasible! Its just funny to see the same post over and over... Though for Fletcher, you could replace funny with frustrating! No offense to anyone!

[tradarama]

Anyone try that on hard guitars?

[retropete]

I love the LA 4 on slower, bluesy leads.

The Distressor I've used the Distortion with very little compression to get a little hair.

[jsvalmont]

I have to agree with Jim on this subject. Why would you need additional compression on distorted guitars? Guitar overdrive has a natural compression that is almost like a limiter flattening out the signal, I can't see much reason to want to compress it more.

[oceantracks]

Originally Posted by allencollins

I think they used tape compression back then.
But if you must use outboard compression the most
transparaent is the best for Classic dist gtrs.....
the current 'squash' sound makes gtrs sound cheeeeeeeeeeeezy
and like cardboard (think nickelback and Pearl Jam)

Yeah, right, and you're the same guy who said nothing good sounding was ever recorded at ABBEY ROAD, for God's sake.

FYI, they've used compressors on guitars forever, not just tape compression.

Regarding transparency, and this is just ONE example of many...
Listen to the beginning of "I CAN SEE FOR MILES" by The Who...

WE DON'T NEED NO STEENKING "Transparent" COMPRESSOR on ROCK guitars.

TH