With both a blend knob and adjustable makeup gain, it makes sense to have overall level too actually. Usually makeup gain will be before the blend knob, and level after. This allows you to balance the levels between the compressed and clean signal so the volume stays somewhat consistent when changing the blend. But yeah, if the blend-knob isnt being used or always left in the same place, it is kinda redundant.
If the "Make up" does what they say it does, then it will also only increase the volume for the part of the signal where the compression has kicked in (i.e. above the threshold) and until it is released. If that is the case, then the curve shape is modified, and not just its level.
@@peterklett7716 that would mean that adding makeup gain would reduce the amount of compression, and adding more makeup gain than you have compression would actually expand the signal instead of compressing it. I have never used a compressor that acted like that, can you give an example of how would that be useful in practice? I might be missing something, but i dont really see any.
FWIW, I've heard you explain compression in at least 4 other videos over the years since being a subscriber and every time I love it bro. You're really getting good at bringing more complex things to something everyone can understand. Thanks bro.
Thank you for the plain language explanation of compression parameters. It’s always been a little mysterious understanding how each one affects the waveform and behavior of the signal. I feel like a waveform comparison example to go with each parameter would be the ultimate. Now all we need is a translation table between what all the different manufacturers named these parameters. 😂
On top of your great presentation of pedals, a significant reason I watch your videos is to see what awesome shirt you’ll wear next. Your cat shirt is amazing!
This is the first decent video I've seen talking about this pedal. Amazing that Andertons or even Walrus Audio themselves don't link to it. They made an intricate pedal and then left it to whomever would come along and do a decent explanation of it. Well, thank you for doing that! I have one arriving this week actually as they're on some sort of ridiculous promotion at the moment so I got it nice and (very) cheap!
They're discontinuing the pedal so it looks like they're blowing them out. Probably too many people intimidated by words like threshold/ratio etc., that they didn't move enough units.
Oh really? That would explain why I paid £100 less than RRP. I figured it was a Black Friday thing. That's such a shame to hear because now I've had it a few days and had time to play with it, and it's a fantastic pedal. Such great control, and none of the awful squashed tone you get from something like the Keeley Compressor (well, unless you REALLY push it). Oh well, I'm glad I got one while I could. It's my third, but now final compressor.
@@StormofCrows Yeah, Walrus only displays the pedal on their discontinued page. They were £103 a week ago in the states and I just picked one up for £83
@@StormofCrowsI might buy this for $116.95 right now. Just wondering if it stays quiet at subtle settings? I don’t use the really squashed tone and I know compressor’s tend to really raise the noise floor with the chicken pickin settings. The quietest one I’ve tried so far was the bends from fender. But it got so warm the glue on the rubber feet melted and made a mess on the bottom of the pedal. That was using it in an air conditioned room too. Anyway, sorry to ramble. Any information you can share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Omg thanks so much, you're the first person who gets it and uses this thing without trying to sound like a chicken 100% of the time. Holy friggen grandmother of Jesus i can't believe I had to go through a thousand videos to find someone who's able to turn down attack AND release at the same time. Thank you so much 🙏 🤘🏽🤘🏽 Oh and great shirt! 🖤 nice guitar & studio too ☺️
Thanks for the detailed explanation for compression, its always pretty vague when you cant feel whats going on, and compression seems like an effect that is heavy on the "feel" aspect.
An optical compressor uses a light source to control the level of compression (usually an LED). Open it up and see if there's a LED bulb or something similar inside. Optical compression has a unique character quite different to a FET or tube/valve compressor
I've been looking at getting a new top-mounted compressor. This caught attention, but I'm not sure about losing some of that brightness. I might be better off with the Wampler Ego.
Nice explaining how a compressor works. I agree that the level knob is not necessary. But I see it as a convenience thing. You dial in the sound you like with a mix of compressed and clean signal. Then for reference your turn the pedal off and - of course - you'll notice what you just dialed in is way to loud. Now you could carefully dial back makeup-gain and adjust the mix accordingly, or just turn down the master level.
Very good and comprehensive explanation of compression, but I honestly don't understand how anyone could find it complicated. But then again, some people don't even seem to understand the basic controls on their amp, so... 🤷
i am going to guess "Level" is input gain. i know i know enough, but it's where i am running it in the chain that has me going for it ...most simple compressor pedals Have To go early in the chain. anywhere else, and your spending more for parallel and such options, just to make it work there. not that the Mira is expensive for what it is....that's a good deal, and i would encourage people to lean complex compression if they want their compressor further down the chain.
Leslie brought in a positive contribution, that's rare. She might use those two words more often in the future to counter your enthousiasm! But I suspect you both agree with the endeering symbiosis ;-) Can you tell me in what way this pedal is different from Walrus Deep Six?
Awesome shit. Now, not only can I properly visualize compression thanks to your explanation, I'm pretty damn sure I can harpoon those rabid whale seals when the wind is blowing hard from the North. You know, the ones that have those beady little eyes that never blink when you're passing by on your way to church. I'm not kidding.
Henning, The Kongpressor ($155 US) that you reviewed five years ago has similar features (optical compression, lots of controls). The Mira is presently $249 US. Is the Mira with the extra $100? What differences do you notice?
The Keyhole graphic is intriguing... maybe it's about peeking into an otherwise mysterious place, where mysterious sounds are occurring muffled through the door... one cannot help but want to peek through the keyhole to discover what's inside ... The Mystery reveaedl through... Compressio? 🤔 😎🤘🎸
I don't get why it has a level as well as a threshold. Did you ever work that out? I assume the level has something to do with gain matching but don't quote me on that.
Level is just the overall volume coming out of the pedal output, same as the level on a drive pedal. Threshold sets the point where the pedal starts compressing your signal, so you play soft, no compression, play hard, it gets compressed - if you adjust the threshold you can have it compress even when you play soft, or at the other extreme, have it so that it will not compress unless you really hit the strings hard.
So ... why in the world would a totally wacky person even start to try grasping the complexity of compression? 🥳 Because Glen is wrong? Because the earth is flat? Because he lives in Hessen and drinks Lahn water? idnkaa. ... funny things just happen 👻
Finally an explanation of how compressors work that I actually understand! Thanks a lot, Henning! 🤘
Love the great denglish explanation of how compression works. Thanks Henning!
This is the clearest explanation of compression I’ve seen.
With both a blend knob and adjustable makeup gain, it makes sense to have overall level too actually. Usually makeup gain will be before the blend knob, and level after. This allows you to balance the levels between the compressed and clean signal so the volume stays somewhat consistent when changing the blend. But yeah, if the blend-knob isnt being used or always left in the same place, it is kinda redundant.
If the "Make up" does what they say it does, then it will also only increase the volume for the part of the signal where the compression has kicked in (i.e. above the threshold) and until it is released. If that is the case, then the curve shape is modified, and not just its level.
@@peterklett7716 that would mean that adding makeup gain would reduce the amount of compression, and adding more makeup gain than you have compression would actually expand the signal instead of compressing it. I have never used a compressor that acted like that, can you give an example of how would that be useful in practice? I might be missing something, but i dont really see any.
FWIW, I've heard you explain compression in at least 4 other videos over the years since being a subscriber and every time I love it bro.
You're really getting good at bringing more complex things to something everyone can understand. Thanks bro.
Great video on using the MIRA Compressor! Thanks so much, Henning. Best regards from Canada.
And now we're here!!!!! These slideshow takes are getting better and better!!!
Thank you for the plain language explanation of compression parameters. It’s always been a little mysterious understanding how each one affects the waveform and behavior of the signal. I feel like a waveform comparison example to go with each parameter would be the ultimate.
Now all we need is a translation table between what all the different manufacturers named these parameters. 😂
On top of your great presentation of pedals, a significant reason I watch your videos is to see what awesome shirt you’ll wear next. Your cat shirt is amazing!
Great control set for a pedal! Great video as usual. Cheers from Canaduh!
Best explanation I've heard. Well done Sir!
I have a few Walrus pedals and all of them are excellent.
Keyhole & rapture images..."...'cause...boo." LOVED it. Nice explanation of compression.
This is the first decent video I've seen talking about this pedal. Amazing that Andertons or even Walrus Audio themselves don't link to it. They made an intricate pedal and then left it to whomever would come along and do a decent explanation of it. Well, thank you for doing that! I have one arriving this week actually as they're on some sort of ridiculous promotion at the moment so I got it nice and (very) cheap!
They're discontinuing the pedal so it looks like they're blowing them out. Probably too many people intimidated by words like threshold/ratio etc., that they didn't move enough units.
Oh really? That would explain why I paid £100 less than RRP. I figured it was a Black Friday thing. That's such a shame to hear because now I've had it a few days and had time to play with it, and it's a fantastic pedal. Such great control, and none of the awful squashed tone you get from something like the Keeley Compressor (well, unless you REALLY push it). Oh well, I'm glad I got one while I could. It's my third, but now final compressor.
@@StormofCrows Yeah, Walrus only displays the pedal on their discontinued page. They were £103 a week ago in the states and I just picked one up for £83
@@StormofCrowsI might buy this for $116.95 right now. Just wondering if it stays quiet at subtle settings? I don’t use the really squashed tone and I know compressor’s tend to really raise the noise floor with the chicken pickin settings. The quietest one I’ve tried so far was the bends from fender. But it got so warm the glue on the rubber feet melted and made a mess on the bottom of the pedal. That was using it in an air conditioned room too. Anyway, sorry to ramble. Any information you can share would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Discovered your channel 3 days ago. The infos are amazing and I really, really love your humor! Schöne Grüße aus Österreich :)
danke Alex!
Omg thanks so much, you're the first person who gets it and uses this thing without trying to sound like a chicken 100% of the time. Holy friggen grandmother of Jesus i can't believe I had to go through a thousand videos to find someone who's able to turn down attack AND release at the same time.
Thank you so much 🙏
🤘🏽🤘🏽
Oh and great shirt! 🖤 nice guitar & studio too ☺️
I like that you also know how to have fun. ❤️ I was hoping you were going to send the bass through it though.
Thanks for the detailed explanation for compression, its always pretty vague when you cant feel whats going on, and compression seems like an effect that is heavy on the "feel" aspect.
This video is even better that the one you did for the Carl Martin compressor. Thanks again
6:00 😂😂. Hahaha Nice explanation on the compressors! I liked the detailed video.
I’m hard knees on my comps.
Awesome sidechaining, o how I love the power of ducking to make something really stand out proud above a mix
An optical compressor uses a light source to control the level of compression (usually an LED). Open it up and see if there's a LED bulb or something similar inside. Optical compression has a unique character quite different to a FET or tube/valve compressor
"How about you go get a cup of coffee, and..." Wonderful idea! I'll do that. 😀
Great demo H, thanks for no baffling me with science bud. 👍🥃Respect to you mate.
Great an easy explanaation of compressors. You shold make a video tutorial on mixing a complete song
Alles gut mein Herr. Viel danke
I've been looking at getting a new top-mounted compressor. This caught attention, but I'm not sure about losing some of that brightness. I might be better off with the Wampler Ego.
Nice explaining how a compressor works.
I agree that the level knob is not necessary. But I see it as a convenience thing. You dial in the sound you like with a mix of compressed and clean signal. Then for reference your turn the pedal off and - of course - you'll notice what you just dialed in is way to loud. Now you could carefully dial back makeup-gain and adjust the mix accordingly, or just turn down the master level.
The level knob controls how much of your signal you're sending to the compressor, very handy.
Doesn't a "High pass" cut the lows and let the highs through?
The Hi Pass filter is set at 120Hz.
Very good and comprehensive explanation of compression, but I honestly don't understand how anyone could find it complicated. But then again, some people don't even seem to understand the basic controls on their amp, so... 🤷
Hey there Henning! Is this the best optical compressor pedal right now?
no idea!
@@EytschPi42 say wuhhh. You heard em all !
i am going to guess "Level" is input gain.
i know i know enough, but it's where i am running it in the chain that has me going for it ...most simple compressor pedals Have To go early in the chain.
anywhere else, and your spending more for parallel and such options, just to make it work there.
not that the Mira is expensive for what it is....that's a good deal, and i would encourage people to lean complex compression if they want their compressor further down the chain.
Leslie brought in a positive contribution, that's rare.
She might use those two words more often in the future to counter your enthousiasm!
But I suspect you both agree with the endeering symbiosis ;-)
Can you tell me in what way this pedal is different from Walrus Deep Six?
Henning, curious cats want to know what pedals are on the demo table right now?
a few
Awesome shit. Now, not only can I properly visualize compression thanks to your explanation, I'm pretty damn sure I can harpoon those rabid whale seals when the wind is blowing hard from the North. You know, the ones that have those beady little eyes that never blink when you're passing by on your way to church. I'm not kidding.
Henning,
The Kongpressor ($155 US) that you reviewed five years ago has similar features (optical compression, lots of controls). The Mira is presently $249 US. Is the Mira with the extra $100? What differences do you notice?
No clue...if the Kongpressor works for you, get it!
The Keyhole graphic is intriguing... maybe it's about peeking into an otherwise mysterious place, where mysterious sounds are occurring muffled through the door... one cannot help but want to peek through the keyhole to discover what's inside ... The Mystery reveaedl through... Compressio? 🤔 😎🤘🎸
5 Stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I don't get why it has a level as well as a threshold. Did you ever work that out? I assume the level has something to do with gain matching but don't quote me on that.
Level is just the overall volume coming out of the pedal output, same as the level on a drive pedal. Threshold sets the point where the pedal starts compressing your signal, so you play soft, no compression, play hard, it gets compressed - if you adjust the threshold you can have it compress even when you play soft, or at the other extreme, have it so that it will not compress unless you really hit the strings hard.
This compressor rises like the dead souls heading upstairs... Just like the music. Weiter!
Stick a noise gate pedal after it and you'll be golden 😃
I wish it had a tone control.
Put a tone knob on and it would be perfect. Bummer walrus
"Loudernessers" 😁
a concrete duck on a pool of soup
Its 290€ UGH! Not for my poor wallet.
Great video anyway!
Nikki Lauda?
Ha ha
So ... why in the world would a totally wacky person even start to try grasping the complexity of compression? 🥳
Because Glen is wrong? Because the earth is flat? Because he lives in Hessen and drinks Lahn water? idnkaa. ... funny things just happen 👻
My god! This was the WORST threshold and ratio explanation I've ever heard in my whole life!
thanks!