A healthy guy like Mick should like being called thick. It’s clearly not a reference to his waist. OFC, saying one is thick can be an insult (ie-thick skulled). It’s like a pet name you might give to a politician whose policies you disagree with. In a musical context it’s great, and the ladies like a good “Thick Mick Lick” as well. You could say that episode after episode he consistently gives us a good “thick Micking.”
Alternate click bait title: So You Bought a Compressor Because It Seemed Like A Reasonable Thing For a Guitarist To Do and Now You Would Like To Know Exactly What The Hell You’re Supposed to Do With One. Too wordy?
Sometimes I forget there's a TPS every Friday, and when I get home from a crappy day and instinctively open up TH-cam, it always puts me in a great mood to discover it. Thanks for everything you do guys, it's a real lift to many of us.
Seriously - Mick and Dan are 2 of the best players around - so graceful and gifted. The subtlety and layers of delicacy in their picking, melodies etc is just breathtaking.
Good show guys! I bought a Keeley Aria a while back after you guys demoed it. I was putting together a pedal board for my new band- a alt country, folk rock thing. That pedal is magic. I am def a "general thickener" type. I leave the Aria comp on all the time- set to just give my guitar a "little extra" - and boy- that one pedal (with the tone knob up a smidge) does more for my guitar than anything else. I find it also helps one switch guitars- humbuckers too dull?- dial up the tone knob a smidge, singlecoils lacking sustain after you get used to the sound of your humbuckers? - just dial up a bit more sustain. Perfect. You guys did an "always on" show a while ago- the Aria is it for me- so good!
I know Nile. Super cool & down-to-earth guy. Knows Crazy-Music Theory. I have taken his recording classes, & have gone clubbing & hung-out with him in NYC. "He got da Funk" - One of the Best R&B Guitar players & Songwriters on the planet = The Hitmaker !!!
I couldn't figure out compression for the longest time. Just picked up a Pigtronix Micro Germanium Philosopher's Tone and wow... love it. It is exactly what I was looking for to go with my new amp. Love the natural sound of the amp, and the compressor gives me that plus more, without coloring the sound too much at all.
The compressor 101 video that you mention around 3:05 was the first TPS video I ever watched! I've seen every one since. Thanks for all the content, guys!
Mick 'Pinot Noir Palladino' on bass! I almost dusted off my robot dance moves with the Nile Rogers chops early on...good thing you stopped when you did! Good Show guys!
Loved the discussion on the Niles Rogers direct tones! Could you guys do an episode on how to get great “direct into the console” tones using pedals? Could cover everything from Zeppelin to Niles to Prince. I’m sure there are some great preamps and compressors that would get you there!
Thanks gents! Hearing about the various parameters around 6:00 was enlightening. As a suggestion, having a white board to draw up the bits you draw in the air would be supremely useful to demonstrate the impact on the signal. Even just a little hand held one stuck to the stool you can whip out would be great.
I have a feeling the real name of this episode should be “Mick tries to find a compressor he might like”. Either way, love the episode as always, great work gentlemen.
When I saw this week's video was about compressors I was SO happy! I've been interested in compressors for a while but didn't really know how to use them. Thanks for showing me the ways of the force D&M!
Compressor, disco lights, and a bass. Get out my platform shoes, huge 70s collar, and plenty of polyester! Great show guys. Always a reminder of how versatile a simple thing like compression can give that extra ‘something’. Cheers.
Talking about using something you wouldn't expect to use as a boost, I've recently been using an Effectrode Tube Vibe in the vibrato setting, no vibrato volume up. Best clean boost I've ever owned! 12ay7 in v1, two 12at7s after. Awesome! Great episode today chaps
Best bit was the bass section at the end! War of the world's bass-line Horsell Common and the heat ray!!!! Followed by some mighty jazzy blues bass. AWESOME :-)
What a lovely show - this recording is well before I'd heard of Mssr.s D&M, yet their schtick is still the bollocks: so earnest, so keen; so transparent; so human. My Black Finger has little-to-none of the pot titles mentioned, however I'm once again inspired to fiddle about with both the controls and the series. Schwang :)
I keep hearing people say that. But I've never been able to hear or feel it that way. Useless pedal in my opinion. Particularly since they are so ridiculously expensive.
@@hammill444 then dont think of it that way then if it doesn't feel that way to you. To me, it is my "give me another bar of this note I'm holding without changing the sound of my overdrive" button, placed first in my chain after the wah. How anybody could live without a free extra bar of sustain button that sounds natural upon engagement instead of "oh he kicked on a pedal"...beats me
It’s really interesting that a compressor for me at least is an effect of feel rather than anything you actually hear. I use a 5-knob Ross-style pedal with blend. I always set it up so that when I twist the knobs it sounds almost like it’s off. But it feels a whole lot different than with the pedal off. Plus, it’s a blessing at low volumes. The amp sounds like it’s louder. Another thing is that I run my comp after the dirt. The good thing in this is that into my one-channel amp, the always-on reverb at the end of the chain will not get too overwhelming if I run my overdrives really hot. Kind of a limiter in this use, I guess. Of course, when using it like this you lose some of the fun with overdrives. Whenever I run the amp loud I don’t feel a need to use a comp as often. This leads to the fact that almost all gain pedals need to be set up in this scenario a bit differently. But that’s the nature of the game.
I have 6 compressors and have sold 2 or 3 others. I recently bought the Fat General. Everything you said is spot on about it.I will still keep 5 of my other favs as they work uniquely to solve problems as you have mentioned. The Seymour Duncan Vice Grip has a 20:1 ratio. It is killer for players using dirt pedals that want a 'wall of sound' for very, very long sustained power chords.
@1.08:30 YES" That riff is from War of the Worlds by Jeff Wayne! That's awesome! :) Great episode, as well! Cool that you mentioned the Barber Tone Press. That's been my go-to compressor for many years.
Compressor is an always on thing for me I thought I knew what I needed to know you dudes smashed my illusion and a BIG THANKS for that. I am going have watch this a few times......like button smashed!!
Some love for the Keeley Aria at the start using both the drive and comp sides. I’ve been using mine against a mid gain Marshall to give it a boost. It’s good!
You guys did a really good job recording the sound of compressors. It's very hard to demonstrate the sound, because it's more of a feel thing. Well done.
Great job describing all the uses of compression. I will say it's one of those things that you kind of need to be in the room to understand or at the very least be playing it yourself. Even with y'alls wonderful audio production and headphones, it's still a little hard to grasp. It did peak my interest however, so mission accomplished guys! Awesome work as usual.
Thank for going over. Compression can be such a boring topic to listen to, especially since you guys were getting technical about it. But once you actually start playing with it yourself, it just make all the difference in the world. You guys first introduced me to this and my life has never been the same. I can't believe I used to play without it. Once the modulation came in, my attention when back to the video from what I was doing lol.
Been a happy Effectrode PC-2A user for a few years but always wished it had a slightly slower attack....managed to completely miss the fact that it has an internal trim for that! Slowed the attack down....now absolutely perfect! Thanks folks :-)
13:37 "Oh no - I had some great country lyrics..." - my all time favourite "country" lyrics (from Harry Nilsson's "Son of Schmilsson" [classic!] album): Now Joy to the world Was a beautiful girl But to me, Joy meant only sorrow. Now that, gentlemen, is poetry.
Great stuff, guys. I am currently shopping for a compressor, and now I have some better questions to ask, thanks for that. The bass loop was just great, too. The only thing else I could have asked for was Dan picking up his Jazzmaster to join in at the end and make it a true Funkadelic Friday. Cheers! Oh, and if you guys do go to live stream VCQ, I truly hope you can still read all the comments. I am about 5 hours behind you, and I can't watch until you are either in bed or in a bar. Hard to watch or listen with power saws and air compressors running, and it would suck to feel left out. The ways you guys involve and interact with your viewers is just awesome. It makes you the best show on youtube.
Boss cs3 is my always on pedal. It evens out frequencies and gives some more sustain. It is 2nd after tuner and before the il torino. I absolutely love it
I finally pulled the trigger on a Cali 76 couple of months ago. First heard one on this show and wanted one for ages (but dang they’re expensive). Tried a couple of other highly recommended and while they were pretty good the Cali is just fabulous especially for articulate clean playing and for making your solos sing. I’m a pos 4/5 strat player that likes clean/edge of clean mostly with OD for many solos of course. At home the compressor helps my amp sing at lower volumes. Thanks guys for making me sound so much better. Family still doesn’t listen lol but it makes me feel better when Chris Bucks wife closes the door on him. 😂
I know that You guys are not "that kind of players", so im not saying that you forgot, but... Compressor (with fast attack) in front of drive (especially distortion, but not only) makes legato super much easier, alot of compression, with blend 75-100% and compression from 60 to 100%. And i mean Allan Holdsworth style legato. The notes almost just play themselves... :D I used it for years for this purpose.
@@lucaszembrzuski ah crap the mxr doesnt have attack, it mixes attack, release and a couple other minor things into one knob. its such a vintage pedal though thats highly reccomended and quite a bit cheaper so i think i'm gonna go for it
I asked you about an update on comps awhile back and you said you had something in the works, but I never thought it would be this good an update. Definetly one of my favorite TPS episodes ever. I've always been a fan of comps and this was absolutely stellar. Much respect and appreciation. Cheers
A very interesting and informative edition. Hopefully I can start adjusting my compressor with a bit more wisdom now, although I suspect I will end up changing to a different one.
Yes! So glad to hear some country tones!!!! Mick's Strat sounds killer compressed! I need those pickups in my Strat. Dan, where is Red? I have to say though, that blonde Tele with the Topanga and compression reminded me of Danny Gatton.
Great stuff, thanks again guys for the very informative vids... On a side note, i was trying to figure out where Mick keeps his pick when he goes to finger style playing...absolutely love his style ....some great country riffs as well...got be inspired to try my best Buck Owens and Roy Clark impersonations! ;)
if you guys ever look more at cheaper pedals then I highly recommend the Mooer Yellow. great always-on pedal that is fairly subtle as a compressor but which really thickens up your sound. also very quiet
Hello Mick! Fantastic little country lick from 14:08 to 14:15. I’m going to try and steal it 😊. VCQ: Can you point me to a good instructional resource to help raise my chicken ‘n biscuits, county-fried chicken-picking licks? I especially love those open string runs. Hello Dan too!
Hi Dan and Mick, Excellent Show 👍👍👍. Great ways to use a Compressor, Thank you! I enjoyed the Bass Segment, Laughed with the "Sometime Later" on the screen,, just Brilliant. Take care ♥️👍. Melbourne, Australia.
Sweet bends in the intro Mick! I love compression and for decades it has been an “always on” pedal for me. For the past year or so I have been using the Keeley Aria so was glad to see that on the board. My favorite rhythm sound is probably the tightly compressed sound Bryan Adams gets on Reckless - particularly on Run To You. That Strat thru a Vox sound is something I’m always aiming for with a little “squash” on it to make it tight. Great show as usual lads!
Just use Lyon by Washburn LL15 made in China so cheap to buy if you can find one. Sounds exactly like the Reckless album. I bought one to sell at the car boot ended up keeping it because it's that classic 80s Adams sound!
Finally found the right compressor for me. A Mooer Yellow Comp. Got it yesterday at my local music store. After years struggling with compressors, I learned that optical compressors are right for me.
I had a dyna comp, it was a box script one, it was my first dabble. I had a lot of fun with it at first, but then I quickly fell out of resonance with it. It was just such a punch in the face on the front like you guys very clearly demoed. Im looking for something less obvious, and more refined. As always leave it to TPS! Steller vid!
Long time fan here. Lots of channels do second channels with their longer content cut down into short form, well-titled, easy to digest clips. I often find myself watching a ton of these shorter videos when I don't have time to watch full hour+ podcasts and shows.
The excitement I got from thinking ‘my god they are lighting up the dials so we an see how and what they are dialling in!!!! Flip yeah’ to the slump of realising it was the way the lighting of the room hit the Cali comp was a real roller coaster and one I couldn’t take on a regular basis
I recently remembered how That Pedal Show was when it started (also watched an old vid). Mick would always take the role of "I know nothing and don't understand this stuff, so would you please explain this in simply understandable terms". After asking, it apparently was also partly honest like a guitar clinic interview thing. This episode brought back those memories, I don't know how long it's been since Mick last time started with something like "I honestly don't know". I suppose you guys have also learned a lot since the beginning :) It feels like these days the only things Mick really just lifts his hands up is those unnecessarily complex digital systems with endless menus. And compression. And even that said, I recall Mick really studied that one Boss system or whatever it was to be able to use it to demonstrate its features. Long way mates, long way. Now Mick playing slide guitar with compressor sounding very low, I wonder if Joey Landreth made a huge impression... And I can't even list all the things I've learned here and how much it has expanded my possibilities with sound. I used to be straight into overdrive channel with integrated reverb guy, but now I have a small pile of pedals, looking to grow it and they are amazing tools. Compression is still that thing that I just don't know how to use properly and don't have any feel for. I've tried using some plugins with more parameters to dial it in slightyl, but it's always either: don't hear any difference or: too much, sounds silly. Like "I don't hear the quiet notes too well, I don't hear the quiet notes too well... and now it's twangy country because the loud notes get squashed...". Especially the part about using attack and release. I understand what they do, but I have no idea how to actually dial them in and what kind of applications there are for different releases for example, when do you hear the difference in release? So I'm really happy about this episode! Maybe you could have an episode like this about flanger (despite the few already existing flanger vids) too! It's an effect I'd like to learn to use subtly and in context. Watching Dan love it so much I'd love to understand it so that it doesn't sound like a coke bottle effect. After watching the episode I was left with one more question: what kind of compressor (brand, model) would you use for different applications, what do you require for which. Because there are simple ones and ones with a lot of controls, apparently the similar ones also sound different and different application probably needs different things. Like overdrives are plenty and for different uses, but how to compare them. With overdrive you can quickly judge the amount of gain and the character, be it tubescreamery, distortion, boost, klon etc. The controls are usually just extra adjustment, but you get an idea what to use it for. What do you listen to in a compressor and so on. I guess the question comes out as confused as the compressor is for a non-educated. The JHS pedal was really nice, it was the first one where I went "oooh this is a sound".
Super helpful video guys. I’ve been a fan of optical compressors as both a slight compression and tone enhancement at the start of my chain. Recently upgraded to the Union Tube & Transistor Lab compressor, which is based on the LA-2A, LA-3, and LA-4 studio compressors. Super sweet pedal. Again, great job on this one guys!
nice video thanks tps. Now I need to go and buy a comp pedal! I've been wanting to ask this for a while, but guys, I really really loved the OCD pedal that you used on the show before. I want to get one used but found out that there are so many versions of them. I can't go out and buy all of them for comparison but I wonder if you guys can bring them on the show! I really enjoyed the in-depth video on the RAT pedal. Can we get a in-depth show on other pedals? like OCD or Klon clones! from very cheap to original vintage! Thanks and Hi from Korea!
Great show guys! Now I don't feel like an oddball with 2 compressors on my pedal board. I have a Bogner Harlow at the front of the chain and a Pigtronix Philosophers Tone after my drive pedals and before my modulation and delays.
Another great show guys! In all the things you have discussed that impacts your sound, you have touched on the number of speakers 1x12 vs 2x12 vs 4x12, but how would different speakers in you amps/cabs impact things? How would an alnico blueback impact a tubescreamer sound compared to a greenback? Or a creamback with higher wattage? What about Jensen speakers (classic fender)? What do you all prefer for speakers, all the same or mix and match? Keep up the awesome work!
Mick, Dan. I've been on a quest for compressors for quite awhile now. Even after viewing all of your episodes on them, reading about the various compression types and such, it is simply amazing to realize just how much is going on in these things. They are incredibly complex in the whole context of what they do with sound. I like several for various different reasons but one in particular is the newer Cali stacked 1176. It is quite good in a number of areas but after watching it in action for countless videos now, I've noticed that it has a serious noisy "floor", at least in some settings. Up till now I simply could not understand how such a well revered pedal could be designed to be so frustratingly noisy. Today I think I may have finally solved it. Pre 18:00 minute mark it sounded great, post 18:00 it had that ridiculous noise floor I mentioned. I may be incorrect here but it appeared that the noise really kicked in when you increased the mix knob? If that is indeed what's going on, then it would appear that one needs to be mindful of not increasing the mix beyond the point where the noise floor kicks in. Of course, why have a mix knob with dual compressors if they're going to create that cracking' noise??? For electric guitar in a band setting maybe it's not as big a deal, but for solo work, or definitely for acoustic guitar, the Cali 1176 stacked simply would not be acceptable. I have read and heard a lot of videos on the Keeley Compressor Pro, and it is fantastic in what it can do (including vocals too). The only thing I wish it had was the dry/wet mix knob that so many other compressors have these days. I was hoping you would have the Keeley in your show today but I was wondering if you had any comments and/or advice for this electric and acoustic player out here?
Mick here. If you increase the compressor level you also increase whatever noise is in your signal chain. I think it happens in most compressors but maybe there’s something unique to the 1176 FET style!? The Keeley Comp Pro is indeed awesome.... but it really depends how and where you’re using it. I didn’t know it before but for guitar my fave is definitely the LA-2A style. The Effectrode is exceptional and I’ve been playing a Union Tube & Transistor just recently too. And the Thorpy one is ace here too. Dan is more of a compressor person than me though. At proper volume I think it almost always sounds worse with a compressor!
@@ThatPedalShow agreed, increasing the level increases the noise, it just seems that the Cali has no noise up to a point and then all of a sudden jumps to the "oh sh@t" mode! I did like that LA-2A style from Electrode, really smooth and sweet, although I'm not sure it would go transparent enough for acoustic (fingerstyle and such)??
Interesting, thanks so much for the feedback Mick, well I guess I'm down to the Keeley Compressor Pro, the Cali 1176 stacked and now the Electrode PC-2A. If I want/need two compressor and or the wet/dry mix knob, it's the Cali. Then again perhaps it's just a "can't go wrong thing"? Nice problem to have :-) Thanks again, love your show!
A really good guide to compression, although given the recent offerings from Wampler, Keeley, Strymon, an update would be appreciated. And yes, pedal makers ARE artists. The work of Marcus Reeves is breathtaking!
I have a CS-1, which, being kind, has its own particular thing. Part of that thing is not a lot of sustain, so I occasionally use it with a clean boost slammed into the front.
Have you good fellas tried (I believe you've demoed it but...) the Pettyjohn Crush? Those guys are great! On a side note the Greer Lightspeed may be my new favorite drive....this week! ha ha Thank you lovely dudes for ALL THIS FUN!!!! God Bless you so much!!, Best,FRAN
9.99 cheap ones from Amazon. The worst kind of awful Chinese disposable planet killing crap imaginable. Polar bear killing ice cap melting CO2 emitting environmental disasters. Probably. But they were super cheap.
Love all the Chic stuff. If you were not aware, Niles' keyboard player and studio guy is a regular on my other favorite british youtube show "Sonic Talk Live" Maybe you guys could team up and adres topics around that style of music.
Completely off topic, but you guys are the reason I am driving 7 hrs one way to see Joey Landreth in Nashville on the 25th...... Don't think I will regret it one bit!!
![Beyond The MXR Dyna Comp & Boss CS-3 Compressor [J Rockett Airchild, UA LA-2A, 1176 & Origin Cali76]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/R3z0dFoPwyc/mqdefault.jpg)
There once was a player named Mick,
with many-a-tasty lick,
his latest obsession
is pedal compression
and his tone is
massive and thick!
What a fantastic limerick about Thick Lick Mick
@@grisok I hope Thick Lick Mick sticks.
A healthy guy like Mick should like being called thick. It’s clearly not a reference to his waist. OFC, saying one is thick can be an insult (ie-thick skulled). It’s like a pet name you might give to a politician whose policies you disagree with. In a musical context it’s great, and the ladies like a good “Thick Mick Lick” as well. You could say that episode after episode he consistently gives us a good “thick Micking.”
they call him: Mick Sick Lick
@@mmmichelin1 Rumour has it he's *the* General Fattener
When you've got thick licks and they call you General, you've got everything.
Alternate click bait title: So You Bought a Compressor Because It Seemed Like A Reasonable Thing For a Guitarist To Do and Now You Would Like To Know Exactly What The Hell You’re Supposed to Do With One.
Too wordy?
David Good this title needs some compression
No, describe me cept I'm finding out what it does before I get one
“COMPRESSOR EXPLOXES AND KILLS DAN (GONE WRONG) (COPS CALLED) feat: Brian Wampler”
@@tcarad2 LOL
It’s not wrong lol
Sometimes I forget there's a TPS every Friday, and when I get home from a crappy day and instinctively open up TH-cam, it always puts me in a great mood to discover it. Thanks for everything you do guys, it's a real lift to many of us.
Seriously - Mick and Dan are 2 of the best players around - so graceful and gifted. The subtlety and layers of delicacy in their picking, melodies etc is just breathtaking.
That is incredibly kind Paul, thank you. Humbled and continuing forwards. :0)
Good show guys! I bought a Keeley Aria a while back after you guys demoed it. I was putting together a pedal board for my new band- a alt country, folk rock thing. That pedal is magic. I am def a "general thickener" type. I leave the Aria comp on all the time- set to just give my guitar a "little extra" - and boy- that one pedal (with the tone knob up a smidge) does more for my guitar than anything else. I find it also helps one switch guitars- humbuckers too dull?- dial up the tone knob a smidge, singlecoils lacking sustain after you get used to the sound of your humbuckers? - just dial up a bit more sustain. Perfect. You guys did an "always on" show a while ago- the Aria is it for me- so good!
I know Nile. Super cool & down-to-earth guy. Knows Crazy-Music Theory. I have taken his recording classes, & have gone clubbing & hung-out with him in NYC. "He got da Funk" - One of the Best R&B Guitar players & Songwriters on the planet = The Hitmaker !!!
I couldn't figure out compression for the longest time. Just picked up a Pigtronix Micro Germanium Philosopher's Tone and wow... love it. It is exactly what I was looking for to go with my new amp. Love the natural sound of the amp, and the compressor gives me that plus more, without coloring the sound too much at all.
The compressor 101 video that you mention around 3:05 was the first TPS video I ever watched! I've seen every one since. Thanks for all the content, guys!
Mick 'Pinot Noir Palladino' on bass! I almost dusted off my robot dance moves with the Nile Rogers chops early on...good thing you stopped when you did! Good Show guys!
Loved the discussion on the Niles Rogers direct tones! Could you guys do an episode on how to get great “direct into the console” tones using pedals? Could cover everything from Zeppelin to Niles to Prince. I’m sure there are some great preamps and compressors that would get you there!
Jhs color box my friend!
Thanks gents! Hearing about the various parameters around 6:00 was enlightening. As a suggestion, having a white board to draw up the bits you draw in the air would be supremely useful to demonstrate the impact on the signal. Even just a little hand held one stuck to the stool you can whip out would be great.
I have a feeling the real name of this episode should be “Mick tries to find a compressor he might like”. Either way, love the episode as always, great work gentlemen.
Loved seeing some bass in the this video hope y’all do more with it.
I’d love to see what you guys thing about drives and fuzz on bass
When I saw this week's video was about compressors I was SO happy! I've been interested in compressors for a while but didn't really know how to use them. Thanks for showing me the ways of the force D&M!
Compressor, disco lights, and a bass. Get out my platform shoes, huge 70s collar, and plenty of polyester! Great show guys. Always a reminder of how versatile a simple thing like compression can give that extra ‘something’. Cheers.
mick absolutely killing it with the sounds made in the beginning. my ears thank you
Talking about using something you wouldn't expect to use as a boost, I've recently been using an Effectrode Tube Vibe in the vibrato setting, no vibrato volume up. Best clean boost I've ever owned! 12ay7 in v1, two 12at7s after. Awesome! Great episode today chaps
Never thought of doing that lick at 0:37! Nice! It'll take a bit of work to use it in context.
Best bit was the bass section at the end! War of the world's bass-line Horsell Common and the heat ray!!!! Followed by some mighty jazzy blues bass. AWESOME :-)
Wow, Mick! I'm only 1 min in and I need to restart the video. That was some serene bending you did there! Kudos to all your practice and musical love.
Thanks Tim!
What a lovely show - this recording is well before I'd heard of Mssr.s D&M, yet their schtick is still the bollocks: so earnest, so keen; so transparent; so human. My Black Finger has little-to-none of the pot titles mentioned, however I'm once again inspired to fiddle about with both the controls and the series. Schwang :)
That pure joy in the intro is infectious. That's the stuff. Well done, guys.
"It's the overdrive for your clean sound" :))
yeah baby :)
I keep hearing people say that. But I've never been able to hear or feel it that way. Useless pedal in my opinion. Particularly since they are so ridiculously expensive.
@@hammill444 then dont think of it that way then if it doesn't feel that way to you. To me, it is my "give me another bar of this note I'm holding without changing the sound of my overdrive" button, placed first in my chain after the wah.
How anybody could live without a free extra bar of sustain button that sounds natural upon engagement instead of "oh he kicked on a pedal"...beats me
@Infinite Revery Nope. Sustain isn't everything to everybody.
@@hammill444 you’re not using the right compressor period. Wasn’t a fan until I got a Slide Rig. Anything from Origin Effects is what you want
Thank you Mick. The Palladino line made me spit tea EVERYWHERE!
Through belly laughter of course.
It’s really interesting that a compressor for me at least is an effect of feel rather than anything you actually hear. I use a 5-knob Ross-style pedal with blend. I always set it up so that when I twist the knobs it sounds almost like it’s off. But it feels a whole lot different than with the pedal off. Plus, it’s a blessing at low volumes. The amp sounds like it’s louder.
Another thing is that I run my comp after the dirt. The good thing in this is that into my one-channel amp, the always-on reverb at the end of the chain will not get too overwhelming if I run my overdrives really hot. Kind of a limiter in this use, I guess. Of course, when using it like this you lose some of the fun with overdrives.
Whenever I run the amp loud I don’t feel a need to use a comp as often. This leads to the fact that almost all gain pedals need to be set up in this scenario a bit differently. But that’s the nature of the game.
I have 6 compressors and have sold 2 or 3 others. I recently bought the Fat General. Everything you said is spot on about it.I will still keep 5 of my other favs as they work uniquely to solve problems as you have mentioned. The Seymour Duncan Vice Grip has a 20:1 ratio. It is killer for players using dirt pedals that want a 'wall of sound' for very, very long sustained power chords.
I love my Wampler Ego Compressor. There is lot I don't understand about compression, but I do know it's sounds better when it's on.
There's very little to understand...! Either you understand compression or you don't.
At 15.33 Dan having a sulk over mick being able to honk Nile Rogers . ... Classic
@1.08:30 YES" That riff is from War of the Worlds by Jeff Wayne! That's awesome! :) Great episode, as well! Cool that you mentioned the Barber Tone Press. That's been my go-to compressor for many years.
For a newbie like me, thanks for clearing up what “type” of compressor I like the sound of.. and more importantly how and when to use it. 👍
Compressor is an always on thing for me I thought I knew what I needed to know you dudes smashed my illusion and a BIG THANKS for that. I am going have watch this a few times......like button smashed!!
The Cali is also a superb enhancer if you’re playing a B bender.
Great to see Barber get a brief mention! Their stuff is outstanding.
Just when I thought my mind wasn’t blown enough with modulation and compression, you do it on the bass too 🤯 Game changer for me! Thx for all you do!
Glad to see the bass yes as i play both and you have sparked new ideas thanks
Some love for the Keeley Aria at the start using both the drive and comp sides. I’ve been using mine against a mid gain Marshall to give it a boost. It’s good!
You guys did a really good job recording the sound of compressors. It's very hard to demonstrate the sound, because it's more of a feel thing. Well done.
Luke Hearn Compressors are like perfumes.
@@becosfx less is more...? "How can less be more? Surely more is more!" - I.M.
It is not a feeling. Compression is very concrete - as you may hear in this demonstration.
Great job describing all the uses of compression. I will say it's one of those things that you kind of need to be in the room to understand or at the very least be playing it yourself. Even with y'alls wonderful audio production and headphones, it's still a little hard to grasp. It did peak my interest however, so mission accomplished guys! Awesome work as usual.
Thank for going over. Compression can be such a boring topic to listen to, especially since you guys were getting technical about it. But once you actually start playing with it yourself, it just make all the difference in the world. You guys first introduced me to this and my life has never been the same. I can't believe I used to play without it.
Once the modulation came in, my attention when back to the video from what I was doing lol.
Been a happy Effectrode PC-2A user for a few years but always wished it had a slightly slower attack....managed to completely miss the fact that it has an internal trim for that! Slowed the attack down....now absolutely perfect! Thanks folks :-)
13:37 "Oh no - I had some great country lyrics..." - my all time favourite "country" lyrics (from Harry Nilsson's "Son of Schmilsson" [classic!] album):
Now Joy to the world
Was a beautiful girl
But to me,
Joy meant only sorrow.
Now that, gentlemen, is poetry.
Hands down the best show on TH-cam!!
Great stuff, guys. I am currently shopping for a compressor, and now I have some better questions to ask, thanks for that. The bass loop was just great, too. The only thing else I could have asked for was Dan picking up his Jazzmaster to join in at the end and make it a true Funkadelic Friday. Cheers!
Oh, and if you guys do go to live stream VCQ, I truly hope you can still read all the comments. I am about 5 hours behind you, and I can't watch until you are either in bed or in a bar. Hard to watch or listen with power saws and air compressors running, and it would suck to feel left out. The ways you guys involve and interact with your viewers is just awesome. It makes you the best show on youtube.
Great detailed explanations! Thanks!
You two are the knights who say KNEE!
Sam Popkin +1
Made me lol! Python references fit well on TPS!
Mick, that slide playing was tasty. Especially the bit with the Cali from 55:19
Boss cs3 is my always on pedal. It evens out frequencies and gives some more sustain. It is 2nd after tuner and before the il torino. I absolutely love it
I finally pulled the trigger on a Cali 76 couple of months ago. First heard one on this show and wanted one for ages (but dang they’re expensive). Tried a couple of other highly recommended and while they were pretty good the Cali is just fabulous especially for articulate clean playing and for making your solos sing. I’m a pos 4/5 strat player that likes clean/edge of clean mostly with OD for many solos of course. At home the compressor helps my amp sing at lower volumes. Thanks guys for making me sound so much better. Family still doesn’t listen lol but it makes me feel better when Chris Bucks wife closes the door on him. 😂
Yep, good compression isn't cheap compression.
New Pedal day! I just scored the new Walrus Audio Optical comperosor partially due to this lesson on guitar comperssion... Fantastic tool!
this is hands down my favorite of your musical intros. full staff guys, full staff.
I know that You guys are not "that kind of players", so im not saying that you forgot, but...
Compressor (with fast attack) in front of drive (especially distortion, but not only)
makes legato super much easier, alot of compression,
with blend 75-100% and compression from 60 to 100%.
And i mean Allan Holdsworth style legato. The notes almost just play themselves... :D
I used it for years for this purpose.
Which compressor did/ do you use with these settings?
@@sledge2742 Marhsall ED-1 (without blend ofc) and now Wampler Ego Mini.
@@lucaszembrzuski interesting, the ego sounds amazing but I can't really afford it lol so i think im gonna go for the mxr
@@sledge2742 anything with the attack control really, i got the Wampler because i have all mini pedals pedalboard.
@@lucaszembrzuski ah crap the mxr doesnt have attack, it mixes attack, release and a couple other minor things into one knob. its such a vintage pedal though thats highly reccomended and quite a bit cheaper so i think i'm gonna go for it
How can people dislike this? So much better than any talking head on tv!!! No more tele of Netflix for me.
That 335 steals the show. I always treated compression as a dirty word, but I was really only thinking of one use for it. well done, my friends!
Custom shop Tele is back! Love the sound on that.
I love your bass playing all of you
I asked you about an update on comps awhile back and you said you had something in the works, but I never thought it would be this good an update. Definetly one of my favorite TPS episodes ever. I've always been a fan of comps and this was absolutely stellar.
Much respect and appreciation.
Cheers
A very interesting and informative edition. Hopefully I can start adjusting my compressor with a bit more wisdom now, although I suspect I will end up changing to a different one.
Thanks for the hard work guys...
Yes! So glad to hear some country tones!!!! Mick's Strat sounds killer compressed! I need those pickups in my Strat.
Dan, where is Red? I have to say though, that blonde Tele with the Topanga and compression reminded me of Danny Gatton.
The compressor after OD Sound awesome!!!! Like a valve amp squish Tone!
Great stuff, thanks again guys for the very informative vids... On a side note, i was trying to figure out where Mick keeps his pick when he goes to finger style playing...absolutely love his style ....some great country riffs as well...got be inspired to try my best Buck Owens and Roy Clark impersonations! ;)
if you guys ever look more at cheaper pedals then I highly recommend the Mooer Yellow. great always-on pedal that is fairly subtle as a compressor but which really thickens up your sound. also very quiet
I believe the pedal can change your relationship with your guitar and the way you choose to use it. Great job fellas.
Hello Mick! Fantastic little country lick from 14:08 to 14:15. I’m going to try and steal it 😊. VCQ: Can you point me to a good instructional resource to help raise my chicken ‘n biscuits, county-fried chicken-picking licks? I especially love those open string runs. Hello Dan too!
best ending to a night in the studio with whiskey and other consciousness altering...ehem greetings from Nashville boys :) good morning night
Nice show, gentlemen. Have you done any episodes featuring single-ended tube amps? Would you consider such a thing? Thanks, keep up the good work.
NIce timing! I just got my Cali76 in the mail... cant wait to compare it to my Keeley Bass Comp!
Hi Dan and Mick, Excellent Show 👍👍👍.
Great ways to use a Compressor, Thank you!
I enjoyed the Bass Segment, Laughed with the "Sometime Later" on the screen,, just Brilliant.
Take care ♥️👍.
Melbourne, Australia.
Sweet bends in the intro Mick!
I love compression and for decades it has been an “always on” pedal for me. For the past year or so I have been using the Keeley Aria so was glad to see that on the board. My favorite rhythm sound is probably the tightly compressed sound Bryan Adams gets on Reckless - particularly on Run To You. That Strat thru a Vox sound is something I’m always aiming for with a little “squash” on it to make it tight.
Great show as usual lads!
Just use Lyon by Washburn LL15 made in China so cheap to buy if you can find one. Sounds exactly like the Reckless album. I bought one to sell at the car boot ended up keeping it because it's that classic 80s Adams sound!
For the solo use demo at the end, was the compressor before or after the drive?
Finally found the right compressor for me. A Mooer Yellow Comp. Got it yesterday at my local music store. After years struggling with compressors, I learned that optical compressors are right for me.
I had a dyna comp, it was a box script one, it was my first dabble. I had a lot of fun with it at first, but then I quickly fell out of resonance with it. It was just such a punch in the face on the front like you guys very clearly demoed. Im looking for something less obvious, and more refined. As always leave it to TPS! Steller vid!
Mooer yellow
Thank you for that WotW-refference Dan
Long time fan here. Lots of channels do second channels with their longer content cut down into short form, well-titled, easy to digest clips. I often find myself watching a ton of these shorter videos when I don't have time to watch full hour+ podcasts and shows.
I like this. Mick here.
@@ThatPedalShowAAA AAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
The excitement I got from thinking ‘my god they are lighting up the dials so we an see how and what they are dialling in!!!! Flip yeah’ to the slump of realising it was the way the lighting of the room hit the Cali comp was a real roller coaster and one I couldn’t take on a regular basis
I recently remembered how That Pedal Show was when it started (also watched an old vid). Mick would always take the role of "I know nothing and don't understand this stuff, so would you please explain this in simply understandable terms". After asking, it apparently was also partly honest like a guitar clinic interview thing. This episode brought back those memories, I don't know how long it's been since Mick last time started with something like "I honestly don't know". I suppose you guys have also learned a lot since the beginning :)
It feels like these days the only things Mick really just lifts his hands up is those unnecessarily complex digital systems with endless menus. And compression. And even that said, I recall Mick really studied that one Boss system or whatever it was to be able to use it to demonstrate its features. Long way mates, long way. Now Mick playing slide guitar with compressor sounding very low, I wonder if Joey Landreth made a huge impression...
And I can't even list all the things I've learned here and how much it has expanded my possibilities with sound. I used to be straight into overdrive channel with integrated reverb guy, but now I have a small pile of pedals, looking to grow it and they are amazing tools. Compression is still that thing that I just don't know how to use properly and don't have any feel for. I've tried using some plugins with more parameters to dial it in slightyl, but it's always either: don't hear any difference or: too much, sounds silly. Like "I don't hear the quiet notes too well, I don't hear the quiet notes too well... and now it's twangy country because the loud notes get squashed...". Especially the part about using attack and release. I understand what they do, but I have no idea how to actually dial them in and what kind of applications there are for different releases for example, when do you hear the difference in release? So I'm really happy about this episode! Maybe you could have an episode like this about flanger (despite the few already existing flanger vids) too! It's an effect I'd like to learn to use subtly and in context. Watching Dan love it so much I'd love to understand it so that it doesn't sound like a coke bottle effect.
After watching the episode I was left with one more question: what kind of compressor (brand, model) would you use for different applications, what do you require for which. Because there are simple ones and ones with a lot of controls, apparently the similar ones also sound different and different application probably needs different things. Like overdrives are plenty and for different uses, but how to compare them. With overdrive you can quickly judge the amount of gain and the character, be it tubescreamery, distortion, boost, klon etc. The controls are usually just extra adjustment, but you get an idea what to use it for. What do you listen to in a compressor and so on. I guess the question comes out as confused as the compressor is for a non-educated. The JHS pedal was really nice, it was the first one where I went "oooh this is a sound".
Need a TPS doub le entrendre and jokes compilation show for Christmas!! You guys are the biz.
Super helpful video guys. I’ve been a fan of optical compressors as both a slight compression and tone enhancement at the start of my chain. Recently upgraded to the Union Tube & Transistor Lab compressor, which is based on the LA-2A, LA-3, and LA-4 studio compressors. Super sweet pedal. Again, great job on this one guys!
Try out the pulp and peal by JHS. It's an awesome compressor with a desk drive type thing. It's awesome, I think playing bodysnatchers is a necessity!
nice video thanks tps. Now I need to go and buy a comp pedal!
I've been wanting to ask this for a while, but guys, I really really loved the OCD pedal that you used on the show before. I want to get one used but found out that there are so many versions of them. I can't go out and buy all of them for comparison but I wonder if you guys can bring them on the show! I really enjoyed the in-depth video on the RAT pedal. Can we get a in-depth show on other pedals? like OCD or Klon clones! from very cheap to original vintage! Thanks and Hi from Korea!
After watching I had to get the Keeley Aria. It's bloody marvelous.
Thanks guys!
Also Niles' one of a kind guitar is part of that tone. He has quite a unique strat worth a study in itself.
Yup. I use my BBE Opto Stomp in the effect loop as a 'power attenuator' of sort.
This is just what the Dr ordered!! Thanks!
Thx for this episode. I just bought my first simple 'budget' compressor and immediately see the benefits. Now you've got me contemplating an upgrade.
Great show guys! Now I don't feel like an oddball with 2 compressors on my pedal board. I have a Bogner Harlow at the front of the chain and a Pigtronix Philosophers Tone after my drive pedals and before my modulation and delays.
Dan's funky bass licks! I got the disco ball out in my house now.
Another great show guys! In all the things you have discussed that impacts your sound, you have touched on the number of speakers 1x12 vs 2x12 vs 4x12, but how would different speakers in you amps/cabs impact things? How would an alnico blueback impact a tubescreamer sound compared to a greenback? Or a creamback with higher wattage? What about Jensen speakers (classic fender)? What do you all prefer for speakers, all the same or mix and match? Keep up the awesome work!
12 String Danelectro!! The double string thing is already a bit chorus-ey, but with the CE-2W it took it over the edge. Great sounds!
I love these guys, they just love what they do !!!
Mick, Dan. I've been on a quest for compressors for quite awhile now. Even after viewing all of your episodes on them, reading about the various compression types and such, it is simply amazing to realize just how much is going on in these things. They are incredibly complex in the whole context of what they do with sound. I like several for various different reasons but one in particular is the newer Cali stacked 1176. It is quite good in a number of areas but after watching it in action for countless videos now, I've noticed that it has a serious noisy "floor", at least in some settings. Up till now I simply could not understand how such a well revered pedal could be designed to be so frustratingly noisy. Today I think I may have finally solved it. Pre 18:00 minute mark it sounded great, post 18:00 it had that ridiculous noise floor I mentioned. I may be incorrect here but it appeared that the noise really kicked in when you increased the mix knob? If that is indeed what's going on, then it would appear that one needs to be mindful of not increasing the mix beyond the point where the noise floor kicks in. Of course, why have a mix knob with dual compressors if they're going to create that cracking' noise??? For electric guitar in a band setting maybe it's not as big a deal, but for solo work, or definitely for acoustic guitar, the Cali 1176 stacked simply would not be acceptable.
I have read and heard a lot of videos on the Keeley Compressor Pro, and it is fantastic in what it can do (including vocals too). The only thing I wish it had was the dry/wet mix knob that so many other compressors have these days. I was hoping you would have the Keeley in your show today but I was wondering if you had any comments and/or advice for this electric and acoustic player out here?
Mick here. If you increase the compressor level you also increase whatever noise is in your signal chain. I think it happens in most compressors but maybe there’s something unique to the 1176 FET style!? The Keeley Comp Pro is indeed awesome.... but it really depends how and where you’re using it. I didn’t know it before but for guitar my fave is definitely the LA-2A style. The Effectrode is exceptional and I’ve been playing a Union Tube & Transistor just recently too. And the Thorpy one is ace here too. Dan is more of a compressor person than me though. At proper volume I think it almost always sounds worse with a compressor!
@@ThatPedalShow agreed, increasing the level increases the noise, it just seems that the Cali has no noise up to a point and then all of a sudden jumps to the "oh sh@t" mode!
I did like that LA-2A style from Electrode, really smooth and sweet, although I'm not sure it would go transparent enough for acoustic (fingerstyle and such)??
I use it all the time while mixing - Mick here. That and the 1176. Both utterly fab on acoustics. Mmmmmm
Interesting, thanks so much for the feedback Mick, well I guess I'm down to the Keeley Compressor Pro, the Cali 1176 stacked and now the Electrode PC-2A. If I want/need two compressor and or the wet/dry mix knob, it's the Cali. Then again perhaps it's just a "can't go wrong thing"? Nice problem to have :-) Thanks again, love your show!
A really good guide to compression, although given the recent offerings from Wampler, Keeley, Strymon, an update would be appreciated. And yes, pedal makers ARE artists. The work of Marcus Reeves is breathtaking!
I use my PC2A just like that... and almost exactly same settings... sounds divine!
I have a CS-1, which, being kind, has its own particular thing. Part of that thing is not a lot of sustain, so I occasionally use it with a clean boost slammed into the front.
# 7 Will Blow You Away!
Have you good fellas tried (I believe you've demoed it but...) the Pettyjohn Crush? Those guys are great! On a side note the Greer Lightspeed may be my new favorite drive....this week! ha ha Thank you lovely dudes for ALL THIS FUN!!!! God Bless you so much!!, Best,FRAN
I love the colored lights. What type of little cans are those?
9.99 cheap ones from Amazon. The worst kind of awful Chinese disposable planet killing crap imaginable. Polar bear killing ice cap melting CO2 emitting environmental disasters. Probably. But they were super cheap.
@@ThatPedalShow thanks...I have nice lighting that I use live, but it would be nice to have some cheap crap for the home studio...haha
Love all the Chic stuff. If you were not aware, Niles' keyboard player and studio guy is a regular on my other favorite british youtube show "Sonic Talk Live" Maybe you guys could team up and adres topics around that style of music.
Compressors. Used to be my only pedal I used. The red MXR dynacom was a solid performer and built like a tank.
Completely off topic, but you guys are the reason I am driving 7 hrs one way to see Joey Landreth in Nashville on the 25th......
Don't think I will regret it one bit!!
ah, that's amazing, please give him our love :)