Why I HATED Compressor Pedals (and I was wrong) Strymon Compadre
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 เม.ย. 2020
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I was an "always on" compressor user for years until I realized that I was using it as a crutch to cover up shortcomings in my playing. After a few years away I've finally decided to give compressors a second chance with the new Strymon Compadre.
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"A compressor is a crutch and disguises bad playing."...... I NEED A COMPRESSOR!
"Compressor is overdrive for your clean sound" - TPS Dan.
I agree. My regular sound(LP no pedal through a 6g6- b bassman) was naturally highly compressed. Later on I had a very different rig and needed to play clean and dirty sounds. I found a simple compressor-TS9-chorus and clean stereo tube amp was more easy for me to use live mostly because I could use my standard picking techniques that I had been using for 30 years. It was easier than relearning how to play.
This one just has overdrive AND clean sounds.
I disagree but i guess you can use it like that by cranking up the output knob
The guitar player in my band described compression for clean like what an overdrive is for dirty.
i like that i use the kingsley page for cleans i got around the mental block buy using a valve think of compression as a valve going optimum to overflowing gota get a cali 76 c if your mate likes that
pretty simple way of describing it.
Man, that makes a lot of sense!
Which means?
That’s what Dan from That Pedal Show says about them; “An overdrive for your clean tone.” When used a certain way it’s as much about feel as it is sound.
For me, a compressor takes the place of being able to get an amp to the volume level where it is actually working, absorbing some of the transient spikes of overdrive pedals, and delivering some of that sweet sustain that a moderate volume amp-in-a-room provides. It sort of glues everything together better like natural amp compression does. It's not a perfect solution, but it's closer to what I like to hear and feel.
You know, man... One of the things that your content has over thousands of the other guitar channels, here on TH-cam, is your songwriting is exTREMELY inspiring. That, and the look of your videos are just beyond fantastic. Please, don’t ever doubt that your subscribers would be perfectly happy just enjoying videos of your tasteful musicianship.
Your editing is better and better each video. Thanks, useful knowledge!
I haven't watched one of your videos in a while, but now I'm reminded of why I'm subscribed. Beautiful playing, writing, and tones all around.
WOW that track is inspiring I was working on a tune with a busy flatpicking thing happening on the chords but my tone was taking over and I needed that tone for a dirt part coming up after it.But when I heard your tune allowing yor chords to have a big bold tone i was knocked out how well it works. Thanx
Great video Rhett, always pitched at exactly the right level with a balanced explanation for use. Best wishes from the UK.
Great track Rhett. Add a bridge w Noah and put it on the set list brother!
That was really insightful, the effects on an amp set just at the right "breaking point", changing the dynamics just kills all that magic.
That is one of the best riffs I’ve heard in a while Rhett! Very memorable. I actually came back to rewatch the video just to hear it. This did help open me up to new ways of using a compressor. I also love the use of the Deco, what a creative way to use it!
Nice playing Rhett! Great video! I really enjoyed the song and seeing all the parts combined. Neato!!!
I use an Xotic SP comp for “always on” compression. I only recently got it after having played without one for my entire 10 year career as a guitar player and I loved what I did for my rig’s playability and tone. Like you talked about, I love the smoothening of playing dynamics, added sustain for better hammer on/pull of maneuvering, more “in your face” tight sounding tone, and many other benefits. In the studio, I set it to low for subtle comp, but live the mid setting gives me a nice solid base on which to use the rest of my pedalboard to get fat tone. I also put it before my volume pedal to allow me to still back off for a cleaner sound. Rhett’s tone chasing is always super educational! Huge fan 🙌🏻
Love that new tune, Rhett. Great work! Nice compression insights also.
Thanks Rhett for giving great content during these tough times
Lucas Kelly for real. Since the very second this thing released I said “I hope Rhett does a review” few hours later he posted on Instagram that he’d be doing one. Was instantly pumped
10:36 Picking dynamics still change the timbre, so that's where a compressor can be useful - playing as quiet as you're able, and still being audible (or a bit broken up, or whatever else).
theystoleitfromus that tone when he tried to play softly to show that the tone doesn’t change, is my favorite tone in the video 😆 but he did make his point
Great video Rhett! I liked the song, and the sounds you were getting a lot, and as always great production!
Way to go!! another entertaining informative Video! Well Done!
Dude, you write some of the best modern rock riffs of our time. Every time I hear you play I am inspired to keep writing. love your style man.
I think it goes to show that you'll never know if you never try it, Compression can just be amazing as long as you know what you're doing and you tune them to your liking. Awesome!
I used to be the always on compression guy until I saw one of your videos a while back about how you lose some of the amp dynamics. So I now only use it when it is needed. Thank you very much for that tip, it really opened up my playing!
I love your stuff Rhett, keep up the amazing work. Big fan!
-Alex
Whoa, that Rivolta sounds phenomenal!
Caio!!!
Love your videos man! Keep doing the great work!!!
Love your playing. Specially the slide stuff. Keep it up.
Another fantastic presentation. Thanks again Rhett!
I do have to say though, that in the presentation, you had the compressor set to squeeze when you showed how it robbed dynamics. I know you know how to set it up so you get a subtle compression so you can still get most of the original dynamics. Right? If not , maybe you were using it wrong as an "always on" pedal. I have a RMC compressor that is a "magic box" as in it is always on and always gets me just that extra more from the amp. It is considered a good "transparent" compressor by many. The JHS you were using can be heavy at times as that was what it was designed for.
It’s a perfect time to check out new gear while at home. Nice job in rethinking compressors. I was in the same place you were and am now going to try again. Strymon demo of this pedal is very good
Really cool take on compressors...and I'm liking the new editing style with the overlap of video and audio.
Really digging your song and techniques. Thanks for sharing!
Fun to watch and really cool info!
Thank for that cool moment! 🤜🤛
well done Rhett. great editing and playing
A great pedal run-through and a lovely piece of music!! Your insight that a compressor can prevent going past the edge of breakup is very important and because I'm not using compressor pedals a lot, I had not been cognizant of that potential pitfall. Thanks!!
Damn, another amazing video! Just as always ;-) Really enjoy your channel, thank you Rhett!!
Very inspiring, thanks brett! the rivolta stuff is awesome! Anything Fano touches sounds amazing.
Very nice jam buddy! I like it! Well done!
Dude, your jam session sounded awesome!!
Love the Deco! I've stayed away from compression, but may revisit it thanks to you, Rhett. Great to see your process, too. Oh, and that Rivolta!!
The Compadre really helped make the different guitar parts to sit well together. Good demonstration!
Love it, that's a great demo/explanation of compression! I've been looking to hear some proper use case for it and you've done that. Showing the effect on edge of breakup helped my lizard brain understand the "mojo" you might be losing with compression but also what that compromise brings to your overall tone. Thanks a lot!
You’re playing is fantastic, the thing I’ve come to appreciate about it is that every note/phrase adds something. You don’t fill the track with notes, but it’s also never too simple. You manage to keep things interesting while also leaving space for a vocalist or other lead instrument. Very inspiring man!
Well said
I’ve started running a compressor with the compression almost all the way down and the level dimed. It gives a great clean boost while just adding a little bit of compression that’s great for cleaner lead parts
Played for 18 years without touching a compressor. Got one in a trade 4 months ago and I love it. Helps get the same feel of a almost cranked tube amp at low volume at home.
Actually this loop you made is brilliant. This is how I've taught myself. I've only really 2 years into playing guitar as a main instrument. Coming from decades of drumming and keys etc, I finally bought as strat and since the first bend of a note I felt a release unlike no other I've been hooked. A few ok songs I've uploaded on my budget little channel but the looper function has taught me so much....Peace Rhett!
Ha dude that song was amazing. Love how he made it seem so effortless.
It's pretty good. It reminds me of "Captivate you" by Marmozets.
Song available to buy?
Whoa Rhett. That song is total build-up bliss, thanks for another awesome video!
Great explanation and great track !!
Roger McGuinn and Tom Petty both used a sound with two compressors and a treble booster between them that i use when flatpicking that is just killer.
this whole video aside.... what I really got from this is that you REALLY need to put out some original stuff. That "idea" you used is really, really good. Turn it into a song. Seriously.
Not to knock anybody, there is a reason why so few TH-cam personalities do not have popular music. It's very difficult to do, and runs the risk of running off fans if they don't like it. That affects their channel numbers. You show me one TH-cam personality with a popular song that is any good. There is literally zero reason for TH-cam personalities to release their own music, and in fact have something to lose if they try.
@@philfrank5601 Such a great insight: I saw an idea being developed in his living room by a new TH-camr called Brian May, it will all come to nothing.....
The tone was great, but the idea was dated. I'm sure Rhett knows that. It's just a stock idea, a progression, a means to an end. If he has a unique idea, he is gonna pitch to Noah.
@@philfrank5601 In case you hadn't noticed, he's already a professional musician... in fact that's kind of the point of the channel! I'd really hope Rhett would put out his own stuff if he felt he had something to say, and not be too calculating about its potential effect on his channel stats.
In tracking, mixing and mastering EVERYTHING is always compressed. I agree, as a pedal or tool for tone, it feels good or doesn’t. I keep my compressor dead last in the chain making me use it or turn it off. Strymon is always a great purchase. Thank you Rhett.
Very informative Sir. Thank you.
Love that track at the end! It's always great work on this channel, but this was the first time that it felt like a style I could imagine myself wanting to play/sing in, if that makes sense.
Wow you explain compression really well! Thankyou for that
Great vid as always. Loved the track as well
I love the stuff you write! I'm still rooting for an album of these short instrumentals. Also, who are you listening to right now? What other groups are playing a similar style of music? Thanks for all your hard work (and for not having a plan b!)
It's not that you were "wrong"... more like you had to take a step back from compression and came back to it with a different perspective. I love your channel man... I am working on building my mine and you are definitely an inspiration! :)
you are great teacher. i dont own a guitar just happy for your videos. thank you rhett shull all you done past and present keep up the hard work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been loving my new Keeley compressor because of the blend feature - essentially you can adjust what percentage of the signal is getting any compression effect. Keep it low enough and it's essentially just a boost pedal, but you can roll it up to hit that sweet spot where your dynamics aren't too affected.
Ebradley2351
My Wampler Ego compressor also has a blend knob.
Mooer Yellow is a pretty mellow, low noise comp. It is a new thing for me. I always thought it was just something for "heavier" music, and the comp itself would introduce extra noise. I do use it sparingly, but is always on, also with acoustic but dialled right down.
The last compressor to occupy a slot on my board was a Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone. I removed it for the same reason that you did. In in the end it seemed that it wasn't adding substantially to the tone that I wanted and was just occupying that slot and using an 18v supply line.
You’re getting soooo good at making songs!
When you come to hear about compression and you catch yourself hitting hands and legs like a drummer/guitarist forgeting everything about compressiona and just enjoying this music.. GOD DAMN MAN this was a SUPERB MELODY 12.40 - 14.20
Hello Rhett, I watched this vid to learn about compressor pedals, I have never used a compressor pedal, thanks for info Boss , great video dude
Hey Rhett hope you're well ! This is a really coooool track with a great vibe & there are some truly wonderful guitar tones going on here in really sweet layers definitely a keeper & of course well played & tidy execution of thoughtful parts oh yeah the compressor doesn't seem to harm the dynamics in an obvious way in your recording path { I personally never use a compressor in my live rig chain but do use subtle amounts in the studio} the Compadre seems to be a very useful compressor !! take care all the best from downunder !!
Excellent Song. Very impressed with the solo and it’s dynamic with the rhythm section
Hey Rhett, I love your channel. I picked up the Strymon Compadre pedal recently. It's great. I needed something to help tame an acoustic guitar for a live gig. geez, I was totally impressed. It also works well for my electric guitar sound. I think the best thing about this pedal is that it's super quiet and you don't know it's on until you turn it off. That's a big plus for me. It's super simple and delivers exactly what I need. Thank you for the review. rock on. -Jake in Detroit.
That track was amazing, Rhett! Definitely thinking about a compressor now and avoiding the crutch syndrome.
Thank you for sharing your experiences! I will be trying a compressor on my rig for the first time this month!
I took the Keeley compressor plus home after a quick demo through a Fender Twin reverb and Telecaster. Try one if you have'nt got one yet?
Good vid. Great point! Thanks!
Great track Rhett!
Epic video sir! 🤘🏻
10:45 this is using a compressor as a limiter - good for bass as it keeps you from having the sound guy mix you out but also useful for funk guitar to keep your stabs consistent. I'd guess that wet/dry knob would be useful there for keeping the dynamic element (that's how I use it in Ableton with an effect rack).
I've never bought a compressor because dynamics is an integral element of my sound. That being said, if it will give me Robert Fripp sustain, I might buy one.
My philosophy on tone is this: your tone is what you get from your guitar and your amp. Anything you add in between is like adding spice to a food dish. It can enhance the flavor but it will never change what the dish actually is. So an always on compressor is like adding the same amount of salt to every dish. It won't ruin any one dish but you're really short changing yourself in terms of utilizing the options available for seasonings. Same with writing off compressors and never using them. That would be like never using salt in any dish. You gotta season every dish (or song) differently
I've been playing thirty five years and just got a compressor, it does seem to cover my timing slips so is quite handy!
Bro. EP. Let's go!
Great track.
Starting riff reminds me off Daughter - No Care. Love those beautiful melancholy sounds :) Cool video!
This felt like you were talking to me Rhett... always on - check, crutch - check. I’m turning it off tomorrow for practice, we’ll see where this goes. Thank you for the prompting.
back in '81, back jamming. first full band jam, house bass player GMT rig and a BassMan 50 on an 'angled' 4-10 cab.
Brought my rig but a cat shows up, goes thru the Fender set and screams. Gibson L6-S.
DynaComp is what I thought.
ha, years later, Distortion plus was said to be it.
years later, it was a jam, but happy was there.
Been playing with a compressor as an always on pedal for my clean sound, like a tone enhancer for a super clean tone. However I just got a treble booster, the Moonshot by Greer, and I'm thinking of changing things up and going with that as my always on. Cleans up beautifully, really punches up the tone, and has plenty of boost on tap
You nailed it. I have always run an MXR dyna comp and have always loved it. Now I know why. Going to force myself to leave it off more often.
Great tip on using the compressor to enhance the sustain when playing slide. I generally never use one either for much the same reason you gave, but may well just for that
Thanks Rhett i enjoyed the video good work, great track too by the way. I have tried a few compressors and for one reason or another find myself not liking them after a while. I have tried the Origin Effects Cali 76 and bought it. I feel like this is the sound I was looking for in a compressor and it is a always on pedal for me. I find the Cali 76 as a addition to my playing and I feel more comfortable about my sound but I understand what you are saying as it can also be a crutch. I think I will have to get your Tone course because I do think my tone could be a lot better and sometimes I feel like I really don't know what I am doing. Thanks for your work and help.
Great video, Rhett!
When I started as a bass player in a band I played with my fingers but the guitarist complained that I didn't play consistently. To even up my playing I actually turned to a pick because I didn't really know what a compressor was for.
Never, ever used one live!
Since I turned to Chapman Stick I mostly only use a compressor when I record and I've gone back to fingers when I play Bass and no compressor because I think you can get more "feel".
Great content. Thank you!
I have the Cali76, and the blend knob makes the difference. I keep it at about 12:00 to 2:00 o'clock so I can keep the dynamics, but also have that bump in sustain. But I have found that my more distorted "metal" tones aren't quite as tight with the compressor, which makes sense.
OK,....so I try only to post when I feel compelled to no matter who or what vid I may have been watching and this is perfect timing Rhett! I will NEVER forget something I accidentally did a long time ago and still haven't really tried to duplicate since. I literall have 2 rack compressors one being the "ever popular" sonic maximizer and the other a quite nice ART tube leveling amp. I am not kidding you when I say that I actually "stacked" if you will by simply running them in series somehow (pre or post I cannot remember)and the tone I happened upon was so epic.......I know that YOU know what I mean! It was that bounce you get when just the right gain seems to be noticed especially in your picking hand. The sustain was at will, the clarity, all the definition when doing the big chords....just the best I can describe. If you ever feel like(and probably already have since it is you LOL!) experimenting......well.......it could be fun! Thx dude....always.
Digging the track you wrote to demo the gear... very Tides of Man vibe, in the best way possible.
I hear a Hiss noise when Compadre was on. When it’s not the hiss disappears. I love compressor, but it adds noise in chain signal as always.
Great tune! I've also stayed away from compressors and like run my amps at edge-of-breakup. I recently got a J. Rockett IQ compressor and EQ pedal to scratch an itch. I thought I'd mainly use it for acoustic stuff. But now I'm finding that I can zero out the compression and have a nice mid boost or even a cocked wah tone. Then on the compression side, I'm using it as more of a limiter to _prevent_ my tone from going into breakup zone so my tone stays clean. I think that's a trick I may have picked up from a Paul Gilbert video at some point. It's been really handy and is a great use of one pedal slot on the board! Take care!
Great video on so many levels!
Try the effectrode LA-1 (the big one with the exposed tubes). Best compressor I've ever heard, absolutely magical sounding.
Yes. Not enough exposure on this.
Hey Rhett, love your videos man, especially the tour vlogs! just have a question; what desk/side racks are those in your studio? love the red on them
That lick was sick Rhett!
Wow...I had no idea you played that well! You are a gifted man, indeed. This video is excellent...technically, educationally and most of all MUSICALLY! Bravo.
A good comp on acoustic sounds great. Really helps even things out between fingerpicking and heavy strumming - sometimes in the same song. I use a JHS PnP on an acoustic and it really sounds great. Noticeable in a good way.
Ditched my compressor pedal at least 10 years ago, but like you do most certainly use in my studio when recording music/parts. I agree with what you said about it's use and it being a tool that can do the job for some things.
first comp I've seen with a 'dry' control- this could be very useful for pulling sustain out of an otherwise uncompressed signal, so you retain the dynamic via the dry path but also have the sustain aspect of the compression mixed in. I'd like to hear that on slide guitar & bass too.
I use light compression with the Xotic SP Compressor as an always on. Although I don’t see it as a crutch right now. I’m a single coil player, and love the way it gives my signal a little more beef and sustain, especially as I get into the higher frets.
Good stuff Rhett!