Compressors...

[Whoopu2]

Compression is an effect I've not much experience with and one of the few effects missing from my board. I'm looking to tighten up my tone and squeeze out a tad bit more sustain. I don't have any place close by where I can go try a bunch of different pedals, so what's everyone's favorite compressor stomp box?

My amp is a Peavey 6505+ being pushed by a Boss SD-1, if that's of any importance.

[roodyrocker]

I don't have any Peavey amps and only occassionaly use a compressor. The one I like is the Retro-Sonic compressor. In fact I like pretty much like all Retro-Sonic pedals. They sound great although they're pricey.

[wilkinsi]

I'm still after an EL8 myself, but would welcome the idea of a Distressor in a pedal.

[markD]

holy shit!! don't you have enough sustain already?!?!? I use the good old mxr dyna comp, but I mostly use it when I am playing low to medium gain or with a fuzz pedal.

[Hellbat]

Of all the compressors I've tried, I like the emulated Ross in my 11 Rack. Nice and simple controls for a lunkhead like me. I have a Boss compressor but never really use it.

[Whoopu2]

holy shit!! don't you have enough sustain already?!?!? I use the good old mxr dyna comp, but I mostly use it when I am playing low to medium gain or with a fuzz pedal.

I have about 95% of the sustain I desire.

I was actually looking into the Dyna Comp, but I heard it's pretty noisy.

Thanks for the replies guys.

[markD]

the dyna comp is noisy when cranked. luckily, it squishes the sound too much when cranked. if you want a nice, easy to use little compressor try an alesis nano-compressor. it is a 1/3 rack unit that sounds really good and may actually be better with your rig instead of a pedal. i have used them in front of the amp and in the loop. it works equally well in either place. it is more like a studio compressor, but they are great!!

[jgcable]

Compressor on an already overdriven metal tone = NOISE NOISE NOISE and a very nice loss of crisp highs. Its also a bitch to balance between clean and distorted levels.
Compressors are for the studio or for bass. NOT for guitar unless you are playing clean.
There... I said it.

[straycat]

Never really liked a compressor as a pedal to be honest very very noisy.
If you record in a studio have the mixing guy add it.If you play live have the sound guy add it.

[Larz]

Compressor on an already overdriven metal tone = NOISE NOISE NOISE and a very nice loss of crisp highs. Its also a bitch to balance between clean and distorted levels.
Compressors are for the studio or for bass. NOT for guitar unless you are playing clean.
There... I said it.

Totally agree, love it on clean settings, hate it on gainier settings

Have a Carl Martin I like but my old Boss CS-2 from the 80s rules. It was one of David Gilmour's favorites

[xenophobe]

I only liked a compressor on my bass rig... I've tried several different, but always ended up with a DBX product. Sorry, I know that's of no real help to you...