We consider the features and candidates for best compressor guitar pedal. A compressor pedal for guitars is an effects pedal that is used to control the dynamic range of the guitar’s signal. It essentially evens out the volume of your playing by reducing the dynamic difference between the loudest and softest notes or chords.
The primary function of a compressor pedal is to compress the audio signal. It does this by automatically reducing the volume of the input signal when it exceeds a certain threshold. When you play softly, the compressor pedal boosts the signal to make it more audible, and when you play aggressively, it attenuates the signal to prevent it from clipping or distorting.
Compressor pedals provide several benefits for guitarists. Firstly, they enhance sustain by allowing notes to ring out for a longer duration. This is particularly useful for solos or passages where you want the notes to sustain and sing. Secondly, compressors help to even out the volume levels across different strings and fret positions, resulting in a more balanced and consistent sound. This is especially beneficial for fingerpicking or complex chord progressions. Additionally, compressors can add a subtle level of “squishiness” to the tone, giving it a more polished and professional sound.
Compressor pedals typically have controls for adjusting parameters such as threshold, ratio, attack, release, and output level. These controls allow you to customize the compression effect to match your playing style and musical preferences. Some compressor pedals may also include additional features like blend controls for mixing the compressed and dry signals, tone controls for shaping the overall sound, and different compression modes to suit various musical genres.
Here are some of the best compressor guitar pedals that are highly regarded by guitarists:
1. Keeley Compressor Plus
The Keeley Compressor Plus is a popular compressor pedal known for its versatility and high-quality performance. It is designed to provide transparent compression and enhance the sustain and overall balance of your guitar signal.
One of the standout features of the Keeley Compressor Plus is its four-knob control layout, which allows for precise adjustments to shape your compressed tone. The knobs include:
- Blend: This knob controls the mix between the compressed and dry signals, allowing you to blend in the desired amount of compression while retaining the natural dynamics of your playing.
- Sustain: The sustain knob adjusts the level of compression applied to the signal. Turning it clockwise increases the sustain and the overall compression effect.
- Level: The level knob adjusts the output volume of the compressed signal, ensuring that the overall volume remains consistent even with increased sustain and compression.
- Tone: The tone knob lets you shape the frequency response of the compressed signal. It allows you to add brightness or warmth to your tone, depending on your preference.
The Keeley Compressor Plus is renowned for its transparency, meaning it doesn’t color or alter the natural tone of your guitar. It retains the dynamics and nuances of your playing while effectively controlling peaks and boosting sustain.
The pedal features a true bypass switch, ensuring that it doesn’t affect your tone when it’s not engaged. It can be powered using a 9V battery or an external power supply.
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2. MXR Dyna Comp
The MXR Dyna Comp is a classic compressor pedal that has been widely used by guitarists for decades. It is known for its simplicity, reliability, and ability to provide smooth and transparent compression.
The Dyna Comp features two control knobs that allow you to shape the compression effect:
- Output: The output knob controls the overall volume of the compressed signal. It lets you adjust the level to match the desired output volume, compensating for any perceived volume loss due to compression.
- Sensitivity: The sensitivity knob adjusts the compression intensity. Turning it clockwise increases the compression, resulting in a more sustained and even sound.
The MXR Dyna Comp is often described as a “squashy” compressor, as it can produce a more pronounced and squashed effect when the sensitivity knob is dialed up. This characteristic is particularly popular in genres like country, funk, and blues, where a pronounced and sustaining sound is desirable.
One of the key strengths of the MXR Dyna Comp is its ability to preserve the dynamics and nuances of your playing while providing effective compression. It helps even out the volume levels, enhances sustain, and brings out the subtleties in your playing without significantly altering your core tone.
The pedal features a durable and roadworthy construction, with a sturdy metal chassis that can withstand the rigors of live performances and touring. It is powered by a 9V battery or an external power supply.
The MXR Dyna Comp has a straightforward operation and a sound that has stood the test of time. It has been a favorite among guitarists seeking a reliable and effective compressor pedal that delivers a classic, squashed compression tone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the MXR Dyna Comp offers a simple and effective way to add compression to your guitar signal.
3. Wampler Ego Compressor
The Wampler Ego Compressor is a feature-rich pedal that offers a blend of transparency and character. It provides a wide range of compression options, including blend control, tone control, and attack control. The Ego Compressor is praised for its ability to add sustain, enhance dynamics, and add sparkle to your guitar tone.
4. Empress Effects Compressor
The Empress Effects Compressor is a highly versatile and studio-grade compressor pedal. It offers various compression modes, including digital and analog, and provides precise control over attack, release, mix, and sidechain filter. The Empress Compressor is known for its low noise floor, high-quality sound, and extensive control options.
5. Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Deluxe
The Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Deluxe is a high-quality compressor pedal that emulates the iconic 1176 studio compressor. It provides studio-grade compression in a compact format and offers controls for ratio, attack, release, and input/output levels. The Cali76 Compact Deluxe is favored for its transparent compression and ability to add sustain and sparkle to your guitar tone.
6. Xotic Effects SP Compressor
The Xotic Effects SP Compressor is a compact and versatile pedal that offers a wide range of compression settings. It features a blend control to mix your compressed and dry signal, as well as controls for compression ratio and gain. The SP Compressor is praised for its transparent compression and ability to add sustain and clarity to your playing.
7. Diamond Compressor
The Diamond Compressor is known for its exceptional transparency and dynamic response. It provides subtle and transparent compression that enhances sustain and evens out your playing dynamics. The Diamond Compressor offers controls for compression ratio, EQ, and volume, allowing for precise shaping of your compressed tone.
8. JHS Pulp ‘N’ Peel V4
The JHS Pulp ‘N’ Peel V4 is a versatile and vintage-inspired compressor pedal. It combines compression and preamp functionalities to provide a warm and smooth compressed tone. The Pulp ‘N’ Peel V4 offers controls for compression blend, EQ, volume, and a three-way toggle switch for different compression settings.
9. Strymon OB.1 Optical Compressor and Clean Boost
The Strymon OB.1 is a powerful combination of an optical compressor and a clean boost pedal. It offers studio-quality compression with smooth and transparent characteristics. The OB.1 features controls for compression blend, tone, sensitivity, and a clean boost section with level control. It is praised for its versatility and ability to enhance dynamics while preserving the natural tone of your guitar.
Comparison of Compressor Pedals
Here’s a table comparing the features of the nine compressor pedals mentioned earlier, along with a grade (on a scale of 1 to 5) for each feature:
| Compressor Pedal | Versatility | Transparency | Controls | Sustain | Dynamics | Sound Quality | Build Quality | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keeley Compressor Plus | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| MXR Dyna Comp | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Wampler Ego Compressor | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Empress Effects Compressor | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Deluxe | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Xotic Effects SP Compressor | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Diamond Compressor | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| JHS Pulp ‘N’ Peel V4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Strymon OB.1 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 |