What Does a Compressor Pedal Do? (Explained and Recommended)

Compressor pedals are an essential part of any guitarist rig. They are primarily used to fine-tune a guitar's sound before they are amplified through speakers. Think of them as volume leveler that adjusts your inconsistent sound to a more linear level. With a compressor pedal, you have total control over how you want your guitar to project its sound. You have the liberty to tune the level of compression your guitar can sound as unique as your playstyle. Over the last decade or more, many guitarists have used these pedals to give you a truly unique sound. Be it a catchy riff from a country hit or slap bass lines. You can find our top recommendations of the best compressor pedals money can buy too. If you are not sold on the idea of a compressor pedal, read on to find out more about this game-changing piece of hardware.

Key Takeaways From This Blog

• Compressor pedals balance a guitar's volume, offering options like optical, FET, tube, and multiband types.
• Recommended options include Keeley Compressor Plus and Boss CP-1X. They enhance sustainment and articulation, ideal for various genres.
• Use them by connecting, tuning settings, adjusting threshold, attack, and release, and experimenting with blend controls.
• If your guitar's sound lacks consistency, a compressor pedal can transform it, offering control over tone dynamics.
• While not essential for beginners, it's valuable for shaping tone and enhancing playability as you advance.

Understanding Compressor Pedals

Compressor pedals are used to control the dynamic range of a guitar’s signal. It controls the volume of the incoming signal by reducing loud notes and boosting softer ones. This way you get a more balanced sound with good sustain. With a compressor pedal, you have control over different parameters of sound. This includes compression level, attack-release, and the ratio. It is a great addition to rhythm guitar and solo alike as they ensure consistency and clarity in every note played. These pedals are most sought after by country, blues, and funk genres. There are many types of compressor pedals in the market nowadays. Here are the main types you can come across:

• Optical Compressor Pedals: These pedals use resistors that emit light to regulate compression. They are smooth and control volume most transparently. They are ideal for blues and jazz guitarists.
• FET Compressor Pedals: Field-effect Transistors are great for rock, metal, or punk guitarists. They project a tight and focused sound with minimal coloration.
• Tube Compressor Pedals: These are more on the expensive side of the market. These pedals use vacuum tubes that are known to deliver a warm sound full of character. They have a polished sound best for rhythm guitarists.
• Multiband Compressor Pedals: These new-age pedals are dynamic and usually divide signals from your guitar into various frequency bands. Ty is mostly used in studio mastering and mixing. They have various modes and features such as equalizer and blend knobs. They are usually also on a more affordable scale.

Best Compressor Pedal List (Our Top 7 Picks)

If you’re out on the lookout for a new compressor pedal, check these options out.

1. Keeley Compressor Plus: The Keely Plus is a great starter compressor pedal that has sustain, level, and blend control. It has a tone control that properly adjusts high frequencies ideal if you’re a fan of distortion.
2. JHS Pulp ‘n’ Peel Compressor v4: The Pulp ‘N’ Peel Compressor version 4 has a dirt switch dedicated to parallel overdrive. It also has EQ controls and great bass response ideal for a more grungy sound.
3. Xotic SP Compressor Pedal: The Xotic SP is special because it is based on a classic Ross circuit. It has a great volume blend and compression controls suitable for most genres.
4. Boss CP-1X Compressor: You can find Boss’ MDP technology in the CP-1X that will give you studio-grade multiband compression. With its simple 4 knob layout, you can easily tune in complex effects while also maintaining your guitar’s true sound.
5. Fender The Bends Compressor: Similar to the Boss CP-1X, the Fender Bends also give you optically transmitted studio-grade compression with a Clean Boost EQ curve. It has dual internal audio paths and is built with durability in mind.
6. TC Electronic HyperGravity Multiband:  The HyperGravity has hundreds of combinations of compression through TonePrint.
7. Strymon OB-1 Optical Compressor: The OB-1 combines analog optical compression with Clean Boost. Expect to get transparent a tone from its premium low-noise circuitry.

What Does A Compressor Pedal Do For a Guitar?

A compressor pedal is a dynamic range regulator for a guitar. It defines the highs and lows in volume produced when playing the guitar. When you strum hard, your volume peaks while gently playing the volume valleys. So, essentially a compressor functions as a volume control accentuating peaks and slightly boosting valleys. This results in a more balanced tone. Additionally, it enhances your guitar’s tone and note articulation. Through this guitarist can explore the full spectrum of their instrument’s capabilities.

How To Use a Compressor Pedal? (5 Simple Steps)

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a compressor pedal:

1. Connect your Pedal: Connect your pedal to your guitar and amp with proper input and output cables. Make sure to dial down your volume so that you don’t damage your speaker from the static sound when plugging in.
2.  Tune in Your Settings: With moderate compression, start to get a feel of how the pedal affects your sound. Adjust any EQ parameters to reach your desired level of compression without sacrificing tone or quality.
3. Experiment with Different Threshold Levels: The threshold is the point from which your compression will kick in. Test out different levels to find your sweet spot. You will have to do a decent bit of tinkering in the beginning.
4. Tune Attack And Release: Attack is the time it takes for the compressor to respond to sudden volume changes. Release is the time the compressor takes to return to normal operation after the volume drops.
5. Use Blend Controls Where Applicable: If your compressor has a blend knob, you can use it to mix the compressed signal with the original raw one from your guitar. You can use this feature to retain some of the guitar’s natural sound with the compressed one.

Do You Need a Compressor Pedal?

If you have ever felt like your guitar has inconsistent sound while playing, maybe too loud or vice versa, a compressor pedal is what you're looking for. These pedals smooth out the dynamics of your guitar’s sound and help it shape its tone. Ultimately, it all depends on your personal preference and your play style. It may not be essential for all guitarists right at a more beginner stage. However, it can be a real transformative tool in your guitar rig as you get access to more control over your guitar’s sound and tone dynamics.