Using Live Compression

Mark Machak · Post by **Mark Machak** » 26 Nov 2000 3:47 pm

Howdy... my current setup consists of a Mullen D10 Royal Precision through a '65 Fender Twin Reissue ('00). I use several effects including a Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man (for slapback and chorus), Boss RV-3 (for longer delays), and MXR Phase 100 (for cool effects when playing in stereo). I was considering purchasing a compressor / sustainer for live use... do any of you recommend one? I was considering getting a Boss CS-3 because you can control attack.. but I've heard these are noisy. I've heard excellent things about the Maxon Compressor pedal... also, if I purchase a compressor would you recommend 1) putting it inline between the guitar and the Goodrich, 2) after the Goodrich but before any other effects, or 3) use all my effects patched into the effects loop of my amp instead of inline...?? Why so many effects? The music I play I hugely inspired by Greg Leisz's setups for recording and live performance.. very ethereal sounding

Thanks

mark

Geoff Scott · Post by **Geoff Scott** » 26 Nov 2000 5:29 pm

I've never tried it but have read and heard excellent reviews on the FMR Audio RNC (stands for real nice compression). It's a small unit and though it only runs around $175.00, it's been compared favorably with compressors ten times that price. It's supposed to work well for recording AND live use.One of the reviews was written by a sound man for Asleep At The Wheel. I've heard nothing but good about this compressor. I believe you can find it at www.fmraudio.com

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 26 Nov 2000 5:52 pm

I used to have an effects rack with an MXR Compressor in it. I rarely used it with steel. I'm now using a Transtube Fex, which has a compressor effect but I don't use it.

Olli Haavisto · Post by **Olli Haavisto** » 28 Nov 2000 8:22 am

I think proper use of volume pedal eliminates the need for a compressor;the compressor might actually try to "correct" the dynamics of the volume pedal use.Just my opinion,though....

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Olli Haavisto
Polar steeler
Finland
olli@icon.fi

[This message was edited by Olli Haavisto on 28 November 2000 at 08:23 AM.]

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 28 Nov 2000 8:53 am

I used to use an MXR compressor. I plugged it straight into the guitar and from the unit to the volume pedal. I would set it to get the same type of sound guitar players were getting when they "popped" their strings. Sometimes used it on Mooney licks. That's about all I found usefull with a compressor.

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Carter D10 8p/10k
Richard Sinkler BS, www.sinkler.com

Bob Hoffnar · Post by **Bob Hoffnar** » 28 Nov 2000 11:12 am

Joe Meek makes a good compressor that I use for recording sometimes.

Bob [This message was edited by Bob Hoffnar on 28 November 2000 at 11:23 AM.]

Greg Simmons · Post by **Greg Simmons** » 28 Nov 2000 12:32 pm

Carl Martin makes a great compressor that would be worth your while to check out - lots of sonic options.

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Greg Simmons
Custodian of the Official Sho~Bud Pedal Steel Guitar Website
shobud.cjb.net

[This message was edited by Greg Simmons on 28 November 2000 at 12:33 PM.]

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 28 Nov 2000 2:13 pm

As Olli's comment implies, the proper place for the compressor is in the front of the signal chain. It is possible that there are some creative effects possible from "misuse" of a compressor but for conventional applications it needs to be unencumbered by the variations of the volume pedal.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 28 Nov 2000 4:49 pm

I've been using an Alesis Nanocomp in my rack for the last couple of weeks... it sounds pretty cool when the attack is set so that the notes just slightly "jump out" from the amp. The "popping effect" as was mentioned earlier.

My signal chain is this: Emmons guitar to (rack in) Nanocomp to Korg DT-1 Pro tuner to Lexicon MPX 100 (rack out) to volume pedal to Evans amplifier.

Works for me. Your mileage may vary.

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Herb's Steel Guitar Pages