Originally Posted by: bbzswa777Have any of you used a compressor pedal when jamming or playing live? I'm trying to get a feel of what the benefits would be. I usually play with distortion.

Or is a compressor used more often with a cleaner sound?

~Rusty

A compressor does exactly what it says, It compresses the frequencies. That is to say that it removes certain frequencies and leaves whatever is not removed. What those frequencies are is due to how you set up the pedal's settings.

The idea is to get rid of frequencies that don't add to your sound and leaving behind the desired frequencies.

It can be quite effective for distorted and overdriven tones like axe was saying. With good tone/EQ settings, compression can bring out the really good, fat tones.

It's a dangerous tool because many people overuse it. Worth looking in to. I never used one but really, I used my Dunlop Wah in the 'full down/on position' which filtered out certain frequencies and sort acted like a compressor. It made a difference...though I did that because I wanted a Wah and couldn't afford a compressor. When I found out that leaving it one helped my tone. I stuck with it.

Now? I'd get an actual compressor. More adjustability.

Look in to it.