Compressor Pedals

Compressor pedals reduce dynamic range by turning louder peaks down and raising or sustaining the average level. Attack and release determine whether the pick transient remains sharp or is softened; ratio, threshold, blend and output gain decide whether the result is discreet control or an obvious effect. Compression can even out clean picking, add sustain before an overdrive, tighten bass or provide a steady vocal signal, but it can also raise noise and reduce touch contrast. Check the controls and metering, then place the pedal where its gain structure makes sense for the rest of the chain.