Compressors (the real thing or "artificial"/computerized/amp program patch)...

[ButchA]

I don't know if this should go in the Effect effect forum, or the Amp owners forum or what, but hopefully since I want to talk about Compressors, then it should be here:

You all know I have that amazing Boss Katana Artist combo amp, and the software app BTS (Boss Tone Studio) on my laptop. Plug in a USB cable, and there's like 5000 different pedals to choose from. Whatever you want, it's there. Click on it, tweak the settings and/or "virtual knobs", and once you get it dialed in, click "WRITE" and there you go.

Anyway, getting to the point... I was farting around with BTS this afternoon, and stumbled upon an MXR Dyna Comp setting. I clicked on it, and was playing my Player Strat on a clean channel. It was so cool, to be able to pick and finger pick all at the same time and not have any string overpower any other one.

Thumb & index finger: Holding a yellow Dunlop .73mm Tortex pick.
Middle & ring fingers: picking the G, B, or E strings, while the pick hits the lower strings.
The sound was evenly balanced and sustained well after I stopped playing.

Question: Should I add the REAL thing - MXR Dyna Comp to my pedalboard, so I can use it when needed, or enable the computerized version through BTS and then have to do a "tap dance" with the GA-FC controller, in order to toggle it?

Question #2: Who really, honestly, uses a Compressor quite often in a "set it and forget it" type of mode?

 

[Wulfrik]

In my experience with modelled dyna comp emulations, they aren't as hissy and grungy as an actual dyna comp pedal. The former is an advantage, the latter, less so. That sound is what makes the pedal so good, IMO.

The actual pedal is pretty affordable, so it wouldn't hurt to grab a used one and see how you go. I almost never turn mine off.

 

[StratUp]

IIRC, the Artist lets you store a slew of models. I'd just set one up with compression included and flip to that when needed.

 

[crankmeister]

No dyna comp, but my compressor is always on.

If I were you I would leave good enough alone. Make your BTS comp work however you want.

 

[touch of gray]

My compressor pedal (Keeley) is always on with boost turned all the way down. It still evens out the string volume and act as a boost or an underdrive with the volume control.

 

[ajb1965]

The drives and boosts in the Katana are all really good representations of what they model. The only downside about using any of the internal compressors is if you use external drives in front of the amp the compressor would be after the drive pedals. It may sound great but it's not the "normal" pedal order. IMHO if you are going to even peek down the rabbit hole of pedals, a compressor would be my first pedal purchase to use with the Katana. The aforementioned Keeley compressor will pair really well with the Katana's internal drives.

 

[Diamond_Dave]

Well, my Dyna Comp pedal is out for delivery right now, so I'll be qualified to give advice later today...

I will say that compression is important to me...I use one while playing my bass. Especially when recording something. You may not notice subtle (or even large) differences in string volume when playing in a group, but you will when you lay down your tracks and it's like a bad cable channel, where the commercials are loud and the shows are quiet. So, the bass comp has been a set and forget pedal for me.

I guess a question too is how well your amp takes pedals. Those modelers (and one of my guitar amps is a Fender Mustang III) can be finicky.

 

[Wulfrik]

Well, my Dyna Comp pedal is out for delivery right now, so I'll be qualified to give advice later today...

I will say that compression is important to me...I use one while playing my bass. Especially when recording something. You may not notice subtle (or even large) differences in string volume when playing in a group, but you will when you lay down your tracks and it's like a bad cable channel, where the commercials are loud and the shows are quiet. So, the bass comp has been a set and forget pedal for me.

I guess a question too is how well your amp takes pedals. Those modelers (and one of my guitar amps is a Fender Mustang III) can be finicky.

A compressor may be a bonus in front of a modeller, as it levels out the dynamic range of the input signal. Unlike an overdrive that you’d be on and off of, expecting a ‘kick’ each time, a compressor — acting as a compressor and not a boost — should help a modeller with the transients that give them problems in the first place (although the modern ones are getting better and better).

 

[Diamond_Dave]

I

The only downside about using any of the internal compressors is if you use external drives in front of the amp the compressor would be after the drive pedals.

I'm not at all familiar with the Boss Katana Artist, but I've read it has a series/parallel effects loop, which might help alleviate this problem. I dunno.