Author Topic: Using a Compressor as a Volume Boost (Read 106 times)

jalevinemd · « **on:** March 11, 2009, 06:41:57 PM »

I've got limited room on the pedalboard and I'm thinking about adding a compressor. But something's gotta go. I currently use a Keeley Java Boost as a clean, volume boost. If you turn the compression to 0 and turn up the level, volume or whatever your particular compressor calls it, can you get a pure volume boost from the pedal with no change in tone?

In simplest terms, can a compressor function as a pure volume boost?

jakebass · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2009, 02:13:48 AM »

I'm no expert but I think that compression brings things more in line i.e louder notes contained making higher volume available for the quieter notes. This gives an illusion of louder as everything is more level. You certainly can boost the output leve on most units I've encountered. I use a Fishman Platinum pro bass pre and it has a compression dial on it, it's a fantastic unit.

TBH the consistency of note production across the range of most Alembics really should negate the need for compression I think.
I use the Fishman for my upright.

Jake

terryc · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2009, 02:57:19 AM »

jakebass...I agree, I have never used any conpressor unit on my MK signature, the volume balance sounds right across the whole spectrum.
Maybe different for the Alembic guitars but I cannot see how, if this is the case for Alembic guitars I would just use the vol boost and get rid of the compressor

hieronymous · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2009, 07:38:16 AM »

If you aren't going to use the compressor as a compressor, shouldn't you just stick with the volume boost you already have?

Also, I would think that different compressors would sound different if used as you are describing, and probably would color the sound a bit since the signal would be going through the circuitry.

I have a Custom Audio Japan V-Comp which is a tube compressor, and the instructions specifically state that you can use it as a volume boost without compressing, but with the purpose of the tube coloring the sound.

jalevinemd · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2009, 12:10:10 PM »

Harry,

I want a compressor as well. It's just that I use the boost so much more often.

hieronymous · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2009, 02:25:49 PM »

OK, so sometimes you want to use it as a compressor and sometimes as a volume boost?

I still think it would depend on the compressor as to whether or not it would color the sound. Maybe you could email someone like Keeley and ask?

jalevinemd · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2009, 02:30:31 PM »

Harry,

Exactly!

Great minds think alike. I called Keeley today. There will probably be a tiny bit of compression even turned to 0. I'll give it a try but I might have to move things around to accommodate both pedals.

mica · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2009, 02:53:21 PM »

You could have a boost switch installed on your Alembic guitars, and use a Blaster on the other ones. Just a thought!

hieronymous · « **Reply #8 on:** March 12, 2009, 02:58:48 PM »

The Keeley compressors seem to be aimed at not coloring the sound much even when compressing, so hopefully it will work out for you!

elwoodblue · « **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2009, 05:57:42 PM »

I've used a Fatman tube compressor as a boost before feeding the input of my Swart guitar amp.
...it's not a pedal but it worked great to give me a hot signal for V1 without adding color.
My Swart all of sudden worked more like a mesa/marshall.

Let us know how the Keeley works for ya.

lbpesq · « **Reply #10 on:** March 12, 2009, 06:19:11 PM »

I have a re-issue Dyna-Comp modded by analogman. Boy, what an improvement! You might want to give him a call. As I recall he makes a dual compressor pedal (2 different compressors in 1 pedal, maybe the bicompressor?). Perhaps you could set one as a boost and the other as a compressor, or maybe even get a custom boost/compress combo. I found him very helpful and easy to work with. His website (analogman.com) isn't the greatest, but I love his pedals.

Bill, tgo

jalevinemd · « **Reply #11 on:** March 13, 2009, 07:23:48 AM »

Thanks guys. I'll let you know.