Compression pedals and a Sansamp VT pre amp

[Jonesy]

Howdy folks!

 

I've never really used a compression pedal and I currently have a hankering to try one. I'm very much in the 'I'm not really sure what they do/I want them to do', and my understanding of the different types of compression is close to non existent. I've read a few articles and threads here, but I'm thinking just picking up a cheap one to try is probably better so I can get an understanding by actually using one. 

 

But, before I do, I have a quick question for you........

 

I play with a Sansamp VT pre amp as an always on, which compresses the signal anyway, so do I 'need' a compression pedal anyway, will it make a noticeable difference? 

 

If you're thinking it's still worth picking one up, I was looking at the Joyo Scylla as an entry point, or the TC Spectracomp. 

 

I have no idea if there are different types of compressors that are suited for different styles (we play blues standards) etc but, if it's handy to know, my current signal chain goes like this......

 

Something with flats

Tuner

Sansamp VT (always on)

Catalinbread SFT (for occasional grit)

Amp

 

Thanks!

 

 

 

[Linus27]

I'm no expert but I play fretless and use a Sansamp BDDI v2 and an Ampeg Opticomp compressor and I couldn't live without it. The compressor just sprinkles magic dust on my tone and smooths everything out. I'm aware that the Sansamp pre-amps do add some compression but I found when I turned my compressor pedal off, my tone lost something and it was noticeable when it was turned back on again. The test for me was when I did a few gigs with another band and needed to build a small pedalboard for a fretted gig. I was going to save money and not bother with the Ampeg compressor but playing without it was considerably noticeable. As soon as I added it to my board (Sansamp, Octave and Compressor), my tone tightened up and was much better for it. I've heard good things about the TC Spectracomp pedal and they are cheap enough to get hold of so I say go for it. 

[Jonesy]

44 minutes ago, Linus27 said:

I'm no expert but I play fretless and use a Sansamp BDDI v2 and an Ampeg Opticomp compressor and I couldn't live without it. The compressor just sprinkles magic dust on my tone and smooths everything out. I'm aware that the Sansamp pre-amps do add some compression but I found when I turned my compressor pedal off, my tone lost something and it was noticeable when it was turned back on again. The test for me was when I did a few gigs with another band and needed to build a small pedalboard for a fretted gig. I was going to save money and not bother with the Ampeg compressor but playing without it was considerably noticeable. As soon as I added it to my board (Sansamp, Octave and Compressor), my tone tightened up and was much better for it. I've heard good things about the TC Spectracomp pedal and they are cheap enough to get hold of so I say go for it. 

 

Good to hear, thanks for that! Do you put the compressor before or after the Sansamp?

 

I've heard good things about the Ampeg too and it's not out of budget, if people think it's worth shelling out a bit more for a different pedal to the the Joyo or TC.

[Linus27]

8 minutes ago, Jonesy said:

 

Good to hear, thanks for that! Do you put the compressor before or after the Sansamp?

 

I've heard good things about the Ampeg too and it's not out of budget, if people think it's worth shelling out a bit more for a different pedal to the the Joyo or TC.

 

I'm current running Bass > Tuner > Octave > Overdrive > Chorus > Reverb 1 > Reverb 2 > Compressor > Sansamp > Amp/Desk so its just before the Sansamp with the Sansamp last in the chain.

 

I chose the Ampeg after having a great chat with @Osiris who suggested an optical compressor works really well for fretless and he was right, I couldn't be happier, it works great for me and the reviews were all really positive as well. A lot of people rate the TC Spectracomp as well though but I would say, due to the Toneprint option, you will fiddle a lot more and may not be able to easily decide what you like or what is working best for you. The Ampeg is literally three dials and super simple to setup and you can just start by having everything at 12 o'clock and tweak from there. I know nothing about the Joyo pedal though but I know the TC and Ampeg are both great.