The compression is one of the notorious effects of the guitar world, and something some players associate with loudness wars or bland and soulless music we get to hear through a variety of channels these days, but the reality is that it’s simply a useful effect that can be utilized in a variety of cool ways.

Generally, compression is a type of effect that clips the sonic peaks of a given recording and presents a more concise and well-rounded recording. Use it too much and you will get a bland recording indeed, but use it just right and you will improve your sonic attack a lot.

Therefore, we decided to take a more thorough look at these babies and answer the big question – “What are the compressor types for guitar?” Let’s do this!

Voltage Controlled Amplifiers

Hailed as the most versatile type of guitar compression the variable limiting compressors operate by rapidly changing their gain levels in response to different detectors directed towards the same signal. They can go from gentle and minute sonic changes all the way to hardcore clipping of the audio input. Some of the notable models of this kind include Focsurite Red, DBX 160, and many more.

Optical Isolators

These compressors utilize LED lights to make alteration in the gain department as the compression corresponds to the incoming sound signal. This way, a photocell is then added to the audio track, resulting in appropriate gain adjustments. In simpler terms, this secures a smoother sound with far less unwanted sonic peaks and breaches than on the original track. Notable models include Tube-Tech CL 1B Compressor, Universal Audio LA3A, and more.

FET

These devices emulate the vacuum tubes by incorporating a significant dose of extra circuitry. This results in super fast machines that are clean and work around the clock with maximum efficiency. Many professional studio engineers and producers prefer this type of compression due to top-level sound quality. Some of the notable models include Purple Audio MC77, LA Audio Duel II, and more.

Software Compressors

Along with voltage controlled devices, compression programs are the most widespread types of compressors out there. They are of course cheaper than classic devices, but they can offer very strong results, hence the widespread factor. They give the user all the powers of the digital domain, allowing infinitely accurate sonic controls and adjustments of all sorts.

Hybrid Compressors

Finally, the hybrids. These are essentially a mixture of two or more of compressor types listed above. They pack high versatility and can cater to a variety of users based on their personal taste and preference.

Conclusion

We hope that this guide gave you some interesting details and info from the inside of the compression realm. We believe that this effect can significantly enrich the quality of your recordings, so if you’re having second thoughts about buying a guitar compressor, have no doubts and get one as early as today! This is good stuff, hence all we can say is big thumbs up from here, highly recommended.