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What are the Compressor Types for Guitar

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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.

4 Best Types of Compressors for Guitar and Other Instruments

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Compression tends to be one of those guitar effects with negative connotation among certain players, and in our opinion that is an unfair state of affairs. If properly utilized, compression cuts out all the unwanted sonic peaks in your performance and delivers a genuinely better audio attack. However, if overused, the compression will result in an incredibly sterile sound, hence all the hate out there.

So to give you a more broad perspective on the matter, we have decided to jot down some of the most prominent types of guitar compressors. Check ’em out below!

Voltage Controlled Amplifier Compressors

This would be the most versatile type of compressors in our opinion. The VCA models can rapidly change their level of gain in response to a vast array of detectors. If you are looking to achieve a very strict and precise control over the dynamics of your sonic mix, we thing that utilizing a VCA is the way to go. These puppies can be as gentle as any other compression device on the market, but also tighten things up and present strict tonal control over any sound source, including everything from synths to vocals and of course guitars.

Notable example: DBX 160A Compressor / Limiter

Optical Isolator Compressors

Up next are the opto compressors, a nifty line of devices that operates by using LED lights or light bulbs to make changes in gain level as the device corresponds to the incoming sound signal from the source. Then, a photocell is utilized to track the varying brightness of the bulb and accordingly alter its gain. In simpler terms, these compressors are smoother and somewhat lighter, making them quite appropriate for bass guitars and vocals, but also for drums. They are simple, easy to use and quite versatile.

Notable example: Universal Audio LA-2A

Digital Compressors

This would be the software solution. Cheaper that the physical devices, digital compressors replicate the sonic features of analog tools and deliver them in digital moniker. They have the ability to process sound in the digital domain while retaining an infinitely precise level of control. However, they are what they are – a replication of the real deal, meaning that they usually can’t attain that high-end sound quality of analog models. On the up side, though, they are also significantly cheaper and more affordable, while still packing a strong punch and high quality.

Notable example: Steinberg RND Portico Compressor Bundle

Field Effect Transistor (FET) Compressors

Up next, we bring you the FET compressors. These devices operate by emulating vacuum tubes with transistor circuits, securing high impedance and a unique sound. A variety of Field Effect Transistor models is available on the market, and the majority of them is bound by clean and fast work modes. They are quick in attacking the sonic signal, and deliver a smooth sound easy to control. Additionally, they don’t ever really color the sound, but can do so if proper tweaks are made.

Notable example: Purple Audio MC77.

Conclusion

Thus, in a nutshell, these are the four most prominent types of compressors you can find on the market these days. We did our best to bring you the best of the best, and we guarantee that you can make no mistake in choosing any of the listed products. However, we recommend inspecting the goods here more thoroughly and jotting down your exact needs and preferences. Once that is out of the way, feel free to treat yourself with any of these bad boys as early as today. Highly recommended, a major thumbs up from here!