Top 10 Guitar Compressor Pedals 2024

Table of Contents

Introduction

A compressor pedal is an effects pedal that evens out the dynamics in your playing. It works by reducing the volume of loud notes and boosting the volume of quiet notes. This results in a more consistent overall volume and smoother, more sustained tones.

There are several benefits to using a compressor pedal:

Increased sustain – Compression can make notes ring out longer. This allows for legato playing and smoother transitions between chords.
More consistent volume – The peaks and valleys of your dynamics get smoothed out for an overall balanced sound. This also helps prevent sudden volume jumps.
Tighter playing feel – Fast picking and chord strumming has better definition. Notes don’t get lost in the mix as easily.
Adds punch – The boosted attack and reduced transients can make tones sound more focused and aggressive.
Noise reduction – Compression reduces noise in the signal chain by lowering the volume of noisy artifacts during quiet passages.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about choosing the best compressor pedal for your needs. We’ll compare different compressor types, make recommendations for top guitar and bass models, and provide tips on how to dial in the perfect compression tones. Whether you want to smooth out your dynamics or add some punch, this guide will help you find the right pedal.

How to Choose the Right Compressor Pedal

When selecting a compressor pedal, there are several key factors to consider:

Tone – Compressor pedals can affect your tone, from being transparent to adding coloration. Optical and studio-quality compressors tend to be more transparent, while FET and VCA types often have a subtle tonal imprint. Listen to demos to hear how different pedals may influence your core sound.

Noise – Pedal compressors can potentially introduce background noise, which is especially problematic for high-gain guitar tones. Optical and studio compressors tend to be quieter, while FET and VCA versions may have more noise. Look at pedal noise specs and user reviews.

Attack and Release – These controls determine how quickly the compressor clamps down on your playing dynamics and how long it takes to return to normal. For faster, more articulated compression, look for pedals with quick attack and release times. Slower settings help smooth out playing dynamics.

Compressor Types – The most common types are optical (LA-2A style), VCA (Boss CS-3 style), and FET (Ross style). Each has distinct tonal qualities, with optical being the most transparent. FET compressors tend to be punchy and VCA types offer versatility.

Pedal Formats – Compressors come in standard stompbox sizes, mini pedals, and rack-mounted studio units. Smaller pedals can fit cramped pedalboards, while rack units offer more controls.

Budget – Prices range from under $50 for basic compressors to over $200 for premium studio-grade pedals. In general, more expensive compressors have better transparency and noise performance.

10 Best Compressor Pedals for Guitar in 2024

When it comes to compressor pedals for guitar, there are some tried and true classics as well as some stellar lesser-known options that deserve a spot on your pedalboard. Here are 10 of the best compressor pedals to consider for guitar in 2024:

Keeley Compressor Plus

The Keeley Compressor Plus is a staple on many pro pedalboards and for good reason – it delivers super transparent compression with a famously great tone. With fully adjustable attack, release, and blend controls, it’s incredibly versatile for everything from country chicken pickin’ to metal chugs. The "Plus" adds a soft clipping circuit for a touch of pleasing saturation.

Xotic SP Compressor

Known for its optical compression coupled with a very musical tone, the Xotic SP is ideal for those seeking more sustain and liquid lead tones. It has just three knobs for dialing in compression depth, output level, and tone, making it simple to use. The SP works equally well for single-coils and humbuckers.

Wampler Ego Compressor

Wampler’s take on compression, the Ego offers a bit more character than some optically compressed pedals. The tone knob lets you shape the EQ to work perfectly with your rig. With a small footprint, the Ego is a great always-on pedal for evening out dynamics.

JHS Pulp ‘N’ Peel V4

The Pulp ‘N’ Peel from JHS features both optical and FET compression modes for versatility. Add in the blend knob allowing you to mix in your dry signal, and this pedal can handle anything from subtle smoothing to squishy country compression.

Origin Effects SlideRIG Compact Deluxe

For a mini pedal format, it’s hard to beat the SlideRIG Compact Deluxe. With controls for ratio, attack, release, and more, it puts rack-style studio compression into a tiny box. From adding sustain to tightening up tapping lines, this little comp delivers.

Boss CP-1X Compressor

The CP-1X gives you Boss’ uncompromising quality and road-ready build in a compressor pedal. With adaptive compression circuitry, it responds just like a studio unit for transparent dynamics control. The CP-1X is a great always-on pedal, especially for solos and clean fingerpicking.

Empress Compressor

With stellar analog tone, the Empress Compressor offers a wealth of controls not often seen on guitar pedals. You can fine-tune the knee, ratio, attack, and release to sculpt surgical dynamic control. Plus it has stereo ins and outs for broader compression applications.

Diamond Compressor

For those seeking optical compression with a simple control set, Diamond’s Compressor is a top choice. Just set the sustain and output to dial in the right amount of smooth squish. Its low noise operation makes it perfect for adding compression without coloration.

Keeley Super Mod Workstation

The Super Mod Workstation from Keeley packs an incredible amount of effects into one pedal, including stellar compression. With fully adjustable controls, you can set up the perfect subtle compression to complement the reverb, chorus, phaser, and more also built into this pedal.

Pigtronix Philosopher’s Tone Compressor

Lastly, the Philosopher’s Tone offers parallel compression for added sustain and presence without squashing your dynamics. It has treble and bass controls to shape your EQ alongside the compression, making it incredibly versatile within a guitar rig.

Honorable Mentions

Other excellent compressor pedals worth checking out include the Walrus Audio Deep Six, Seymour Duncan Vise Grip, EarthQuaker Devices Warden, TC Electronic SpectraComp, and the Fender The Bends.

This covers a range of optical, VCA, and FET compressors to suit any budget or playing style. Be sure to watch video demos to hear how each colors and shapes your tone. With the right compressor pedal, you’ll enhance your dynamics, tighten up your playing, and add beautiful sustain.

Compressor Pedals for Bass Guitar

Bass guitar has different compression needs compared to guitar. Since bass occupies the low end of the frequency spectrum, too much compression can make your bass tone sound muddy. However, just the right amount of compression can tighten up the low end and help your bass sit better in the mix.

When choosing a compressor pedal for bass, look for models specifically designed for bass guitar. These pedals are optimized to retain low end punch and clarity. Popular choices include the MXR M87 Bass Compressor, Darkglass Super Symmetry Bass Compressor, and Empress Bass Compressor.

For dialing in smooth bass compression, start with a low ratio (2:1 or less) and moderate threshold. This will gently even out your dynamics without excessive squashing. Set the attack time slower to allow the initial transient to poke through. Faster release times will make your bass sound tighter and more controlled.

When blending in the compressed signal, err on the side of subtlety. You want to retain the natural dynamic feel of the bass, just with a bit more sustain and evenness. Use the blend control to mix just enough compressed signal to smooth things out.

Experiment with compressor placement – before overdrives allows more even distortion, while after drives can help control noise. Also try compressing just the lows with a split signal setup. This retains punchy dynamics on the high strings.

With the right pedal and settings, compression can make your bass lines sound pro, tighten up slapping/popping technique, and add clarity to the low end. Just remember subtlety is key for bass compression.

Compressor Pedals for Acoustic Guitar

Acoustic guitarists can greatly benefit from using a compressor pedal. The natural dynamic range of an acoustic instrument can sometimes be problematic – notes fade out quickly, and loud strumming can overdrive the pickup. Compression helps to smooth out these dynamics.

A good compressor pedal for acoustic guitar should be as transparent as possible. You don’t want the pedal to color your natural acoustic tone. Optical and tube compressor pedals tend to be the most transparent options. FET compressors add a bit more grit which may not be ideal for acoustic.

It’s also important to choose a compressor pedal with a low noise floor. You don’t want any hiss or hum coming through, as this will be very noticeable during quiet fingerpicking passages. Some pedals like the Keeley Compressor Plus have ultra low-noise circuitry perfect for acoustic.

Proper gain staging is crucial when using compression with an acoustic guitar. You want to be sure not to overdrive the pickup or pedal input, as this will lead to unpleasant distortion. Set the pickup output at a moderate level, then use the compressor’s output knob to boost the level post-compression.

EQ can also help optimize compression for acoustic guitar. A boost in the 2-5kHz range can add shimmer, while cutting some low mids around 400Hz will remove muddiness. Just be careful not to go overboard with EQ boosts that could lead to feedback.

Used properly, compression can really make an acoustic guitar sing. The right pedal choice along with smart gain staging and EQ settings will let your true acoustic tone shine through.

Studio-Style Compression vs. Pedal Compression

There are some key differences between studio compressor units/plugins and compressor pedals that guitarists should understand.

Studio compressors tend to offer more transparency and versatility than pedals. Rackmount units and plugin emulations allow you to deeply tweak attack, release, ratio, knee, and other parameters to craft your perfect compression sound. Many studio compressors also offer multiple compression modes to shape transients and dynamics in different ways.

The main downside of studio compressors is that they can be more expensive and complicated to set up and operate, especially for guitarists who are unfamiliar with production tools. You’ll need an audio interface, DAW, and monitoring setup to use plugin compressors. Hardware studio compressors require an equipment rack and proper gain staging.

Compressor pedals provide an easy, convenient way to add compression to your guitar or bass sound, without the complexities of studio tools. Pedals are quick to set up, and many include simple controls like Sustain, Level, Blend, etc. This makes it easy to dial in compression effects on the fly. The tradeoff is that pedals offer less fine-tuning capabilities compared to studio compressors.

As a rule of thumb, studio compressors are better suited for precision compression applications like subtle dynamic control, evening out performances, or transparent gain boosting. If you need surgical dynamic control and maximum fidelity, studio compressors are the way to go.

Compressor pedals shine for basic compression effects like evening out pick attack, adding sustain, or providing a consistent output for smoother clean tones. Pedals get you in the compression ballpark quickly. So if you just need some general compression smoothing, a pedal may be all you need.

Many guitarists use a combination of both pedal and studio compression. You can use a pedal to fatten up your live guitar tone, while relying on your DAW’s compressor plugin to polish and tighten tracks during mixing. This blended approach gives you the best of both worlds.

How to Use a Compressor Pedal

Using a compressor pedal effectively requires understanding the basic and advanced controls. Here’s an overview of the key parameters and how to dial them in for your playing style and genre:

Threshold – The threshold sets the volume level at which compression kicks in. Tones above the threshold get compressed, while tones below it remain unaffected. Set the threshold lower to get more compression or higher for just occasional limiting.

Ratio – The compression ratio determines how much compression is applied. A 2:1 ratio compresses peaks to half their loudness, while 10:1 heavily squashes peaks. For subtle compression, opt for lower ratios like 2:1 or 4:1. Higher ratios like 10:1 work for dramatic clamping.

Attack – This sets how fast the compressor clamps down on volume peaks. Faster attack times can help tame transient spikes, while slower settings preserve crisp attack. For rhythmic playing, set a medium attack around 20-50ms. For sustaining lead lines, use slower attacks around 100ms.

Release – The release time determines how long compression remains active after loud notes fade. Shorter release times bounce back to normal faster. Longer release times can smooth out gaps between notes. Find the right balance for your style.

Gain – Use the output gain control to boost the overall volume back up after compression. Be careful not to overdo it and cause clipping.

Advanced Controls – Some pedals add advanced controls like blend knobs for parallel compression, knee adjustment to change compression curvature, and sidechain filtering to isolate specific frequencies.

Signal Chain Placement – Placing the compressor early in your signal chain helps control noise from drives/distortions. Placing it later can allow your core tone to shine through uncompressed. Experiment to find what works for you.

Genre Tips – For rock, use higher ratios and faster attack/release times to tighten up palm muting. For metal, put the compressor after distortion to allow for heavily compressed chugs. For blues, use lower ratios and slower attack for slinky leads. Find settings that enhance your personal style.

Compressor Pedal Settings for Clean Tones

Clean tones are all about clarity, sparkle, and dynamics. A compressor pedal can help shape your clean tone in several ways:

Glass-Like Cleans

A touch of compression can make clean tones sound more focused and glass-like. The compression evens out your picking dynamics and increases sustain slightly. This results in a beautiful chiming clean tone, almost like you’re playing through a studio-quality rack compressor.

Some of the best compressor pedals for pristine clean tones include:

Keeley Compressor Plus: Extremely transparent compression that adds shine without coloration.
Xotic SP Compressor: Smooth and musical optical compression perfect for clean boosting.
Empress Compressor: Flexible compressor with parallel blend control to preserve dynamics.

Start with lower compression ratios (2:1 or less) when using a compressor to enhance clean tones. This will gently shape your dynamics without excessive squashing.

Stacking with Modulation and Time-Based Effects

Adding a compressor before modulation effects like chorus, flanger, and phaser can really make the textures bloom. The compressor adds sustain and evens out your picking, allowing the modulation effects to swirl and shimmer.

Stacking compression with time-based effects like delay and reverb also works nicely. The increased sustain from compression makes delays and reverbs bloom. Compression also helps time-based effects sit more consistently in a mix instead of fading in and out with your dynamics.

Parallel Compression

Parallel compression is a technique where the uncompressed and compressed signals are blended together. This allows you to achieve dynamic control while retaining the natural transient punch and feel of the uncompressed tone.

Many compressor pedals now include a mix or blend knob for parallel compression. Simply blend in some of the compressed signal to taste. The Xotic SP compressor’s mix control works exceptionally well for this technique.

Parallel compression is perfect for clean tones since it prevents the squashed or choked sound that heavy compression can produce. Let your clean tone breathe while also evening out the dynamics with parallel blending.

Compression Tips for Humbuckers

Humbucking pickups like those found on Les Pauls and SGs can benefit greatly from compression, but their high output requires some special considerations.

Humbuckers are designed to have more output, which results in a thicker, warmer, more saturated tone. However, all that output can make humbuckers sound compressed even without a pedal. Adding more compression on top can make your tone sound choked, dull, or overly squashed.

When using a compressor with humbuckers, opt for pedals that have a high headroom and ultra transparent compression. Some top choices include:

Keeley Compressor Plus: With its hybrid optical/FET design, this pedal excels at evening out dynamics without coloring your tone. Great for everything from country twang to high gain metal.
Xotic SP Compressor: Extremely transparent and noise-free operation makes this a go-to for compressing humbuckers without excessive tone darkening.
Empress Compressor: With its wide range of attack/release shaping, this pedal can gently smooth out humbucker dynamics or heavily squash them.
Wampler Ego Compressor: Provides a musical, organic sounding compression that doesn’t get overly compressed even with hot humbucker pickups.

To prevent humbuckers from sounding too dark and muddy with compression, try these EQ tips:

Roll back the tone knob on your guitar to around 7 or 8. This will tame some of the low-end thump.
Use a transparent overdrive or EQ pedal to boost the treble and cut some bass before the compressor.
If your amp has a bright switch, engage it to help the compressed humbucker sound cut through the mix.

With the right compressor pedal choice and smart EQ moves, you can make your humbuckers sound tighter, more focused, and more balanced in a mix without losing their signature warm, thick tone.

Conclusion

Choosing the right compressor pedal for your needs can seem overwhelming at first, but understanding how compression shapes your tone is key. The most important factors when selecting a compressor pedal are the overall sound quality, noise levels, and the control over attack/release times. While studio-grade rack compressors offer the most flexibility, stompbox compressors provide simplicity and convenience in a portable pedal format.

The compressor pedals covered in this guide represent the top options across different budgets and playing styles. Key takeaways include:

Optical compressors like the Keeley Compressor Plus provide smooth, transparent compression perfect for maintaining dynamics.
VCA compressors like the Xotic SP are versatile pedals great for taming peaks and evening out levels.

-FET compressors such as the Wampler Ego offer a warm, vintage compression sound.

Dual compressors like the Walrus Audio Deep Six give more advanced control over compression parameters.
Mini pedals like the Xotic SP are ideal for tight pedalboards while still packing pro-level tones.

To get the most out of your compressor pedal, experiment with placement in your signal chain and control settings to match your guitar, playing style, and musical needs. Keep an open mind when dialing in tones – compression can provide subtle enhancements or dramatic effects.

For further learning about compressors, be sure to check out compressor pedal shootouts on YouTube, tutorials from experienced players, and forums where you can ask questions and get advice. Employing compression wisely will take your tone, dynamics and performance confidence to new heights.