Ever plugged in your guitar and felt like something was missing? Maybe your notes don’t ring out as long as you’d like, or your clean tones sound a little too thin. That’s where a compressor pedal comes in, and in 2021, the choices are more exciting than ever!
But let’s be honest, picking the perfect compressor can feel like navigating a maze. So many buttons, so many knobs, and what does “attack” or “ratio” even mean? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and you don’t want to spend your hard-earned cash on a pedal that doesn’t quite nail the sound you’re after. We get it!
That’s why we’ve put together this guide! We’ll break down what makes a great compressor pedal in 2021, explain the key features in simple terms, and even highlight some of the top contenders. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to choose a pedal that will make your guitar sing and your playing shine.
Our Top 5 Compressor Pedal 2021 Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Keeley Compressor Plus Pedal | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
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Donner Compressor Pedal | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Boss CS-3 Compressor/Sustainer Pedal | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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FLAMMA FC21 Compressor Pedal Electric Guitar Effects Pedal Classic Optical Compressing Effect True Bypass | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Pogolab Compressor Pedal | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Compressor Pedal 2021 Detailed Reviews
1. Keeley Compressor Plus Pedal
Rating: 8.7/10
The Keeley Compressor Plus Pedal, Black (KCompPlus) is a real game-changer for guitarists. It takes the classic Keeley compression sound you love and makes it even better and easier to use.
What We Like:
- It’s the first big step forward for Keeley’s popular 2 and 4 knob compressors.
- A simple Release Switch lets you pick the best setting for single-coil or humbucker guitars. You don’t have to guess if your attack or release is set right anymore.
- The Tone Control sounds amazing. It brings back the important sound details that compression can sometimes lose.
- A Blend Control keeps the punchy parts of your playing and makes sure your guitar’s signal sounds just right.
- It still has that wonderful, smooth sound and tone sweetening that older Keeley compressors offered.
- Now, it works great with any instrument you plug into it.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the new features are straightforward, some players might want even more control over the finer details of compression.
- The “gorgeous sounding” Tone Control might be subjective, and some might prefer a more neutral tone shaping option.
The Keeley Compressor Plus Pedal offers fantastic tone and flexibility for any player. It makes getting a great compressed sound simpler than ever.
2. Donner Compressor Pedal
Rating: 9.0/10
The Donner Ultimate Comp is a pure analog compressor pedal designed for electric guitar and bass. It promises to even out your playing dynamics and deliver a smooth, robust sound. This pedal offers two distinct compression modes and simple controls to shape your tone.
What We Like:
- It makes your guitar or bass sound more even.
- It has easy-to-use controls for compression, brightness, and volume.
- You can choose between two modes: NORMAL and TREBLE.
- It gives you a warm, smooth, and classic sound.
- The true bypass design means your original sound stays clear with no extra noise.
What Could Be Improved:
- The power adapter is not included.
The Donner Ultimate Comp is a solid choice for musicians looking to refine their sound. It offers great tonal shaping and a clear signal path for a professional performance.
3. Boss CS-3 Compressor/Sustainer Pedal
Rating: 9.2/10
The Boss CS-3 Compressor/Sustainer Pedal is a great tool for guitar players. It helps make your guitar sound smoother and last longer. This pedal is designed to be quiet. You can change the sound just how you like it with its easy controls.
What We Like:
- It makes your guitar notes ring out longer.
- The pedal is very quiet when you use it.
- You can easily adjust the sound with the Level, Tone, Attack, and Sustain knobs.
- It’s a well-built pedal from Boss, a trusted brand.
- It helps clean up your playing and makes chords sound fuller.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some players might find the Tone knob a little less versatile than other compressors.
- While quiet, advanced users might notice a slight change in the original guitar tone.
The Boss CS-3 is a solid choice for any guitarist looking to add sustain and control to their sound. It’s a reliable pedal that delivers consistent results.
4. FLAMMA FC21 Compressor Pedal Electric Guitar Effects Pedal Classic Optical Compressing Effect True Bypass
Rating: 8.9/10
The FLAMMA FC21 Compressor Pedal is a great tool for guitarists. It gives your guitar sound a smooth, even tone. This pedal uses classic optical compressing to make your playing sound better. It’s built tough and won’t take up much space on your pedalboard.
What We Like:
- It has a classic optical compressing effect. This means it makes your guitar sound smooth.
- The attack and decay are nice and smooth. This helps your notes blend together well.
- It offers good dynamic performance. Your guitar will sound more balanced.
- The pedal is compact and fits easily on a pedalboard.
- It has a strong metal shell. This makes it durable.
- The true bypass circuit means your guitar signal stays clean when the pedal is off.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the optical compression is classic, some players might prefer the control offered by other compression types.
- The compact size, while a pro, might make the knobs a bit small for those with larger hands.
Overall, the FLAMMA FC21 Compressor Pedal is a solid choice for guitarists wanting a classic compression sound in a durable, compact package. It’s a pedal that can really help shape your tone.
5. Pogolab Compressor Pedal
Rating: 9.5/10
The Pogolab Compressor Pedal is a compact and powerful tool for any guitarist or bassist. It helps even out your playing, making notes sound smoother and more consistent. This mini pedal is built tough and designed to give you a clean, quiet compression effect.
What We Like:
- It significantly reduces unwanted noise, so your sound stays clean.
- You can adjust how the compression works with Sustain and Attack controls, making it great for different instruments and playing styles.
- The pedal is built with a strong aluminum alloy, so it can handle being on the road.
- A bright indicator light shows you when it’s on or off.
- True bypass wiring means your guitar’s signal stays pure when the pedal isn’t active.
- It’s straightforward to connect and use, with simple input and output jacks.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pedal requires a DC 9V power supply, but the cable and adapter are not included, meaning you’ll need to buy those separately.
For guitarists and bassists looking for a reliable and effective compressor, the Pogolab pedal is a solid option. Its user-friendly design and noise-reduction features make it a valuable addition to any pedalboard.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Compressor Pedal in 2021
What Makes a Great Compressor Pedal?
A compressor pedal is like a helpful friend for your guitar. It makes your quiet notes louder and your loud notes quieter. This makes your sound more even and smooth. It can also add sustain, meaning your notes ring out longer. Choosing the right one can make a big difference in your playing.
Key Features to Look For
1. Controls
- Attack: This controls how fast the compressor starts working. A fast attack makes your notes sound punchy. A slow attack lets the beginning of the note through before it gets compressed.
- Release: This controls how quickly the compressor stops working. A fast release can make your sound sound a bit “chunky.” A slow release makes the sound smoother.
- Sustain/Level: This controls how much compression you get or how much you boost the overall volume. More sustain means your notes will ring out longer.
- Ratio: This tells you how much the compressor will reduce the volume of loud notes. A higher ratio means more reduction.
- Blend: Some pedals let you mix the compressed signal with the original, uncompressed signal. This can give you a more natural sound.
2. True Bypass vs. Buffered Bypass
True Bypass means that when the pedal is off, your guitar signal goes straight through without being changed. This is good for keeping your original tone pure. Buffered Bypass uses a circuit to keep your signal strong, especially when you have many pedals. For most players, either is fine, but true bypass is often preferred by purists.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Good compressor pedals are usually built to last. Look for pedals with sturdy metal casings. This protects the delicate electronics inside. High-quality knobs and switches also feel better and are less likely to break. Inside, the components should be well-soldered and neatly arranged. This shows good craftsmanship.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Pedal Great
- Transparent Compression: The best compressors don’t sound like they’re working. They just make your sound better.
- Versatility: A pedal that can do both subtle tone shaping and more aggressive compression is very useful.
- Low Noise: A good compressor shouldn’t add unwanted hiss or hum to your signal.
- Good Sound: This is the most important thing. Does it make your guitar sound better?
What Can Make a Pedal Less Ideal
- “Squashy” Sound: Some compressors can make your guitar sound unnatural, like it’s being squeezed too hard.
- Tone Suck: A poorly designed pedal can make your guitar’s tone sound dull or weak, even when it’s off.
- Unreliable Components: Cheap parts can lead to the pedal failing or not working correctly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Compressor pedals are used by many different types of guitarists. Here are some common ways people use them:
- Country Music: For that clean, “chunky” rhythm sound where every note rings out clearly.
- Funk Music: To get a percussive, rhythmic attack that really cuts through the mix.
- Blues Music: To add sustain and smooth out solos, making them sing.
- Pop Music: To make vocals and guitars sound more consistent and polished.
- Rock Music: To add sustain to leads or to give clean rhythm parts more power.
When you use a compressor, start with the controls set subtly. Listen to how it affects your sound. You can always turn the knobs more to get a stronger effect. Experimenting is key to finding what works best for your playing style and your guitar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Compressor Pedals
Q1: What is the main purpose of a compressor pedal?
A1: A compressor pedal makes your guitar’s sound more even by making quiet parts louder and loud parts quieter. It also adds sustain, making notes ring longer.
Q2: What are the most important controls on a compressor pedal?
A2: The most important controls are Attack, Release, Sustain (or Level), and Ratio. These help you shape how the compression works.
Q3: Should I look for a true bypass or buffered bypass pedal?
A3: True bypass keeps your original tone pure when the pedal is off. Buffered bypass helps keep your signal strong with many pedals. Both are good, but true bypass is often preferred by those who want the purest tone.
Q4: What kind of materials are usually used in good compressor pedals?
A4: Good compressor pedals are usually made with sturdy metal casings and high-quality knobs and switches.
Q5: How can I tell if a compressor pedal is good quality?
A5: Look for pedals that offer transparent compression, are versatile, have low noise, and simply sound good. Good build quality is also a sign of a quality pedal.
Q6: What are some common genres where compressor pedals are used?
A6: Compressor pedals are used in country, funk, blues, pop, and rock music, among others.
Q7: Can a compressor pedal make my guitar sound unnatural?
A7: Yes, if you use too much compression or have the controls set incorrectly, it can make your guitar sound “squashy” or unnatural.
Q8: What does “sustain” mean on a compressor pedal?
A8: Sustain refers to how long your guitar notes ring out. A compressor can increase sustain, making your notes last longer.
Q9: Is it hard to learn how to use a compressor pedal?
A9: It takes some practice, but it’s not overly difficult. Start with subtle settings and experiment to find what you like.
Q10: Do compressor pedals work with all types of guitars?
A10: Yes, compressor pedals work with electric guitars, acoustic-electric guitars, and basses.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.