I really envy those who understand and hear how compressors work!
I don't know what to hear?
I do not know what, why to roll!
I do not know what, why?
What is a good compressor setting for a Fender Stratocaster?
I love the beautiful clear sounds!
Below is the best video I’ve come across that demonstrates what you can really do with a compressor. There are plenty of descriptions of what compressors due but just saying they’re decrease dynamic range is not really helpful.
Here is what to listen for (in my opinion). And there are more than one uses:
1) listen for how the source material takes on a sense of movement. if you get the attack and release just right it will pump a tiny bit and can add life and ends up sounding more interesting. You really notice when turning it off it will sound dead and 2d.
2) if you just want to decrease dynamic range or decrease transients. This one is pretty easy to hear. Faster attack based on how much transient you want to kill, medium release
3) volume leveling.. not much to listen for other than just keeping the levels closer to even. Slowish attack medium release
with that in mind listen to how this guy runs different sources through some settings. its easiest to hear in the drums and once you get an ear for it you can apply it to guitar.
I ended up buying an 1176 and La2a after watching this. They are magic.