Best compressor guitar pedals: Squish your signal

Compressor guitar pedals are one of the most useful tools in a guitar player’s arsenal. They even out the signal to provide a more dynamically consistent tone. 

They come in all variations – analog, digital, clean, colored and everything in between. So to help you find the best choice for your guitar signal chain we chose five of our favorites.

Best compressor guitar pedal overall: BOSS CP-1X 

Utilizing BOSS’ Multi-Dimensional Processing, this compressor pedal analyzes all frequencies in your guitar signal that gives players musical, dynamic control. 

Internal electronics run at 18-volts. This offers increased headroom that accommodates all types of guitar styles and tuning ranges. One of the best features is the LED gain reduction indicator, which very few compressors offer. 

Controls over ratio, attack, compression (threshold), and output level provides many ways to compress your signal. It would be nice to have a release control, but it’s not uncommon for compressor guitar pedals to exclude them

This is the next stage in BOSS compression.

Best analog compressor guitar pedal: MXR M228 Dyna Comp Deluxe

Likely the most famous analog compressor guitar pedal of all time, the Dyna Comp provides a distinct type of squish that became popular with rock and country players after its release in 1972.

This upgraded model includes the same vintage-correct CA3080 “metal can” circuit that the original Dyna Comps were based on. It provides a percussive sound with enhanced sustain that stands apart from transparent compressors. It’s vibey and colorful with great sustain that gives the notes a great “bloom”. 

The control set is stepped up. The original only had Sensitivity and Output controls, but the M228 augments those with Tone, a Clean blend, and switchable Attack button. Sounds available range from squishy 70’s-style compression to more transparent that gives great dynamic control.

It won’t be the perfect fit for every guitarist. But if you’re looking for an in-your-face compressor there are few better.

Best digital compressor guitar pedal: Source Audio One Series Atlas

Source Audio makes some of the best digital guitar pedals around. A lot of them are complex designs, but the Atlas is more subdued. But that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot going on under the hood! 

There is a robust collection of compression circuits that includes models that range from classic analog compressors to studio-grade rack gear. What’s more, the pedal can be switched from guitar to bass mode with a single button press! 

Atlas brings six different styles of guitar compressor pedals that range from venerated stompboxes like the Diamond Optical Compressor to high-end studio gear like the timeless 1176 and LA-2A.

The control set is simple, but powerful. Four knobs control Threshold, Ratio, Blend, and Output level. Three of the knobs have dual parameter functionality. Ratio also controls Tone, Blend also controls Attack, and Output also controls release. A three-way switch selects the compressor type between Dual, Optical, and Studio.

Even further customization is done through the Neuro Editor that runs on desktop or mobile app. It unlocks a full-featured studio compressor. Real-time gain reduction is visual as well as a robust settings suite.

If you’re looking for a small-format digital compressor guitar pedal, the Atlas is the best one on the map.

Best optical compressor guitar pedal: Pigtronix Philosopher’s Tone 2

Optical compression sounds fantastic on guitars. It’s smooth, subtle, and musical. There are a lot of optical compressors in the form of studio rack mount gear, but there aren’t that many in guitar pedal form.

Philosopher’s Tone 2 is a unique take on this style of compression. It shapes guitar signal dynamics with a compression sound that’s round and smooth with a rich midrange.

Most optical compressors only offer two or three controls for dialing in the sound, and one of the things that sets this model apart are the control parameters. As far as the compression curve it’s got the Sustain and Volume controls found on studio optical compressors. 

But Pigtronix took it a few steps further. There’s a Blend knob for setting the wet/dry balance, so you can easily get parallel compression. Treble controls EQ, and Grit adds some dirt to the signal.

The Grit section of the circuit has its own footswitch so you can engage it as needed. It’s a switchable dirt circuit between silicon and germanium. The debate between the two types of analog components goes back decades, and every guitar player seems to have an opinion. Luckily Pigtronix accommodates guitarists of either camp.  

This is a musical compressor that isn’t meant for in-your-face, over the top squish. It’s for guitar players looking for a more tasteful type of compression.

Best budget compressor guitar pedal: Electro-Harmonix Nano Soul Preacher

Compressor guitar pedals don’t usually come in at a high price point, but even so at $100 and change this is a great budget option. The Nano Soul Preacher is simple and to the point, but don’t let that discourage you from exploring it. 

It comes in a standard size EHX enclosure, so Nano is a little misleading as it’s not a mini pedal. But size-wise it’s still friendly for your pedalboard. 

Controls are simple, just Sustain and Volume pots. An Attack switch selects between three different speeds (slow, medium, and fast) so you can find the best setting for the song and your style. There is buffered bypass for keeping your tone intact. 

Some compressor guitar pedals offer extensive control and multiple settings. But a lot of guitar players just want something that works. 

FAQ

What does a compressor pedal do for guitar?

They even out your guitar signal by reducing the dynamic range. In simple terms this makes the quiet notes louder and the loud notes quieter. This helps your playing sound more consistent and smooth, especially during clean passages or for strumming. It also adds sustain by holding your notes longer without any added distortion.

Should I put my compressor before or after other pedals?

Generally, compressor guitar pedals should be placed early in the signal chain right after your guitar and before overdrive or modulation pedals. This allows the compressor to work with the cleanest signal possible. Some players experiment with placement for unique sounds, like putting it after overdrive to level out the overall output.

Is a compressor pedal beginner-friendly?

Yes! It may take some tweaking to understand, but a compressor can improve your tone even at subtle settings. Start with a model that includes simple controls, and experiment with settings while playing clean chords or lead lines to hear how it’s affecting your signal.