A compressor is a type of guitar effect that reduces the dynamic range of the guitar signal by attenuating the louder parts while boosting the quieter ones. This results in a more consistent and even sound, with a smoother overall volume level. Compressors are used to even out the differences in volume between different notes or chords, making them sound more uniform and polished.
Compressor pedals typically offer controls for adjusting parameters such as threshold (the level at which compression starts), ratio (the amount of compression applied), attack (how quickly compression is applied), and release (how quickly compression is released). By adjusting these controls, guitarists can tailor the compression effect to suit their playing style and musical preferences.
Compressors are commonly used in a wide range of musical genres, including rock, blues, country, and funk, to enhance sustain, control dynamics, and add punch to guitar tones. They are particularly useful for achieving a consistent and professional sound in both live performances and studio recordings. Popular compressor pedal models include the MXR Dyna Comp, Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer, and Keeley Compressor Plus.
A pedal is a compact device that guitarists use to alter their instrument’s sound by shaping effects such as distortion, delay, reverb, and modulation. Typically housed in a rugged enclosure and controlled by footswitches, pedals are designed to be placed on the floor for hands-free operation during playing. They can be analogue or digital, true bypass or buffered, and come in countless varieties to suit different styles and preferences. Pedals are essential tools for creating signature tones and adding colour and texture to a guitarist’s sound.
A preamp (preamplifier) is the first stage in your guitar signal chain that takes the weak signal from your guitar and boosts it to a usable level for shaping tone and driving the power amp.
It’s where much of your tone is formed—controlling gain, EQ, and character. In valve (tube) amps, the preamp stage is what gives you that classic warmth and breakup when pushed. In modern rigs, standalone preamp pedals or rack units can mimic classic amp tones or create entirely new ones. Whether in a studio or live setup, a good preamp is the heart of your sound.
We have new and used Universal Audio musical equipment available on our website for fast direct delivery from sellers across the UK & Europe.
Universal Audio (UA) is a leading manufacturer of professional audio recording hardware and software, renowned for their high-quality audio interfaces, preamps, and analog modeling plugins. Founded in 1958 by Bill Putnam Sr., UA has a rich heritage in recording technology, with a legacy that includes designing classic studio gear used on countless hit records. Today, Universal Audio offers a range of products, including their acclaimed Apollo series audio interfaces, featuring real-time analog processing and high-resolution audio conversion, as well as their UAD-2 DSP accelerator cards and plugins, which faithfully model vintage analog hardware. With a commitment to preserving the analog sound of yesteryear while embracing modern digital technology, Universal Audio continues to be a trusted name among audio professionals, musicians, and producers seeking premium-quality recording solutions.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.