This time I’ve got 4 pedals that are utility pedals or just always on so I don’t have as much to say about them individually.
Boss TU-2
I realized I’ve probably had this pedal for nearly 20 years. Only had my DS-1 longer. Can’t go wrong.
Boss NS-2
Recently got this to help tame all my drive pedals when I’m using my single coil guitars during recording. Using it with the Send/Return loop is the way to go.
Keeley Compressor
Had a couple compressors in the past that I was using more as an effect rather than a compressor and got rid of them. Got this sometime last year as I was recording more to clean up the sound. I just leave it on the “Always On” setting in the manual and turn it off when I use Humbuckers.
BBE Sonic Stomp Mini
People like to dunk on this pedal but I love it. It’s always on and I keep the bass lower and move the treble knob around depending on what I’m going for.
I’ve used the Boss CS-3 and the Xotic SP Compressor in the past, but like years ago. Never used either of them as they were intended though and didn’t really know what I was doing.
The CS-3 can definitely get that more extreme squish sound. Think RHCP - “Under the Bridge” or Sublime - “Santeria”. Which is what I bought it for.
The SP was more subtle with the squish and like I said I was using it more as an effect rather than an actual compressor. I didn’t have it that long and that’s when I gave up on compressors for a while.
I think scooping up a Mooer comp or a used DynaComp might be a good idea if you can spare the cash. You could prob score one under $50. I saw a JHS video about compressors where he recommended getting one with a “blend” knob and while I’m not a fan of him I tend to think Josh knows what he’s talking about. The Keeley one has this feature and I think it’s why I like it better.
Thanks. I’ll try find that JHS video. I want the sustain from a compressor that everyone talks about but I’m not a huge fan of how squidgy my Behringer can sound and if I turn it down I can’t really tell it’s doing anything. It might just not be for me. I’ll keep an eye on reverb for some second hand deals.