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Modelling compression to model valve amp compression?


MacDaddy
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I use a Johnson J Station for guitar (and bass) and I'm trying to mimic the kind of natural compression you get from a valve amp - with distortion - so that I can use one sound without changing anything for lead and rhythm playing.

Attached is a screen shot of my Johnson, showing the compressor.

I know ultimately it's all about using my ears but I'd appreciate some help to get started :)

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Typical way of getting a similar feel would be settings like this:-

Attack: Fast (5ms say)
Release: Medium (50ms for instance)

Threshold: [i]very [/i]low (this is always on and then some!)
Ratio: 1.5:1

Soft knee if possible

Aim to get 3 to 6dB of compression happening, 6dB on the loudest parts. To do this you need the very low threshold since the compression ratio is tiny.

If you want the feel of hitting a saturation level put another comrpessor in series with the following settings:-

Attack: Very short (1ms or less)
Release: Short (10ms)
Threshold: High (only coming on when you get aggressive)
Ratio: Between 4:1 and 6:1

Soft Knee still thoug, this is trying to emulate a tube amp running into distortion territory not a compressor/limiter

You shouldnt hear the first compressor at all, although you may feel it when you dig in. You may hear the second compressor when it engages, but but you should really feel it....

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  • 2 months later...

[quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1390777886' post='2349506']
Attached is a screen shot of my Johnson...
[/quote]
Fnarr.

Seriously though, is it possible to get the same effect but without distortion?

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