Guitar Compressor Types Explained
There are loads of different types of guitar compressors out there — and while they all do the same basic job, they each have a slightly different feel or flavour. I’ve spent a fair bit of time trying out the main types, and this post is just my take on how they sound and what I think they’re good for.
Some of the differences are subtle, and some are more noticeable depending on how you use them. Hopefully this gives you a clearer idea of what might suit your style.
A Quick Word on Expectations
Before diving in, it’s worth saying: compression is compression. We're really talking about shades of the same thing here. It’s not like switching from a fuzz to a delay — it's often more about feel than sound, especially when the settings are subtle.
The differences I talk about below aren’t huge — but in the right context, they can matter. If you want to hear them in action, I’ve tried to demonstrate them as clearly as possible in the video above.
1. OTA Compressors – Vintage and Mid-Focused
OTA (Operational Transconductance Amplifier) compressors show up in loads of classic pedal designs. They’ve got a bit of character and colour, especially in the midrange.
Examples you might know: MXR Dyna Comp, Ross-style pedals, Keeley Compressor Plus, EHX Tone Corset
- Often have a slight mid bump
- Can sound “squashy” at higher compression levels
- Nice for vintage-style compression that’s part of the sound
Where I think they work best: Funk, country, and styles where a more obvious compression sound fits the vibe. They’re also easy to dial in, which makes them a good all-rounder.
2. FET Compressors – Snappy and Punchy
FET (Field Effect Transistor) compressors tend to feel fast and lively under the fingers. They’ve got a bit of an edge when pushed, which gives them a kind of 'attitude' that I really like.
Example I’ve used: Origin Effects Cali76 (based on the 1176 studio comp)
- Fast attack and release
- Adds a bit of grit when pushed (not distortion, just texture)
- Feels energetic and responsive
Where I like them: Percussive funk rock, surf, or anywhere I want the compression to give the sound a bit of personality. They also work well for mimicking the natural compression of a loud tube amp at lower volumes.
3. Optical Compressors – Smooth and Subtle
Optical compressors work by using a light source inside the circuit, which makes them react a bit more slowly and naturally. To me, they feel really smooth and musical — they’re kind of the opposite of a heavy-handed squash.
Pedal I’ve been using: Yellow Compressor (based on the Diamond Compressor)
- Transparent and gentle
- Doesn’t change your tone too much
- Great for softening the peaks without losing dynamics
Where I find them useful: Fingerstyle, jazz, or any kind of clean playing where I want to tame the volume without hearing too much effect. I used one recently for a jazz recording session where I was playing through a clean amp that had loads of headroom — the optical compressor just helped even things out a bit without sounding obviously compressed.
4. VCA Compressors – Clean and Versatile
VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) compressors are often used in studio gear because they’re super reliable and flexible. They don’t usually add much colour, which depending on what you want, can be a good thing or a bit boring.
Example I’ve used: Boss CS-3
- Very clean and controllable
- Can do both fast and slow compression well
- Doesn’t add much character to the tone
My take: It’s not the most exciting sound, but it gets the job done — especially if you play in a covers band, do session work, or just want one compressor that can handle a range of situations.
Quick Recap
| Type | Character (in my experience) | What it’s good for |
|---|---|---|
| OTA | Slight mid push, squashy | Funk, country, vintage tones |
| FET | Snappy, textured, punchy | Funk rock, rhythmic energy |
| Optical | Smooth, subtle, natural | Jazz, fingerstyle, clean tones |
| VCA | Clean, reliable, neutral | Session work, general use |
Wrapping Up
This is just how I hear and use these different types of compressors — your ears and rig might lead you to completely different conclusions. But hopefully this gives you a starting point for working out what kind of compressor might suit your style.
🧠 If you want to hear the differences, scroll back up and watch the video — I’ve played a few examples to help you get a feel for how each one responds.