MXR Dyna Comp
{{Short description|Musical effects unit}}
The MXR Dyna Comp is an effects unit, which is an electronic device that alters the sound of a musical instrument. This effects unit is produced by the MXR company intended for use with electric guitar. Made since the 1970s, the MXR Dyna Comp, which adds its own coloring to the tone, has become a frequently copied and widely used guitar effect, even a standard.
History
The MXR Dyna Comp was first produced in the 1970s and became "a Nashville standard". It is frequently copied by other builders and hobbyists. MXR also produces a 'vintage' Dyna Comp, with the 1970s "script" logo, and an updated version, the Super Comp, which has an "Attack" control that determines its "bite-/squash ratio".
Description
The unit produces a dynamic range compression effect. It has two controls: "Output" controls the output level, and "Sensitivity" determines the amount of compression.{{cite book|last=Hunter|first=Dave|title=Guitar effects pedals: the practical handbook|year=2004|publisher=Hal Leonard|isbn=978-0-87930-806-3|pages=24, 89|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=myP-4CZWyxcC&pg=PT89}}
Use
The compression effect helps to smooth out differences in volume between notes,{{cite book|last=Bacon|first=Tony|title=Rock hardware: the instruments, equipment, and technology of rock|year=1981|publisher=Harmony|isbn=978-0-517-54520-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bgkwAQAAIAAJ&q=mxr+dyna+comp|page=124}} such as in quick runs played by chicken picking. It also fattens up the sound, giving more body and sustain to lead guitar lines, and can be used as a booster. Its "thickening" effect is especially appreciated in Nashville, where many country music guitar players who use Fender Telecasters use it to thicken the otherwise thin sound of the single-coil guitar; besides, the compressor's lessening of the initial attack "gives the effect of a pedal steel player working his volume pedal".{{cite book|last=Ross|first=Michael|title=Getting great guitar sounds: a non-technical approach to shaping your personal sound|year=1998|publisher=Hal Leonard|isbn=978-0-7935-9140-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CddgbKkAoxYC&pg=PA75|page=75}}
The effect can be used by bass players as well.{{cite book|last=Sheehan|first=Billy|title=Billy Sheehan: Advanced Bass, Book & DVD|year=2004|publisher=Alfred Music|isbn=978-0-7390-3312-8|page=7|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ntcGhi4-bB8C&pg=PT7|authorlink=Billy Sheehan}}
The MXR Dyna Comp is not considered tone-neutral; that is, it adds its specific coloring to the sound,{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Pete|title=New Standard in Stompbox Compression? The Effectrode PC-2A|newspaper=Vintage Guitar|date=January 2011|page=138}} which is appreciated by many users.{{cite book|last=Gibson|first=Bill|title=Instrument and Vocal Recording|year=2007|publisher=Hal Leonard|isbn=978-1-4234-3049-0|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JiyrGomT9tAC&pg=PA52|page=52}}{{cite book|last=Savona|first=Anthony|title=Console confessions: the great music producers in their own words|year=2005|publisher=Hal Leonard|isbn=978-0-87930-860-5|pages=237|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KIfrupI2_qsC&pg=PA237}}
Notable users
- Adrian Belew
- David Byrnehttp://spinterview.media/articles/talking-heads-equipment-check/ https://i2.wp.com/spinterview.media/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/DSC4128-Copy.jpg?fit=1800%2C2164
- Lowell George{{cite book|last=Brend|first=Mark|title=Rock and roll doctor: Lowell George : guitarist, songwriter, and founder of Little Feat|year=2002|publisher=Hal Leonard|isbn=978-0-87930-726-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0U0iJ6arEI0C&pg=PA81|page=81}}
- David Gilmour{{cite web|last=Drozdowski|first=Tec|title=How To Get David Gilmour's Solid Gold (Top) Tone|url=http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/Features/david-gilmour-0304/|publisher=Gibson Guitar Corporation|accessdate=4 February 2011}}
- Sonny Landreth{{cite book|last=Chappell|first=Jon|title=The recording guitarist: a guide for home and studio|year=1999|publisher=Hal Leonard|isbn=978-0-7935-8704-9|pages=121|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-UfsJz0R1PIC&pg=PA121}}
- Jim Messina{{cite web|last1=Messina|first1=Jim|title=Facebook - 12/20/2015|url=https://www.facebook.com/jimmessinamusic/photos/a.123001774717.99206.74475969717/10153674767944718/?type=3&theater|website=Facebook}}
- John Frusciante{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgIOv8FmPXI | title=John Frusciante recording Mellowship Slinky in B Major solo (Full) - YouTube | website=YouTube }}
- Masayoshi Takanaka{{Citation |title=Masayoshi Takanaka - On Guitar |url=https://www.discogs.com/master/1050166-Masayoshi-Takanaka-On-Guitar |language=en |access-date=2023-01-06}}https://www.discogs.com/master/1050166-Masayoshi-Takanaka-On-Guitar/image/SW1hZ2U6NDYzNTgyMTA=
References
{{Reflist|2}}
External links
- [https://www.jimdunlop.com/mxr-dyna-comp-compressor/ Dyna Comp product page]
- [http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/csp028-76-vintage-dyna-comp '76 Vintage Dyna Comp product page]