Compression

[BluesPulp]

I was gifted a compression pedal yesterday. It's a Boss Compression/Sustain.
I've never used one. Basiclly I use only delay, blues drivers, wah pedals and the distortion/trem/reverb on my amps.
Can someone give me the drag on what compression is, how to use it, where do I put it in conjunction with my other pedals, what songs and artists use it, can it be used on vocals?
I fiddled with a for about twenty minutes, all the time I had. It kinda pops when set high, is that normal? Can it handle bass? How about micing drums for recording?
Thanks I/A.

[ESP_Viper]

Compressors are for taking dynamics out of the sound. I am not a huge effects person, so I am not sure where in the effects line you want to place it. Also I am not sure if you can use it on mics. it is most likely designed for guitars in mind, so it will best perform with a guitar, but I'm not sure. Try putting it in the very front of your effects and at the very end of your effects. That way you can see the extremes to hear major sound differences. My POD has a compressor in it, and I don't use it. Mostly because I love dynamics in my playing, so the compressor takes out the feeling that I like.

[Sandman_96707]

Place it at the beginning. Those are often used for letting your amp have the tone it has when it's loud, while not truly having your amp loud.

[BluesPulp]

Thanks for the replies.
I'll give the thing test this weekend.
I don't use effects on much either Viper. I have some but use them sparingly. I like your explaination of dymanics. I relate.

I'll try that placement Sandman, I'll also move it around.
Thanks again.

[Sandman_96707]

What are dynamics and sonics? I've heard those mentioned alot.

[BluesPulp]

Hey Sandman.

Dynamics: The degrees of loudness or softness in a musical work, and the symbols that represent them

Sonics. I'm afraid I don't know the exact explaination on this term. The way I've heard it used in describing something, is that it may be the drive behind the sound. Like the force.
Don't quote me, cuz I've only heard the term used a few times in the past few months.

[Sandman_96707]

I was wrong, put your distortion first in the chain, then the compression. They are also often used to keep the sound level the same (for example, you turn on an effect and you get more volume)