I just got a good deal on an optical compressor and being my first experience with compression I got to wondering if optical is worse, the same or better than other compressors. I really am diggin the sound difference it makes. Any one give some feedback on the best way to use it? seems to me that cleans to slightly overdriven tones are the ones that benefit the most from it.

Optical compressors tend to be quieter than regular compressors. I switched to an optical last year.

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"Where would rock and roll be without feedback?"

The one I have is extremely quiet, in fact it makes no noise at all. Aphex Punch Factory. I did some searching and learned a bit more about them and now it makes sense to me why it doesnt seem to do as much for high distortion. I have not run it through my tube amp yet, only on a Roland cube 30.

I prefer optical compressors for bass, that is for sure. I've been using the Aphex Punch Factory (original orange one) for 6 years. Anxious to try the new design sometime too. I'm guessing that is what you got since they were a STUPID DEAL OF THE DAY recently at Musicians Friend.

I had some complaints about the original design and detailed them in reviews posted several places. Guess what? My criticisms were addressed in the redesign. But, they added an extra knob. Part of what I liked about the original design was the fact it only had two knobs, sort of like the Keeley. I highly preferred the Aphex over the Keeley for bass. The redesign has Switchcraft jacks moved to the side which was my main beef. The jacks are now professional quality and the new location makes setup on a pedal board easier and un-clutters the back.

The other compressor I use is the MarkBass Compressore which uses tube compression. I actually prefer the Aphex. The optical element in the Aphex is built especially for this pedal. At the time the Punch Factory came out it was about the only choice in an optical compressor pedal. Due to it's success there are many more including optical pedals by Joe Meek and BBE. The Aphex is still the best for bass from my experience.

The best compression is silent and undetectable! You should not be able to tell there is compression but then when you turn it off you should definitely miss it. The Aphex does both.

Yes, I got it on the SDOTD from musicians friend. I am pretty green(2 years) to playing and have a really long way to go with a late start at 42 but I enjoy guitar so much. I love what this pedal does. just messing around with dadf#ad tuning and a slide, some light tremelo and reverb...the pedal just makes the sound shimmer and the sustain is never ending. never knew what I was missing and although the effect is subtle it makes a huge difference to me.
I don't have a pedal board just a few different pedals but this is definitely my favorite!