Originally Posted by: ericthecableguyQuestion--> why is the compression from my rp-80 so noisy? Is this characteristic of compression, or just my crappy unit?

Because it's an RP-80... to put it bluntly.

The RP-80 is a great little tool, I have one myself and it's pretty handy. I've got some great tones out of it. I try not to turn the compression up too much on it though. I think Compression takes all the organic natural qualities out of the tone of your guitar... Gives it less character.

But you can't expect too much out of the RP-80... after all it IS a 50-60 dollar piece of equipment... It's not the most sophisticated effects unit out there.