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Okay...I've been doing this for about a year and I have no idea what a compressor is, where it goes, what it does, etc... I'll bet anything that this is the right place to get real world answers though.

Compressor basically will aid in compressing the louder passages (screamers). When someone gets loud, they will basically be leveled off so you don't have to have your hand on the fader as often.
If your mixer has "insert" jacks on the mic channels, this is where you would hook it up via a 1/4" TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) Plug to 2 1/4" TS (tip-sleeve) plugs. If your mixer doesn't have inserts, you can run them inline with the mics (ie mic to compressor to mixer). Not as effective but works better than nothing.

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Technically what Lonman was describing is a limiter. Most compressor units also have a limiter built in these days. A compresser compresses the dynamic range by amplifying quiet signals. A compressor tries to make all the sound the same volume. A limiter will limit the signal when it reaches a certain level. If used right a compressor/limiter can even out the dynamics of singers who are all over the place from quiet to screaming in the mic.

Max

Holy FRACK! Do you have any idea how much easier that would make my life with so many screamers and whisperers I am constantly trying to mix properly?!! I'm sure y'all do.

Next question:

I'm using the Vocopro multi-wireless mic system where all three mics feed into one 1/4" mic input on my power mixer. However, each of the three mics has its own level control. Will one of these compressors tone down a screamer and amplify a whisperer at the same time in a duet?

Mustang,
In all honesty with those mics sending multiple signals into one channel.. you'd do better with switching to multiple transmitters on multiple comp-anders/limiters/gates the good ones are not inexpensive to find an expansion feature. They are usually used in broadcast, and in early 90's recording but they are still around. although you can use a mic pre-amp with a seperate compresser, to help with gain on the whisper-types for wired mics.

That's from my point of view.

From what I have learned about compressors/limiters, the compressor doesn't amplify the quieter signals. It simple lets those go by with no change. Then as the signal gets louder, it starts compressing it at a set point (the threshold) and then the amount of compression is set with the ratio. It brings down the loud signals but doesn't completely cut them off at a certain point. That is the job of the limiter. If the signal hits a preset point, it will not be allowed to get any louder. I like to think of the compressor as a gentle squeeze and the limiter as a complete choke.

Someone correct me here if I'm wrong.

Marty, the compressor I use is the four channel Behringer Multicom Pro MDX 4400. It is by no means the best out there but it is inexpensive and easy to use for the beginner. New I think they run about $110 or so. That way it isn't a big hit to the wallet when you decide to upgrade.

Your both right,
A compressor's job is to raise the quieter sections and the limiter's job is to equalize the volumes
The best bet is to buy a unit that can do both functions which you can find at most reputable music stores.
Before you buy ask to rent one and try it in your show but be carefull because setting up a limiter the right way can be time consuming and miss leading.
A vocal with 5 db limiting can sound louder than 10 db of constant 1.5:1 compression.

Good Luck

Rick E