(57) The compressor comprises a compressor element (2) with a compression chamber (7), to which an inlet conduit (3) is connected, with an inlet valve (4) comprising a valve element (16) which is connected to a piston (13) which can be displaced in a housing (12). A control conduit (19) puts the pressure vessel (6) in the pressure conduit (5) into connection with the cylinder chamber (14) which is formed between the working side of the piston (13) and the housing (12). The valve element (16) is bypassed by a bypass (24) with a return valve (25). The cylinder chamber (14) is connected to the inlet conduit (3) by means of a connection conduit (20) which is provided with a controllable load valve (21) and, with open load valve (21) and, with open load valve (21), has a minimum flow section which is larger than that of the control conduit (19).