Are you looking for the Best Guitar Compressor Pedals? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Best Guitar Compressor Pedals can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as MXR, Behringer, BOSS, DOD, Electro-Harmonix, TC Electronic, Yamaha. We have done a lot of research to find the top 20 Best Guitar Compressor Pedals available.
The average cost is $175.50. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $28.17 to a high of $419.00.
Based on the research we did, we think Wampler EGO Compressor Guitar Compact Effects Pedal is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
20 Best Guitar Compressor Pedals (20 Sellers)
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Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Sound quality . Size
Features:
- This compressor pedal allows you to add effects to your guitar tone
- Designed with five controls to let you customize your tune conveniently
- Led indicator helps alert the operational status of this pedal
Reviewers Noted:
Compact . Easy to use . Good sound quality . Durability . Portability
Features:
- Superb compressor pedal from xotic
- Wide variety of compressor tones from vintage and subtle to modern and more
- Features include a dry blend knob, up to +15db of boost and an internal dip switch to tweak the attack
$238.89
5.0
Reviewers Noted:
Size
Features:
- The 7-segment led display and indicators offer easy operation
- Exact rms analysis offers efficient performance and output
- Designed with 5 functional knobs for easy usage
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Sound quality . Size
Features:
- The 9 vdc – 18 vdc voltage provides reliable current flow
- Designed with multiple knobs to offer an easy interaction with the compressor
- Current range from 77 ma to 104 ma offers convenient connection
Reviewers Noted:
Ease of use
Features:
- Built-in led lets you keep a check on battery level and power mode
- Sustain, level, and attack-time controls let you get tuned sound effects
- Its 9 v battery functionality offers uninterrupted power supply for prolonged usage
$116.10
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality
Features:
- Compressor mini- the next generation of keeley compression.
- The next generation of compression is here!
- The keeley compressor mini is designed to make the magic of compression simple and easy to use.
$119.99
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Size . Ease of use
Features:
- Employs an electro-optical circuit that varies the amount of dynamic compression using a light-dependant resistor and led
- Helps you manage the dynamic range of your instrument for longer sustain, tighter sound and to help avoid clipping fx or amplifiers
- Adjustable compression and output gain for fine control over your sound
$133.23
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Weight
Features:
- Product type: sound and recording equipment
- Package quantity: 1
- Made in china
$229.00
4.4
Reviewers Noted:
Size
Features:
- Xlr/di output allows you to connect it with acoustic instruments
- Eq control helps you manage the frequency for a quality output
- Blend control gives an added effect to your sound
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Compact . Sound quality . Portability . Build quality
Features:
- In used condition
- Everything works as it should
- Ask questions before buying please
$138.00
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality
Features:
- Pre-gain control helps control the pressure applied by the instrument on the compressor
- Sensitivity knob lets you adjust the compression level for an immersive sound output
- Led and lamp helps monitor the uniquely varied compressions visually
$87.20
4.3
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Compact . Weight
Features:
- Amp up your jamming sessions with this bass preacher compressor pedal
- The attack toggle switch lets you customize the audio output and effects conveniently
- Maximum gain reduction helps you manage the amplitude of a signal in order to prevent it from getting too loud
$99.00
2.0
Features:
- The 18db of gain delivers an enhanced audio quality
- Designed with 6 bands to provide dynamic compression in guitars
- Volume and mix knobs let you create new sound effects
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Compact
Features:
- Metal capacitor enhances the conductivity of the pedal for a harmonious playback
- Engineered with 4 knobs to adjust the sound intensity
- Led indicator lets you keep a track of the power status conveniently
$168.00
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Compact . Easy to use . Good sound quality . Durability . Portability
Features:
- Create different effects and mix tunes conveniently with its 3-position compression switch
- Equipped with a dry blend knob to help produce a gain of up to 15db for loud sound
- This specially engineered pedal helps minimize signal interference and noise when turned off
$294.22
4.9
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Sound quality . Size
Features:
- Perfect (no issues)cosmetic condition
- 7/10 (scars, scratches, moderate signs of use)includes
- Pedal only, velcro (attached)item #
$255.00
4.9
Reviewers Noted:
Easy to use . Sound quality . Size
Features:
- User friendly controls for instant gratification.
- No-compromise tone in compact package.
- The original origin effects cali76 is a big, beautiful compressor pedal that delivers studio-quality 1176-style compression using discrete cla…
$249.00
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Ease of use . Portability
Features:
- No digitals in here! extremely transparent.
- Add dynamic control without altering the original tone of your instrument3 compression ratios.
- 2:1, 4:1 and 10:1 ratios.
Features:
- 100% class a signalpath
- Topshelf components
- Handbuilt in england
Features:
- Compressor guitar pedal with fully analog circuit; provides a broader adjustable range and true bypass
- Made of high-quality aluminum alloy for durable strength; small classic size; silver-colored finish
- Anti-skid rubber pads on the backside for better stability and friction prevention
1. Wampler Ego Compressor Guitar Compact Effects Pedal
Product Details:
Slight scratches on undersurface but essentially mint. great compressor. very natural warm tone. selling to fund a kemper! the ego compressor from wampler is somewhat unique in its application of compression, allowing to to effect the tail rather than the attack of the note so that you don't lose your attack but you do gain great sustain. they do this by introducing a 'blend' control to dial in a sound that combines both the dry and effected signal. this is a trick that has been used in studios for decades but until now has been hard to achieve in pedal form. now thanks to wampler and the ego compressor you can have huge sustain without sacrificing your attack! in every other respect the ego compressor works exactly as you would expect a pedal compressor to work, infact with the blend at 100% you can still have that choppy squashed attack compressor sound, or with the blend at 100% you can use the compressor as a clean boost.
Specifications:
| Number of Controls | 5 |
| Indicator Type | LED |
| Power Usage | 14mA – 22mA |
| Voltage | 9V – 18V |
| Current | 22 mA |
Reviews:
While some claim this compressor is an optical compressor, that couldn't be further from the truth. This compressor is an OTA (operational transconductance amplifuer) design, much like a Ross or Dynacomp. That being said it is an improvement in that design. A big one. If you're into great tone does it really matter whether it is OTA, optical, flux capacitor, or glow plug? No. The bottom line is that this compressor is awesome! It can do the Ross/Dynacomp thing where it DOES squash and color your tone, or it can be as transparent as you want it to be. The key is to put that blend knob to use along with the other controls.Guitar74
I have the Mini Ego on another pedalboard and I love the sustain knob on the big brother. The pedal has phenomenal versatility. The tone control is very interactive and when switching from single coil to humbucker pickups all is needed is a tone adjustment to dial things in. Built like a tank and the footswitch is as quiet as a church mouse.stillbillsmith
I was slightly influenced by a review video made by one of my favourite guitarists Brent Mason. He spoke very highly about the pedal so that, along with other reviews and comparisons, made me decide to go for the Ego. It is a brilliant pedal and does everything I want from a compression pedal.mike k.
2. Xotic Effects Guitar Effects Pedal, Sp Compressor
Product Details:
The new xotic sp compressor offers the same ota (operational transconductance amplifier) technology used in what many guitar players consider the best compressor ever, the ross compressor. the sp compressor has superb tone quality featuring a wide variety of compressor tones from vintage to subtle to modern and more. it's super flexible and features a dry blend knob, up to +15db of boost and an internal dip switch for attack control. this compact design is a powerful tool for working musicians. true bypass for eliminating any signal interference when switched off. can be used with ac adaptor (optional) or 9 v battery.
Specifications:
| Dimensions (W/D/H) | 3.5" x 1.5" x 1.5" (89mm X 38mm X 38mm) |
| Switching | True Bypass |
| Power Consumption | 9VDC/5mA |
| Battery Type | 9VDC (006P) x 1 |
| AC Adapter (Optional) | 9VDC, Negative Tips (Regulated) |
| Input Impedance | 1M ohm |
| Output Impedance | 10k ohm |
| Nominal Input signal level | -20dB (100mVrms) |
Reviews:
I bought this compression pedal to boost my acoustic signal as well as fatten the sound a bit. I love the size as it fits on my board perfectly. I leave it on all the time so it neatly fits up top. I mainly lead worship at my church and was looking to make my Martin D-15 sound more like it is supposed to plugged in.Mark
The Xotic SP Compressor is without a doubt a 5 Star product! For many years I used a 1953 Gibson ES 175 or 1966 Telecaster plugged into a MXR Dyna Comp and grew to appreciate the warm squash this device had to offer as I lost the taste for most all distortion devices on the market. The Dyna Comp was a simple two knob device that squeezed my signal rather nicely to which I still have 3 of them floating about the house. I also have the more expanded version, MXR Limiter dating from the early 80s that also does a nice job modifying my signal. The only initial down side to the Dyna Comp was a little bit of noise. However the real down side to the old Dyna Comp was sometime in the early 90s, after Dunlop acquired ownership of the MXR Product, decided to reduce the cost of production by having all the jacks, pots, and switch connected directly to the PC Board via solder bath. Not only did this process of assembly affect the durability of this classic old compressor, it also compromised the tone and performance of a one great pedal. The vintage Dyna Comps wired point to point are far superior product. If you have one, keep it! In the wake of the cheapening of the Dyna Comp came the Keeley Compressor. I bought a Keeler Compressor somewhere around 10 years ago a noticed an improvement in performance over my old Dyna Comps with less noise. And with going into great detail, every guitar, from my old 1951 L5 to any of my old Fender sound great through this compressor. So now a new and somewhat revolutionary compressor has hit in the market by way of the Xotic SP. These guys are making some of the best pedals that I?ve run across in years. By the time I got my SP I was already the proud owner of an EP Booster and SL Drive. To later I have to say it is the only distortion that has come out in the last 30 years with a decent sounding tone that does not narrow the bandwidth of your signal path. Not to mention these pedals just happen to be the cutest looking signal devices on the market. What really makes the SP Compressor outstanding is the 3 position Hi/Mid/Low switch. The versatility to this pedal via of this switch is just amazing. In the Hi mode I can match the performance of my Keeley and Dyna Comp compressors for Jazz applications. However, I have taken using the Mid position for a great Blues/Rock tone. In this position the pedal allows me to play over the top of the compressor for soaring highs. This works in great combination with my 1960 Telecaster with Barden pickups. Anyway, I highly recommend the Xotic SP Compressor with its advantage in versatility over other compressors on the market. And here?s the bonus, this pedal is priced about $100 less than the Keeley. My hat?s off to you folks at Xotic for manufacturing a fantastic compressor at an affordable price that will thousands of guitar players sound better and better. Now if you can reinvent the Sola Sound Tone Bender in one of these small bud boxes, that would be fantastic!David A
I tried the Wampler and it was too much going on and I could find a sound I like. That was my first compressor so i'm Sure it was me. With this one I set it to Humbucker setting per the manual and it was fantastic. I just made the volume a little lower so that it was the same as my OD and TS pedals so that I control the gain there not with the compresssor. I leave it on all the time now. I never realized how much better the sound would be from just this. I always thought of it just pushing down the high parts but the making the lower parts a little louder made a big difference. This is going to be on permanently. Crystal clear sound wise too.Mike CT
3. Keeley Compressor Pro Pedal
Product Details:
All i can say is, wow! studio grade compression in a pedal board sized pedal. fantastic sounding and versatile compression and sustain, this pedal is incredible! i have been simplifying my setup and hate to see it go, but i no longer use this pedal. it was always a mainstay on my pedal board. works well as an end signal compression, in the effects loop, or right after the guitar, works well as a great pedal for smoothing out the signal, or as a nice boost/preamp/compression. i have used it in multiple positions and with other compression and eq pedals it works well with other tone shaping pedals. it even plays nice with most fuzz pedals. like i said, since i have been simplifying my rig there are a lot of pedals i no longer use that are just taking up space, i would hate to see this one go but it needs to be enjoyed by others that will use it more than i. used in a smoke free home studio. has velcro on back.
Specifications:
| Number of Knobs | 5 |
| Indicator Type | LED |
| Gain Reduction Level Range | -1 dB to -20 dB |
| Number of LED Colors | 2 |
| Display Type | LED |
Reviews:
Dieses Gerät ermöglicht mir dem einen oder anderen Original-Sound ein großes Stück näher zu kommen. Die Sustain-verlängernde Wirkung ist enorm. Als Beispiele für angestrebte Originale möchte ich Pink Floyd / Shine on you crazy Diamond und Santana / Samba Pa Ti nennen. Dieses Gerät schalte ich direkt zwischen Gitarre und Verstärker. Den Send / Return nutze ich für ein digitales Multi-Effektgerät im 19 Zoll Format. Den hier bewerteten analogen Kompressor nehme ich, im Vergleich zum digitalen Kollegen, als eindeutig überlegen war. Nach dem derzeitigen Stand glaube ich nicht, dass ich noch irgendeinen anderen Kompressor testen will oder muss.
It's just what I've been needing to boost the low register and tame the highest notes on the flute.Ric
4. Origin Effects – Cali76 Compact Deluxe Compressor
Product Details:
Based on the legendary 1176 heard on countless classic albums, the cali76 compact deluxe brings studio-grade fet compression to your pedal board. recreate your favourite recorded guitar tones with high-current, low-noise, discrete class-a circuitry, and a dedicated parallel compression control, all in a compact enclosure. studio-grade fet compressor in a pedal format. high-current, low-noise, discrete class-a circuitry. dedicated attack and release controls. dry blend control for instant parallel compression. fully sweepable ratio, input and output controls for precision settings. classic jewel lamp functions as an intuitive three-colour gain reduction meter. 9 to 18v operation, for increased headroom. tour grade, all metal construction. high-impedance buffered bypass with silent switching. designed and assembled by hand in england.
Specifications:
| Number of Knobs | 6 |
| Dimensions | 5.59" x 2.6" x 2.32" |
| Weight | 1.37 lbs |
| Voltage | 9 VDC – 18 VDC |
| Current | 77 mA – 104 mA |
Reviews:
Worth big money? Yes, it is that good. Everything works like you'd think based on the 1170, and it's simple just to listen and dial in. I use it primarily on acoustic guitar in live performance, and it's done stellar work for me. High-end build quality matches the cost of entry—high dollar but also excellent results.Scott
You can look at my current setup in my picture. I've got lots of great gear. That being said, the Cali76 Compact Deluxe has by far – by far – provided me with the most drastic improvement in my overall sound. Instead of me rambling on like I often do in my reviews I'm just going to suggest you go over to YouTube and search for "Pete Thorn's Cali76 Demo." Okay, so that drastic improvement in tone, punch, and articulation you hear? Yeah, that's legit. That happened to me in my living room and I was completely blown away. By the way, the pedal can operate in 9v but I can't recommend running it at anything besides 18v. The improved headroom is glorious. You can buy an 18v adapter but what I use is the Strymon Zuma which has a couple of outlets with selectable voltages (9/12/18). Don't be like me and underapprecaite what a good compressor can do for your sound. The Cali76 is the most recent pedal I've bought and it should have been one of my first. And since it directly improves the signal coming out of my guitar, it indirectly makes all of my other pedals sound that much better. I just can't say enough good things about this one. Just go watch some demo videos. The hype is real.
This is the Deluxe compact version of the bigger Origin Effects CALI76 pedal. This only lacks in the trasformer balanced output but has all the sound and dynamics of the bigger one. It is made both for guitar and bass, and your unbalanced keyboard/synth if you want too. It has a buffered bypass mode. Rugged, high quality item made all with aluminum, panels and knobs, and has a soft switch. Regarding the performance and the bits offered, its very well priced. Caution: it does work at 18 Volts only!! Get a high quality Dunlop ECB 004 psu for it.
5. Behringer Cl9 Classic Compressor Limiter Effects Pedal
Product Details:
Whether it's a million-dollar hook or a soul-wrenching solo, some licks are just begging for the compression power of the behringer cl9 effects pedal. by pumping up quieter notes and bringing down the louder ones, this stomp box packages your sound into one smooth, consistent volume. dynamics play an important role in music. they help to convey emotion, whether it's a sultry blues solo or the unrelenting gallop of unfettered metal.
Specifications:
| LED Indicator | Yes |
| Power Source | Battery, DC power supply |
| Battery Voltage | 9 V |
| Product Dimensions | 2.125" H x 2.75" W x 4.8" D |
| Product Weight | 0.73 lb |
Reviews:
I bought this pedal hoping to get the old Ibanez sound without spending a lot of money. Although it didn't cost much it doesn't get the old Ibanez sound. It's easy to use and fun to play with but I really wouldn't recommend it. You can get a different Behringer compressor pedal which is much better than this one. I would recommend doing that.motocross824
It is a great pedal except for the fact it's plastic. I wouldn't use my foot to stomp on it. But if you treat it gently it's actually really cool. Just use your hand to put pressure on its button and it will be gracious and give you exactly what you expect from a compression pedal.rmc.rtk.xrzsxdqx3
6. Keeley Compressor Mini
Product Details:
The next generation of keeley compression the next generation of compression is finally here! the keeley compressor mini is designed to make the magic of compression simple and easy to use. featuring manhattan-style compression, the compressor mini intuitively and automatically delivers the perfect blend of dynamic and compressed guitar signal. this is how the compressor mini retains all of the subtlety and dynamics in your playing, making it effortless to play and sound your best. an all-new transient release time is set to make both single coils or humbuckers sound lively and expressive. the new automatic tone recovery circuit ensures crystal clear highs, even with high compression settings. the compressor minis pre-amp tone is legendary; pushing both pedals and amplifiers to their greatest potential. with any style of guitar, playing live or at the recording desk, the compressor mini is your secret weapon. weve done the math for you, this is the new calculus for great tone. keeley sustain and transparency 20 years worth of toneful compression. an increased sustain range for even more subtle compression auto-blend to enhance clarity and note definition a new transient release time that makes hum-buckers sing and single coils pop automatic tone recovery, a treble clarifier for high compression settings a built-in pre-amp for incredible guitar tone 9 volt, 10ma current draw, designed and built in the usa.
Specifications:
Reviews:
Vorab, wie immer hat Music Store schnell geliefert! Der Keeley Mini wurde sofort ausgepackt und ausprobiert. Top Qualität, einfach zu bedienen (3 Köpfe 🙂 und auch im Klangsuper. Macht genau das wofür ich ihn haben wollte. Der Preis ist zwar etwas hoch aber die Investition hat sich für mich gelohnt.
That sound is awesome! The best product of Keely pedlas is this!070garylinecker
7. Digitech Dod280 Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal – Red
Product Details:
Show your guitar or bass signal who's boss with the dod compressor 280 pedal. this compact pedal keeps unwanted volume peaks from ruining your set. it's perfect for your spanky-clean country licks and your gain-saturated metal solos. the comp knob gives you everything from subtle volume leveling to full-on squash. guitarists at sweetwater appreciate the true-bypass circuitry that keeps your tone pure when the effect is off. dod also loaded the compressor 280 with a blue indicator light, a lightweight aluminum chassis, and a modern 9v power supply input. keep your volume and dynamics in check with the dod compressor 280 pedal! dod compressor 280 effects pedal features: an updated reissue of the classic dod compressor. comp knob dials in the amount of compression you want from subtle to squash. level knob controls your overall volume. true-bypass circuitry keeps your tone pure when the effect is off. pedalboard friendly modern 9v dc power supply input . other enhancements include a crisp blue status led and a lightweight aluminum chassis. tame your signal with the dod compressor 280! compressors and eq
Specifications:
Reviews:
Nice boost, however it is a bit dirty. If you're interested in buying one of these I recommend reading up about it as much as you can. can't beat it for the money it's well-built. It has good controls. I bought this in Hope of using it for an acoustic guitar boost that didn't work out so well but it's fantastic for electric guitar before and after certain pedals. For conversation purpose I also have a EP booster buy exotic effects. However there are very different just to draw a distinction.cashflowkid61
I have been on the fence about boosting effects for a while, never Really Thought I NEEDED one but at this price I decided to give it a shot. Searching and transaction were both easy, the sale was awesome-PERFECT price and shipped in practically 2 days! I love the pedal, really breaths life into my secondary set up. I'm honestly contemplating if I want to grab the dod Comp or overdrive!BUCKROGEZ87
8. Ebs Multicomp Guitar Edition Compressor
Product Details:
The holy grail of smooth bass tone. join the thousands of musicians who get consistent low end from the ebs multicomp blue label. you'll find a range of sophisticated analogue controls designed to bring you effortless compression. the results are obvious. whether using solid state, multi-band, or tubesim compression modes, the blue label boasts high-performance warmth, perfect for all styles of playing. hit the sweet spot at every fret. the ebs multicomp helps you dial your bass sound with precision. and with improved headroom from an optional 18v power supply, this small but mighty dual-band compressor easily handles extreme high-end instruments.
Specifications:
| Finish | Blue |
| Year | 2010s |
Reviews:
Look as brand new. Thanxivatarad-0
More to explore but initial impressions very positiveReviewed by Andertons Music Co.
I'd used a Boss M50B for a few years, and it had the potential to everything one could ask… but in reality I simply used the compressor function and as a tuner. I also play keyboard and guitar, and real estate on my pedal board is at a premium. So I got this and a Peterson tuner, and I have to say the compresspr has exceeded my expectations. The tube setting provides a really warm sound, and the compression is better than the Boss. All in all I sound better, and have reduced the footprint of my gear in the process. Yes, I'd buy it again. Quality seems top notch. Value… its expensive for a single stomp box, but worth every penny.maineprivateer
9. Jhs | Pulp N Peel Compressor V4
Product Details:
The compressor for people who don't like compressors has some great new features in it's version 4 design. one of our favorite pedals! just the overall sound of this pedal is enough to make you never turn it off, and so, it's now a di as well for bass and acoustic players. a decidedly more electric feature is the new dirt toggle. this switch works in conjunction with the side accessible trim pot and allows you to activate your desired amount of dirt/overdrive into the signal path. this control is a magic bullet for bass players who want to cut through the mix or for electric players who only need compression and dirt as the foundation of their tone. on the side of the pnp you will also notice that the internal bypass buffer is switchable on-the-fly. for true bypass operation turn this off, but for buffered bypass signal to drive your long cable lengths and to restore lost tone, turn this on. the eq control is also new (four knobs now). when set at noon, the control is bypassed.
Specifications:
| True Bypass | Yes |
| Jack Size | 1/4" |
| Power Source | 9V DC |
| Output Port | XLR/DI |
| Power Usage | Up to 100 mA |
Reviews:
Top class products. Great compressor. Love the sound and how quiet it is when nothings being played. No humming etc….Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.
I’m more of a Keeley Compressor Plus fan, when you turn one of those in it’s like oh yeah! The Pulp n Peel, however is much more subtle and more of a tone-shaper. I have a Katana boost immediately after and they work well together. The dirt switch is useless for me. It has a strong bump in the midrange that colors the tone too much. Maybe if you don’t have an overdrive.. All in all it’s a great pedal, but given the choice again, I’d probably go with the Keeley again.Michael R.
10. Boss Cs-3 Compression / Sustainer Pedal
Product Details:
Specifications:
| Nominal Input Level | -20 dBu |
| Input Impedance | 1 M ohms |
| Nominal Output Level | -20 dBu |
| Output Impedance | 1 k ohms |
| Equivalent Input Noise Level | -110 dBu (IHF-A Weighted, Typ.) |
| Connectors | INPUT Jack, OUTPUT Jack, AC Adaptor Jack (DC 9 V) |
| Current Draw | 11 mA (DC 9 V) |
| Option | AC Adaptor (PSA-Series) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 2 7/8" x 5 1/8" x 2 3/8" |
| OUR PART | CS3-BOSS |
Reviews:
First of all, I already own other Boss pedals and I can say that it is a quality brand. The pedal in question, not cheap but in an average price range, does just what it needs to do! The sound is clear, well finished on all frequencies, the dynamics improve and the overall level of the guitar sound is also raised and leveled. There is a fairly long sustain of the sound. I recommend this pedal to professional musicians.Stella B.
I usually play clean or near-clean through a Fender-ish Carvin SX-100 Combo. Until today, no matter what I did, my thin hollowbody Ibanez AFS-75 always had just a little "crud" in the tone. After reading another review talking about how they used the CS-3, I experimented around and here's what I've done. I've put the CS-3 between the guitar and the amp and run the rest of the effects including EQ through the effects loop setting the CS-3 (from Left to Right) at 1, 1, 10, 11. At these settings, my Flat Wounds have a new sparkle and equal level from string to string. There is no distortion pedal in my effects setup although I do dirty up the signal just a tiny bit using the Carvin Amp Distortion to add just a bit of life to my playing. I'm a Jazz Student (emphasis on student) seeking that organic jazz guitar sound and the CS-3 has improved the tonality and removed the crud. It's actually pretty startling.Ed
I'll directly get down to the Pros & Cons: Pros: *Good sustain *Rich & clear tone *Produce a kind of slapping & sharp tone once you increase the attack knob. *It suppresses the sound of hard strumming & boost the sound of soft strumming & produces a well balanced sound. Cons: *Creates noise, I'm not sure either my order of placing the pedal is not right or is it due to power supply kind of problem which Daisy chain that I was using earlier. But now I've shifted to voodoo lab power supply & I've started using Noise suppressor. So. overall it's a good pedal, but it creates a lot of unwanted noise too & that's the only drawback this has. I think Boss should take this into consideration. And if you buy this pedal, then I recommend you to buy a noise suppressor too & if possible buy a all in one isolated power supply like voodoo lab, etc. Thank you!!!N S.
11. Electro-Harmonix White Finger Optical Compressor
Product Details:
Electro harmonix white finger with original european adapter in excellent conditionand full working order.quote from electro harmonixthe white finger yields transparent, long sustain that preserves attack. two optocouplers (led and lamp) offer distinctly different readings and uniquely varied compressions. the white finger features multiple fets instead of vacuum tubes to get its compression.it's a great sounding compressor. only a slight blemish in the "w" prevents this from being mint as far as i can tell and it probably came that way from the factory. pedal, box, power supply and various inserts from ehx. make me an offer.
Specifications:
| Number of Knobs | 6 |
| Output Type | DC |
| Compressor Type | Analog |
| Number of Optocouplers | 2 |
| Width | 4.75" |
Reviews:
Some people say it is a noisy pedal but I don't find it to be (my guitars have humbuckers so that may be why). I wouldn't say it doesn't affect your tone because it makes my rather bright/trebbly sounding Trace Elliot amp (mine happens to be all solid state) sound warmer, darker, fatter," but not necessarily muddier. I would say the sound changes quite dramatically when I switch it on. One thing this compressor does which I wasn't expecting is that it can add quite a bit of gain to the signal and really push the amp like an overdrive or boost pedal. Perhaps this is what some reviewers mean by ""noise"". So", I have the pre gain knob turned all the way up and the post gain knob only about 1/4 of the way. I set the compression at about 1/3 and sensitivity knob all the way to the left. I find I like the sound of the LED setting better and I leave the squash setting on. Even with the post gain at 1/4 of the way it seems like it is pushing my amp and making it distort. To my ears the lamp setting seems even more distorted than the led and doesn't seem as smooth. One sound I was trying to get is the sound on some of the old Bread recordings from the 1970's (compressed but not a lot of distortion). I'd say the post gain knob probably has to go lower than even 1/4 of the way on to get anything like the sound of Bread. But, the sounds it does seem to want to make would be say the sound of Slash on Sweet Child of Mine or Neal Schon doing a solo. So, since this is my first compressor pedal I guess I didn't know which one would give me the 1970's Bread sound. I guess it sounds more like it with the pedal than without. It may be that the sound was achieved with a certain kind of tube amp, etc. Once the pedal is on I'd probably have to leave it on if I was performing because otherwise I'd have to adjust all the treble knobs on my amp. With the compressor on I can turn the treble all the way up on my amp and it doesn't sound harsh but with the compressor off I have to roll the trebles back quite a bit. A drummer I used to play with would have liked this because the brightness of my amp always bothered him. To my ears the compression doesn't affect my pick attack much (perhaps because I have the sensitivity knob all the way left). With the unit on my sound just seems a lot warmer and I don't get the ear drum bursting treble peaks that I used to without any compression. Maybe if you have a nice tube amp it does all that without needing a compressor but I think it would still give you more control over your sound. Playing around with the settings you can get weird swells, etc. I was mostly just trying to get a smoother sound and now that I have it I think it is going to stay on most of the time. Quite a few nobs and several switches to play around with. Seems well made. Not sure it does everything but it does do some interesting things. Ordered on a Monday and it arrived on a Wednesday with the free shipping.
Built like a tank. Clean sound (I have a good power noise filter). It's got many options that I like….a clean boost with the compressor turned down, makes a good smoothed signal, or make your signal percussive, can be set as more of a limitor….. If I use a digital effect, I put it in front of this, then through my tube distortion and to a tube/hybrid amp. I plugged my digital drums into this enhanced the sound as well. Like the big ehx pedals, you have more options to shape you sound than most other pedals. Their new digital octaves and delays make me wish that it could save settings, lol this a great analog comp.Anonymous
So versatile and sounds great on almost anything! I love it on guitar, vocals, and especially on drums and synthsubassturdguy
12. Electro Harmonix Bass Preacher Compressor / Sustainer
Product Details:
Compressor pedal designed for bass. 3 way attack selector switch. vol and sustain knobs. true bypass and durable build construction. 21db max gain reduction. perfect for evening out your recordings, gigs or practice sessions. very easy to use – the volume control does as you'd expect, sustain defines the level of compression. the 3 way switch has 3 settings – fast, medium and slow. this defines how much of your raw signal get through, going from little / none with fast and quite a lot with slow. also works with electric guitar. takes 9v battery / power (not included).
Specifications:
| Input Range | -10 dBu to +2 dBu |
| Gain Reduction | Up to 21 dB |
| Power Supply | 9V |
| Weight | 0.77 lb |
| Dimension | 2.75" W x 4.5" L x 2.1" H |
Reviews:
Electro Harmonix has been "Rockin the House" for decades. At first I wasn't sure I wanted this unit, bought it any way. Here is my signal chain: guitar – Bass preacher – Tascam 2488 neo. boom. ..1997 Squire 5 string P Bass – Bass preacher – Neo …boom. Ive tried a number of others, eg; dyna comp; too heavy handed. Boss limiter enhancer: quite good. This puppy is easy, effective and as heavy handed as you want it to be. Heres the thing; the toggle "attack " switch settings, makes you think. It changes your strumming and picking methods. I believe its made me a better player. MADE IN THE U.S.A..!angel
First up: You're not going to get tonnes of features for the price. What you'll get is a solid little compressor, that's a good start point for getting used to using them and understanding what they can do to your sound. Secondly: Individual pedals are much, much more intuitive and immediate to use than those multi-fx pedals, which light up like Christmas trees and have a gazillion settings. I use this as my 'mostly always on' compressor; to even the dynamics out a little before my distortion-type effects. It's not really versatile enough to use as an effect in itself (though the attack options are nice). If you want all the 'bells & whistles' you'll have to shell out about twice the price. For anyone just dipping into bass fx, on a budget or just curious, I'd recommend giving it a go.bigrichie69
Easy to use with only 2 knobs. Does exactly what its supposed to do. The level of compression is subtle between low and medium. The sustain knob controls the blend. Personally I have high compression, sustain around one o'clock. It brings out the hight notes that get lost in the mix in a live situation. Great pedal.Chris
13. J Rockett Iq Compressor Pedal
Product Details:
For pre-compression and eq flexibility, the j rockett iq compressor allows players to shape their ideal effect. there is 6-band graphic eq on-board on the iq compressor ranging from 100hz to 3.2k, offering good versatility. cut or boost the chosen frequencies by up to 18db, and create a subtle compression or an intense effect. other controls include a volume knob for adjusting the overall level of projection, whilst the mix knob blends the affected signal with the dry signal. the iq compressor is housed in a small yet durable silver casing, which is built to withstand heavy use whilst out on the road.
Specifications:
| Sensitivity | 18 dB |
| Number of Bands | 6 |
| Voltage | 9 V |
| Band 1 Frequency | 100 Hz |
| Band 2 Frequency | 200 Hz |
Reviews:
This pedal changes your tone right off the bat… takes away the bottom.. sure you can add it on again.. but who wants rework your tone just to get to a starting point.. I also didn't like the EQ choices and you have to really push the fades for the changes to kik in. The commission was decent..Srr
14. Keeley Compressor Plus Pedal
Product Details:
The legendary mr. keeley's creamy compressor gets gorgeous sustain, reminiscent of dimeola playing strawberry fields. sonny landreth tones are ready to roll out of your rig, with this gem at the front end to push all subsequent sounds and pedals into a bit sweeter dimension of smoothness, like a hand polished sculpture made of sound.4 knobs give you a fine tuned tone palette with a wealth of "sweet spots" across a spectrum of tones. can't find a bad one. just leave it on, like butter on your toasty playing. adjust on the fly for getting more moody, more glass, or more grit. flip the switch to set if for your single coils or humbuckers – yeah, keeley thought of that and gave us a head start to set up our primary tonality. this pro level pedal is a classy as can be! the box is long gone, but this pedal is built to last a lifetime of professional enjoyment.
Specifications:
| Control Type | Knob |
| Number of Knobs | 4 |
| Resistor Material | Metal |
| Capacitor Material | Metal |
| Indicator Type | LED |
Reviews:
I bought this compressor intending to use it with both Fender Strat and my bass guitar. I am a professional music producer and listened to the unit carefully in the studio headphones. It is a great tool if you know what to use it for. When used with a strat it makes the sound crisp and places the funky clean tone perfectly in the mix. The tone is somewhat on the colder side, with bright fluid sustain added to the sound. Think about it as a sustainer first and then compressor. Great tool in the pallette. However, there are a few things to keep in mind: – the unit makes a sub low cut when engaged even with the minimum effect added to the direct signal. Bassists bear this in mind (unless you are a hardcore punk bassist playing with distortion and a pick and don't care much about your sub bass tone). It can also be felt on the clean electric guitar sound (if it's funky tone in the band setting you would cut off the low end of the strat anyway). – with higher compression ratio settings you get more sustain but some noise is also added. – if you want to use the 9V battery with the unit keep in mind that to change the battery you need to use a screwdriver for 4 screws to remove the back panel of the unit.J
I love this pedal. I play an Epi Les Paul Classic, into my pedalboard, and into a 90's Peavey Bandit. The amp has a Jensen Mod soesker, not the original Scorpion speaker. The Bandit with this speaker has a great clean channel. I'm a long time Fender guy. Strats and Teles. I like a clear, bright fundamental tone. I found myself compensating with the LP and using the bridge pickup a lot. But still not satisfied with the clean tones from the LP. That changed when I put the Keeley Compressor Plus on my board. The conbination of the Blend control and the Tone knob gives me what I want. The Tone control is, to my ear, an exceptional circuit. I get the bright, clear tone I need and superb sustain. This pedal is a godsend for playing slide. The compressor goes before my dirt pedals with beautiful results-1-. I use a Boss SD-1 overdrive and a Donner Dark Mouse – a Rat clone. I'm very impressed with this compressor. I put all controls at about 12:00, which the manual recommends for humbuckers. Minimal tweaks from there to get what I want. I love that it doesn't squash the life out of my pick attack. It is always on. Works great with acoustic/electrics as well. Great, musical piece of gear. Well done, Mr. Keeley.Mister G.
Bought it to replace a cheaper compressor pedal that I wasn't happy with. Having been used to high quality rack compressors, was looking for a compressor pedal that could keep up to the bare minimum quality I need to record at home. Inserted it on my signal chain, turned it on and it was pure magic, just couldn't stop playing and fiddling with the controls. Especially love the blend control, that gives this pedal a lot of versatility. For the price you get amazing quality. Really, buy it, you won't regret it.
15. Xotic Sp Compressor Pedal With Compact Size Controls For Compression Amount (Used, Damaged Retail Box)
Product Details:
The xotic sp compressor offers the same ota (operational transconductance amplifier) technology used in what many guitar players consider the best compressor ever, the ross compressor. the sp compressor has superb tone quality featuring a wide variety of compressor tones from vintage,to subtle, to modern and more. it's super flexible and features a dry blend knob, up to +15db of boost and an internal dip switch for attack control. this compact design is a powerful tool for the working musicians.this is a true bypass pedal, eliminating any signal interference when switched off. the sp compressor can be powered by an ac adaptor or 9v battery (not includedl).
Specifications:
| Weight | 13.6 ounces |
| Compression Switch Type | 3-position |
| Number of Knobs | 3 |
| Power Source | Battery, AC adapter |
| Dimensions | 4" x 6" x 4" |
Reviews:
I bought this compression pedal to boost my acoustic signal as well as fatten the sound a bit. I love the size as it fits on my board perfectly. I leave it on all the time so it neatly fits up top. I mainly lead worship at my church and was looking to make my Martin D-15 sound more like it is supposed to plugged in.Mark
The Xotic SP Compressor is without a doubt a 5 Star product! For many years I used a 1953 Gibson ES 175 or 1966 Telecaster plugged into a MXR Dyna Comp and grew to appreciate the warm squash this device had to offer as I lost the taste for most all distortion devices on the market. The Dyna Comp was a simple two knob device that squeezed my signal rather nicely to which I still have 3 of them floating about the house. I also have the more expanded version, MXR Limiter dating from the early 80s that also does a nice job modifying my signal. The only initial down side to the Dyna Comp was a little bit of noise. However the real down side to the old Dyna Comp was sometime in the early 90s, after Dunlop acquired ownership of the MXR Product, decided to reduce the cost of production by having all the jacks, pots, and switch connected directly to the PC Board via solder bath. Not only did this process of assembly affect the durability of this classic old compressor, it also compromised the tone and performance of a one great pedal. The vintage Dyna Comps wired point to point are far superior product. If you have one, keep it! In the wake of the cheapening of the Dyna Comp came the Keeley Compressor. I bought a Keeler Compressor somewhere around 10 years ago a noticed an improvement in performance over my old Dyna Comps with less noise. And with going into great detail, every guitar, from my old 1951 L5 to any of my old Fender sound great through this compressor. So now a new and somewhat revolutionary compressor has hit in the market by way of the Xotic SP. These guys are making some of the best pedals that I?ve run across in years. By the time I got my SP I was already the proud owner of an EP Booster and SL Drive. To later I have to say it is the only distortion that has come out in the last 30 years with a decent sounding tone that does not narrow the bandwidth of your signal path. Not to mention these pedals just happen to be the cutest looking signal devices on the market. What really makes the SP Compressor outstanding is the 3 position Hi/Mid/Low switch. The versatility to this pedal via of this switch is just amazing. In the Hi mode I can match the performance of my Keeley and Dyna Comp compressors for Jazz applications. However, I have taken using the Mid position for a great Blues/Rock tone. In this position the pedal allows me to play over the top of the compressor for soaring highs. This works in great combination with my 1960 Telecaster with Barden pickups. Anyway, I highly recommend the Xotic SP Compressor with its advantage in versatility over other compressors on the market. And here?s the bonus, this pedal is priced about $100 less than the Keeley. My hat?s off to you folks at Xotic for manufacturing a fantastic compressor at an affordable price that will thousands of guitar players sound better and better. Now if you can reinvent the Sola Sound Tone Bender in one of these small bud boxes, that would be fantastic!David A
I tried the Wampler and it was too much going on and I could find a sound I like. That was my first compressor so i'm Sure it was me. With this one I set it to Humbucker setting per the manual and it was fantastic. I just made the volume a little lower so that it was the same as my OD and TS pedals so that I control the gain there not with the compresssor. I leave it on all the time now. I never realized how much better the sound would be from just this. I always thought of it just pushing down the high parts but the making the lower parts a little louder made a big difference. This is going to be on permanently. Crystal clear sound wise too.Mike CT
16. Origin Effects 76-Cd
Product Details:
Absolutely phenomenal compressor!! excellent condition and works perfectly! dual lock on the back but can be removed if requested. priced to sell! based on a classic fet-style compressor, the cali76 compact deluxe provides a level of control uncommon among pedal compressors, offering ratio, attack, and release knobs, on top of input and output gain knobs. gently rein in your dynamics with slow attack and fast release settings. dial up the ratio to draw out some top-end spank. or hit it with fast attack and slow release for a rounded, smashed tone with miles of sustain. even better, take that smashed tone and blend it in behind the uncompressed signal; it s a trick that guitarists like to use to retain top-end detail while fattening up the mids and bottom end. like all origin effects pedals, the cali76 compact deluxe comes housed in a hand-polished brushed stainless-steel enclosure that looks beautiful and can take a beating!
Specifications:
| Finish | Blackout |
| Year | 2010 – 2022 |
| Made In | United Kingdom |
| Pedal Format | Standard |
Reviews:
Worth big money? Yes, it is that good. Everything works like you'd think based on the 1170, and it's simple just to listen and dial in. I use it primarily on acoustic guitar in live performance, and it's done stellar work for me. High-end build quality matches the cost of entry—high dollar but also excellent results.Scott
You can look at my current setup in my picture. I've got lots of great gear. That being said, the Cali76 Compact Deluxe has by far – by far – provided me with the most drastic improvement in my overall sound. Instead of me rambling on like I often do in my reviews I'm just going to suggest you go over to YouTube and search for "Pete Thorn's Cali76 Demo." Okay, so that drastic improvement in tone, punch, and articulation you hear? Yeah, that's legit. That happened to me in my living room and I was completely blown away. By the way, the pedal can operate in 9v but I can't recommend running it at anything besides 18v. The improved headroom is glorious. You can buy an 18v adapter but what I use is the Strymon Zuma which has a couple of outlets with selectable voltages (9/12/18). Don't be like me and underapprecaite what a good compressor can do for your sound. The Cali76 is the most recent pedal I've bought and it should have been one of my first. And since it directly improves the signal coming out of my guitar, it indirectly makes all of my other pedals sound that much better. I just can't say enough good things about this one. Just go watch some demo videos. The hype is real.
This is the Deluxe compact version of the bigger Origin Effects CALI76 pedal. This only lacks in the trasformer balanced output but has all the sound and dynamics of the bigger one. It is made both for guitar and bass, and your unbalanced keyboard/synth if you want too. It has a buffered bypass mode. Rugged, high quality item made all with aluminum, panels and knobs, and has a soft switch. Regarding the performance and the bits offered, its very well priced. Caution: it does work at 18 Volts only!! Get a high quality Dunlop ECB 004 psu for it.
17. Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Compressor
Product Details:
Cali76 compact in great condition. has some residual sticky residue left on the bottom from a temple audio mounting plate that was used to mount it to my pedalboard, but other than that, shows very little cosmetic wear and functions perfectly. it's an excellent compressor that i'm really only selling because i need the money.
Specifications:
| Finish | Silver/Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | United Kingdom |
Reviews:
Worth big money? Yes, it is that good. Everything works like you'd think based on the 1170, and it's simple just to listen and dial in. I use it primarily on acoustic guitar in live performance, and it's done stellar work for me. High-end build quality matches the cost of entry—high dollar but also excellent results.Scott
You can look at my current setup in my picture. I've got lots of great gear. That being said, the Cali76 Compact Deluxe has by far – by far – provided me with the most drastic improvement in my overall sound. Instead of me rambling on like I often do in my reviews I'm just going to suggest you go over to YouTube and search for "Pete Thorn's Cali76 Demo." Okay, so that drastic improvement in tone, punch, and articulation you hear? Yeah, that's legit. That happened to me in my living room and I was completely blown away. By the way, the pedal can operate in 9v but I can't recommend running it at anything besides 18v. The improved headroom is glorious. You can buy an 18v adapter but what I use is the Strymon Zuma which has a couple of outlets with selectable voltages (9/12/18). Don't be like me and underapprecaite what a good compressor can do for your sound. The Cali76 is the most recent pedal I've bought and it should have been one of my first. And since it directly improves the signal coming out of my guitar, it indirectly makes all of my other pedals sound that much better. I just can't say enough good things about this one. Just go watch some demo videos. The hype is real.
This is the Deluxe compact version of the bigger Origin Effects CALI76 pedal. This only lacks in the trasformer balanced output but has all the sound and dynamics of the bigger one. It is made both for guitar and bass, and your unbalanced keyboard/synth if you want too. It has a buffered bypass mode. Rugged, high quality item made all with aluminum, panels and knobs, and has a soft switch. Regarding the performance and the bits offered, its very well priced. Caution: it does work at 18 Volts only!! Get a high quality Dunlop ECB 004 psu for it.
18. Empress Compressor Mkii Silver Sparkle
Product Details:
Compress to impress. the empress effects compressor mk2 builds upon its predecessor's revolutionary design. featuring a wealth of tone-tweaking controls, including a sidechain hpf switch as well as attack and release dials, this pedal will give your tone that crisp edge which will propel it through the mix. it also comes in a much smaller, pedalboard-friendly housing compared to the older version, so you can save space for even more effects at your shows. make no mistake, this is a studio-grade, world-class compressor with all the bells and whistles, and it'll transform your sound.
Specifications:
| Input Impedance | 1M |
| Output Impedance | 2.2k |
| Frequency Response (-3dB) | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Distortion | less than 0.1% |
| Noise | -101dB |
| Power Input Voltage | 9 – 18 V DC (Negative tip) |
| Power Input Connector | 2.1mm barrel connector (Negative tip) |
| Power Consumption | 100mA |
| Enclosure Material | Die Cast Aluminum |
| Input connector | 1/4" Jack |
| Output connector | 1/4" Jack |
| Height (Enclosure only) | 1.5" |
| Height (including controls) | 2.5" |
| Length | 4.8" |
Reviews:
Fantastic compressor with side chain. I'm using it for a live electronic setup where I want the bass synth to duck when the kick is playing. Basic really but since I'm using different machines for each sound the Emptess Comp has been a life saver. Great build and relatively easy to use although the side chain output needs strange cables. But you can get around it.Reviewed by SX Pro customer
19. Origin Effects Cali76 Stacked Edition Compressor Pedal, Inverted Black
Product Details:
Origin effects cali76 stacked edition (inverted black) the cali76 stacked edition delivers both the classic sound of the cali76 and the addictive dual-stage squeeze of the sliderig, plus all the good stuff in between. like the sliderig, it features two of our cali76 compressor circuits stacked in series—but with the flexibility to control each stage independently, the stacked edition opens up a huge range of additional sounds. with heaps of clean gain and compression on tap, the cali76 stacked edition can totally transform the feel of your guitar. two independently adjustable studio-grade fet compressors in a pedal format. high-current, low-noise, discrete class-a circuitry. unique thru control sets signal fed to second compressor stage. independent attack/release for each compression stage. employ parallel compression using the dry blend control knob. individual led gain reduction indicators for each compressor. 9 to 18v operation, for increased headroom. tour grade, all-metal construction. high-impedance buffered bypass with silent switching. designed and assembled by hand in england.
Specifications:
| Out | Compressed signal level |
| Thru | Level of compression for second Cali76 stage |
| Dry | Unprocessed signal level |
| Att/Rel 1 | Attack and release speeds of first compressor |
| Att/Rel 2 | Attack and release speeds of second compressor |
20. Amazon Basics Compressor Guitar Pedal – Fully Analog Circuit
Specifications:
| Dimensions | 3.7 × 2.1 × 2.17 in |
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