Compression / Sustain Archives - Pedal of the Day

Compression / Sustain


After we got our hands on a GHOST Stereo Effects Processor from ENDORPHIN.ES last month, we couldn’t wait for their next creation to head our way. Well, we’ve got just that for you today: the GOLDEN MASTER Multiband Mastering Processor. Used at the end of your signal chain, it gives everything in your chain a polish, and edge, a sparkle, and with a ton of options and sounds, it’s a unit you didn’t know you...

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The Ampero line of multi effects processors and modelers has always been a joy to review and demo, and we’re stoked to be back at it again today. The latest creation from our friends at Hotone comes in the form of the Ampero II Stage Amp Modeler / Effects Processor, the newest in this series, and I’m pretty sure the most powerful yet. It’s a true wonder how they pack all of the amps, cabs, effects, routing, parameter...

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We’re diving into the world of UAFX from Universal Audio again today, but this one takes a different sort of turn. The OX Stomp Dynamic Speaker Emulator provides you with the ability to mimic just about any speaker cabinet + microphone setup you could think of. With on-board options and easy controls, plus a ton of extras as usual, this unit continues UA’s magnificent run of amazing pedals… Grab an OX Stomp from...

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We’re continuing our lineup run-through of the first four pedals from Bolt & Forge Analog Audio today. Coming to you from Yakima, Washington, we’re excited to jump back in and check out the third of FOUR effects they sent over, the Sawbones Optical Compressor. Bringing the funk and evening out the most fluctuating of signals, let’s see what it can do for you… The Appaloosa is a noise-free, full-featured...

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We’re stoked to bring you the ENTIRE lineup of pedals from Rockready Mini Pedals over the coming weeks, and we’re continuing with two more excellent mini creations today. The RF-1 Retro Fuzz and DC-1 d Comp Compressor are small, yes, but they pack a big punch with their sonic output. With simple controls and mini enclosures, these pedals fit onto any pedalboard, and into ANY budget… The RF-1 Retro Fuzz has two modes,...

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One of the latest offerings from Universal Audio we’re looking at today is the UAFX 1176 Studio Compressor. This silver beauty delivers the same punchy, expressive tones of the world-renowned original 1176 Compressor, the reigning king of audio limiting, all within a compact stomp box. From the subtle squeeze of a single 1176 to the endless sustain of two units in parallel à la Lowell George or the compressed crunch of Led...

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Well, it’s New Release Day once again, and we’re happy to help introduce a new pedal from our friends at Summer School Electronics today! The Half Day! Compressor is a take on a classic compression circuit, giving you vintage tone alongside some modern updates and options. It doesn’t matter if you play guitar, bass, keys or any other musical gear – this compressor fits any and every style out there… The...

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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) Guitar Tricks presents A Look at the Vintage Pedal Market By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. Vintage pedals are so popular that many modern manufacturers attempt to replicate them so there are more to go around! Not only do some pedals...

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We’re super excited for today’s complete PEDAL LINEUP: that’s right, we’re taking a look at ALL 5 newly released ROSS Electronics effects! In collaboration with Josh Scott and JHS Pedals, these five units bring back the flagship pedals (and one brand new creation) from a company responsible for some of the best vintage effects out there. Coming full circle and releasing this new group of effects, ROSS brings...

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Compression has always been an effect I’ve gravitated towards, and I’m always on the lookout for new versions with differing options and tonal qualities. Today’s pedal is a compression lover’s dream, with five parameter controls and a wide spectrum of sounds from which you can easily create. The All-Pedal Galactavise Compressor not only has a great name, it will improve your overall sound quality, too…...

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Every version of the Ampero family of Amp Modelers and Effects Processors from our friends at Hotone Audio has come our way, and we’re exctied as always to bring you the latest version today. The Ampero MINI takes everything you know and love about these units and squishes them into a small, compact enclosure, perfect for any pedalboard or tabletop rig. And since there’s no compromise in sound quality or endless IRs,...

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Recently, we’ve had the pleasure of checking out the new Galaxy ’74 Tape Echo & Reverb and Del-Verb Ambience Companion from Universal Audio, and were (as usual) pretty blown away. Today, we’re looking at the final unit in their latest lineup releases, the Max Preamp & Dual Compressor. Providing all the funk your single coils (and humbuckers, too) can handle, along with a gorgeous vintage-sounding preamp,...

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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) I Have Too Many Pedals, How To Pare Down By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. There comes a point where every guitar player realizes they have too many effects pedals! It’s true, it happens, but you don’t need to get rid of any, you just...

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Delay is the best effect out there, hands-down…BUT, I do love a good compressor and a good preamp, too. Fortunately, today’s pedal, the Niche Devices Humboldt Preamp SE combines both of these effects into one brilliant effect, with broad range and total tonal control. Conceived over the course of two years, this original circuit offers optical compression coupled with a high headroom preamplifier, and features the unique...

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The fine folks at Flamma Innovation are back at it, releasing FIVE new pedals, all of which we’re going to take a look at here at Pedal of the Day. This week, we wrap things up with the FC21 Analog Compressor, a simple effect that takes your tone to the next level. Whether you’re on a budget, or just looking for a new, funky sound, this little one has got you covered… There’s nothing quite like the subtle ways...

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When a huge company like StewMac contacts you and asks if you’d like to demo some gear from them, there’s only one answer: an emphatic YES, PLEASE. Today, we’re going to check out a pedal, yes, but some other guitar-related gear as well, all of which is available on the StewMac website, and all of which can help you greatly improve your tone and unleash your creativity. Lots to get into, let’s do it!! First up,...

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A good multi-effects unit is always fun to take a look at, and when it’s focused on modulation, delay and reverb, it makes it that much better. The PLETHORA X3 TonePrint Pedalboard from TC Electronic takes its origin from the larger PLETHORA X5, slimming it down for an easier fit on your board, while still giving you the quality effects you need. We love the versatility in this unit, and can’t wait to dig in with you all...

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We’ve had a blast checking out the lineup of pedals from the newly-revamped Maestro brand, and have a BIG surprise for you all today. They’ve just released FIVE new units, and we have got them all in one place for you. Today, we’re looking at the Orbit Phaser, Mariner Tremolo, Titan Boost, Arcas Compressor Sustainer and Agena Envelope Filter – 5 effects building on the first 5 pedals they initially released...

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The fine folks over at Eventide have been big supporters of Pedal of the Day for years now – we’ve reviewed just about every one of their modern pedals, and have been lucky enough to be included in their last several new release days as well. Today, we’re doing it once again, and with possibly their biggest, most grandiose effects unit to date. The H90 Harmonizer® takes everything that we all love about the...

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Pedal of the Day has been fortunate to help with the promotion of each and every iteration of the wonderful Ampero series of multi-effects units from our friends at Hotone Audio, and we’ve got the newest one for you today. Following in the footsteps of the original Ampero, Ampero One and Ampero II, the Ampero Silver Edition Amp Modeler / Effects Processor somehow builds on the previous models’ functionality, options and...

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Earlier this month, we were fortunate enough to be able to check out the Star Eater, a wild analog fuzz machine from Pigtronix, and really dug the new style of that pedal. Today, we’ve got their latest release, an intriguing, not really before seen effect that will take you on a musical journey like none you’ve encountered before. The Gloamer Polyphonic Amplitude Synthesizer Compressor isn’t as complicated as the...

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The effects pedals coming from Dophix have never been overly complicated, but always provide just the right amount of control over whatever device of theirs you’re currently using. Today’s pedal is no exception to that, trimming off all the fat to leave a real set-it-and-forget-it effect. Say hello to the Da Vinci-inspired Leonardo Compressor, a 2-knob gem that gets right down to business and brings your tone right to...

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Our friends over at Poison Noises are releasing new versions of their entire lineup of effects pedals, and have asked us to help showcase these overhauled creations. We’re looking at 2 pedals a week for the next couple months, continuing today with The Vacuum Optical Compressor V2. Strap in and get prepared to explore a universe of dazzling compression, folks…. The Vacuum V2 is an optical compressor that brings you dynamic...

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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) How To Get The Most Out Of Your Pedals By Steven Kendzorski for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. I have GAS, and it’s bad. GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) is a common ailment among new guitar players, triggered by tone-envy, causing them to spend every...

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I’ve always been a fan of compressors – I know, it’s a love/hate relationship with a lot of players out there, but they’ve always seemed warm and useful in the majority of pedalboard builds I’ve done. Now, what if you take an incredible compressor and add in a parallel gain stage, fo an incredible 2-in-1 unit? That’s precisely what the folks at Collaboration Devices have done with the aptly named...

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We recently checked out a couple of Klon-inspired overdrive pedals from our friends at Studio Daydream Handmade Pedals, and we were excited to continue exploring their effects lineup. Moving into a new realm, and highly regarded for its natural compressor sound, The Ray Compressor is back as the Rev.3.0, with an improved internal structure and a range of added functions. The EQ has been strengthened to three band,s while maintaining...

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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) A Practical Look at Guitar Pedals By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer Guitar pedals are an incredible way to sculpt the final sound from your guitar, they provide amazing effects at just the push of a button. In some cases they are even necessary to get the right sound for a particular...

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Somewhat recently, we were able to check out the Valeton GP-100VT, a nice multi-effects pedal that squished a lot of tones into a fairly small enclosure. Well, Valeton has had a quick turnaround beefing up this concept, and we’re proud to help release the GP-200 Multi-Effects Processor today. This new-gen HD modeling multi-effects processor declares an unprecedented upgrade in order to bring you a better sonic experience –...

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One of the first pedals I ever bought was a Keeley Compressor, back in 2003 or so, and I’ve had some version of that pedal in the office since. It’s become the standard by which other compressors are measured, producing tens of thousands of units over the course of the last 20 years. Keeley’s latest version takes everything we love about this classic sound and smashes it into a small, super pedalboard-friendly...

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Love ’em or hate ’em, compressors have a place in the musical world – on vocal/instrument microphones, recording/studio gear, interface plugins and, of course, pedalboards. Today’s squishy treat comes to us by way of our friends at Crazy Tube Circuits, improving on one of their existing creations. The φ (Phi) Golden Ratio Compressor is an all-analog unit that’s been ungraded to include 3 separate...

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We have had the pleasure of reviewing every iteration of the Ampero Series of effects units from Hotone Audio thus far, and we’re going to keep that streak alive today. Presenting the new Ampero II Stomp, and amp modeler and effects processor that takes everything from the previous versions and pushes them to their limits. Ampero II Stomp implements brand new tri-core digital platform and independent AD/DA from ESS® Sabre®...

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It isn’t often that we review and demo 4 pedals all on the same day, but when the opportunity presented itself, we jumped at it. The first 4 pedals in this particular series from Dreadbox each bring a different flavor to the mix, and you could argue that they’re all some players would need for an entire pedalboard. Full of modulated weirdness with a wild reverb at the end, the Kinematic, Lethargy, Komorebi and Darkness...

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The fabulous crew at Free The Tone have been supporting Pedal of the Day for years, and we’re always excited when they send us new gear to review and demo. Today is no exception, except that there are TWO new effects we’re bringing to you, instead of just one. The SG-1C Silky Groove Compressor + CC-1B Crunchy Chime Booster are both excellent additions to the beginning of any pedalboard, providing enhanced, equalization and...

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We love to dive in and explore any sort of Multi-Effects units that come our way – they can hold so many effects and combinations, the possibilities to what you can create are endless. Today, we’re checking out the newest unit from Valeton, the GP-100VT Multi-Effects Processor. Crammed full of all your favorite effects, amps, cabs, presets, a looper and more, this little machine has got a lot to offer. The design and...

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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) A very frequently asked question – and much debated one too – is what order to sequence effects pedals on a pedalboard. Which one should come first? Or last? Should pedal X come before pedal Y? Or vice versa? Why does it matter? Does it, in fact, matter at all? Below, we answer these questions...

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The DCP Dual Pedal Series from Caline has been a blast so far, and today we’re bringing you the EIGHTH effect in this lineup. A true tone-shaping machine, the DCP-10 Steller EQ Compressor combines 2 front end effects to start your tone out on a high note. Using these two to sculpt and dial in the exact sounds you’re after, this is an invaluable addition to any rig. The left EQ side features 5 frequency band sliders and one...

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Today, we’re continuing our look at the Dual Series pedals from Caline, and we’ve got another gem for you. The DCP-05 Key West Compressor Overdrive gives you one of the best pedal combinations to ever exist. With each side running either independently or in tandem, there are a ton of tones waiting to be explored here… The Compressor side is Caline’s Pressure Tank pedal, which is inspired by the famous Diamond...

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Today, we continue our journey into the DCP Dual Series of pedals from our friends at Caline. So far, we’ve been delighted with all of the effects combinations they’ve come up with, and the DCP-01 Artemis Compressor Boost pairs two of our favorites together. Used independently or in tandem, these two sides exist to enhance your sound, and we think they do a damn good job of just that. The compressor side is Caline’s...

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We’ve had a blast reviewing and demoing this round of pedals from our friends down at Mozztronics in Australia, and we’ve got the last one from this bunch for you today. Many revered studio compressors are old valve (vacuum tube) units used an optical element for the compression. These compressors were easy to dial in, and no matter what setting you put the controls at, they never sounded bad…interesting, but never...

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Over the last couple of years, effects units that offer just about all the algorithms you could want or need have been popping up like crazy. Ranging from affordable to everyone to affordable for a select few, these multi-effects platforms have changed the way people construct their rigs – and how they’re using individual pedals as well. Today’s pedal, the AMT Electronics U-2 Pangaea Brain Frame Ultima, is one of...

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There’s something about a good compressor pedal that just MAKES your signal sound right. There are big compressors (Origin Effects Cali76), medium-sized (Strymon Compadre) and regular (RetrogradeFX Underthruster) compressors and teeny, tiny ones. Which brings us to today’s pedal, Fairfield Circuitry’s The Accountant Compressor, a small but perfectly-sized gem that makes you tone come alive! One knob and two toggles...

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Having an EQ, a Boost and a Compressor in your signal chain are key ingredients for a lot of guitar players, and we tend to agree. Most times, however, these effects have to come from three separate sources, taking up a lot of real estate on your board, and having you tap dancing around like a maniac to get even a core sound correct. Well, those days just might be over. Today, we’re checking out the marvelous DryBell Unit67 EQ...

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Let’s face the facts: a lot of pedals, aside perhaps from the graphics, look really, really similar. They’re usually in some form of rectangle, either vertical or horizontal, with slightly varying sizes, but all in the same general layout category. So when we get an effects unit in that is completely different, original and unique, and sounds incredible as well, we get pretty damn excited. Let us present to you the Neon...

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Ah, Strymon. Musical effects pioneers and makers of some of the most well-known and used pedals around the world. Today, we’re going to take a look at their latest creation, the Strymon Compadre Dual Voice Compressor & Boost. A wonderful dual pedal that will fit perfectly at the front of your signal chain, you’ve got access to 2 excellent tone-shaping effects in one beautiful box. Used independently or together, the...

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While we haven’t ever ventured TOO far into the world of multi-effects processors, we did get a chance to check out the Ampero from Hotone Audio almost exactly a year ago today, and were extremely impressed by how well it performed. Cramming a ton of amps, cabinet and effects into one unit has got to be tricky for any company, and to do it as well and for such an affordable price point was a stroke of genius. Today, we’re...

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While a good compressor pedal might not be everyone’s cup o’ tea, we here at Pedal of the Day LOVE ’em, and are always excited when a new one comes through the shop. We dig it even more if it’s from our friends at Orange Amps, who are always redefining the way we all should look at and approach music, through effects, amps and more. Their newest compressor offering is the Kongpressor, a Class A effect that...

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Who doesn’t love some AC/DC? Really? Well, you’re wrong, and you need to go download their whole catalog immediately. Speaking of folks who really dig that band, our featured pedal today is basically the accumulation of facts, tones and info regarding Mr. Angus Young (of said band) and his instantly-recognizable tone, compiled over a lifetime and finally brought to life in the form of the TSR Schaffer Replica Compander...

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Since its inception in 2001, the Keeley Compressor has become an absolute staple pedal on pedalboards all over the world, with more than 52,000 having been sold (so far). Beginning with the classic 2-knob version, the compression effects coming out of the Keeley camp have taken on several different forms, some combination effects and today’s pedal, the Compressor Plus. Building on the original with a couple more options and that...

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AC/DC. Even if you’re not a fan (not sure why that would be, but whatever), there’s still a good chance you know the words to at least 10 of their songs, if not more. Part of the appeal they’ve had since their inception in 1973 is, hands down, the guitar sound that seemingly has stayed exactly the same over the last 4+ decades. Angus Young’s signature schoolboy uniforms, love of SGs and the tone he produces are...

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Well, it’s that time again: we get to check out another incredible, studio-quality compressor in a pedal from our friends over at FEA Labs. We’ve been privileged to peruse the DB-CL Dual Band Compressor Limiter and the DE-CL Dual Engine Compressor Limiter (as well as the killer Photon Fuzz II), and today we get to investigate the Opti-FET Compressor. This effect was designed with both audiophile and studio quality features...

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