Since the mid-2000’s, there has usually been some form of a Keeley Compressor within arm’s reach around the house and office. Starting with the classic 2-knob, moving up to the 4-knob, PRO and PLUS versions, alongside the Morning Glory in the Steak and Eggs and finally (for now, anyway), in today’s featured 2-in-1 pedal. The Aria features 2 sides, one compressor and one overdrive, that couldn’t play nicer together, but can also be used separately if you so choose. Full of tone, grit and sustain, this baby blue beauty is a must-have for any serious player.
On the Compressor side, you have similar control to those that adorn the Compressor Plus. Level sets the Output level, while Sustain adjusts the compression ratio and increases your sustain. While this can create some noise as higher levels are achieved, it’s still pretty quiet compared to a lot of comps out there. The unique Blend control comes next, allowing you to stir and mix your wet and dry signals together perfectly to taste, for as much or as little compression as you see fit. Finally, the small Tone dial adjusts the overall Brightness of the compressed sound, from darker and moody to lively, full of chime and sparkling.
On the Drive side, you are presented with an extremely useable, flexible and great-sounding overdrive circuit. Level and Tone perform their duties the same way as on the Comp side, while Drive controls your overall Overdrive level. There’s a Low/High mini-toggle switch present, which lets you flip between two modes: Low gives off some clean and bold tones, while High ramps it up and gives you a focused and sustained drive sound. You can also decide in which order these two effects will go in your signal chain, either Compressor > Overdrive, or vice versa.
If all this wasn’t simply enough for you, don’t worry – Robert and his crew have another trick up their sleeve. Using TRS insert cables with the Input and Output jacks, you can add in other effects BETWEEN the Compressor and Overdrive circuits….WHAT??? You can even connect it to a pedal switcher to control each side independently, or to switch the order of the two effects instantly, for different feelings and response from this incredible dual pedal.
Utilizing the stunning effects of warm, midrange-y overdrive with delicious compression and a ton of sustain, you have the recipe for a pedal that will never leave your board or studio. FOR REAL. Another one of those pedals you click on and just WOW, instantly blown away and know you’ve found a keeper. There’s a reason Robert has been tops in the compression game for nearly 2 decades, people, and it’s not because he’s lucky or gimmicky or a one-trick pony – this guy knows effects, and has created yet another marvel for us to enjoy. Cheers once more to the entire Keeley Electronics operation for churning out monster effect after effect. Check out the demo below, as always, for a hint of what the Aria can bring to the table….then just hope they’re not still out of stock when you head over to the Keeley website….
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