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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WE LOVE PHISH. Said it, not sorry, deal. Now that you know that, know this: we were SUPER excited to have a Helping Friendly Box Overdrive Compressor from Hochstrasser Electronics appear on our doorstep, and here’s why. This particular pedal harkens after the setup that Trey Anastasio from Phish used for many years (and still does occasionally), where two differently-gained Tubescreamers were followed by the famous Ross...
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Compression can be some players’ best friend, while others scoff at the mention of using such an effect. We love it, and have always wanted to get our hands on today’s pedal to see what the hubbub is all about. While there are many clones and variations out there, there’s nothing quite like a Ross Compressor. The original pedals, made in the 1970’s, are fairly difficult to come by, and if you can find one,...
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The wonderful world of multi-effects has had quite a resurgence in the last couple of years, with bigger, more powerful machines that actually sound incredible being put on the market. With all of these fantastic sounds and options available, there’s also been a considerable price hike in these effects units, too, making it hard for those on a lower budget to even be able to test them out, to see if it’s a good fit for...
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Today we’ve got the third and final installment in our “Walrus Week” that featured new effects pedals from our friends at Walrus Audio, and we’re headed back to revisit one of the pedals that put them on the map in the first place. The Deep Six Compressor has been a staple in the compression market since its release in 2012, and this particular version, Number Three, continues to build on that solid foundation....
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Trey Anastasio. For those of you who don’t know (or don’t care), Trey has been a HUGE guitar influence on us for almost 3 decades, and today’s pedal encompasses some of the best aspects of his tone. From his use of the famed grey Ross Compressor at various stages of Phish’s career, to his consistent use of different variations of Tube Screamers, his tonality and superb sustain give him an unmistakeable and...
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We love a clean, tasty, tone-enhancing pedal around here, and compression, while not for everyone, has come to be one of our favorite effects. Today’s pedal is a classic sound from a classic series – the Ibanez CP10 Compressor Sustainer is a high tech, studio quality effect in a compact case, with a VCA circuit and clean compression and sustain. Keeping the control panel light and easy to use, this is one little funk...
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We are just loving the effects pedals coming out of the FEA Labs camp right now, and we are once again fortunate enough to be able to bring another review and demo of one of them to you today. The DE-CL is a Dual Engine Compressor Limiter, with a lot of control knobs and tones abound, perfect for guitar, bass and more. Utilizing advanced, adaptive release circuitry, clean, boosted power and two sidechain control engines, this is one...
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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...
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We’ve always been intrigued and interested in pedals that have lots of knobs, dipswitches and In/Out jacks, so when today’s pedal came along, we were super stoked to test it out. The Spectravibe from Endangered Audio Research (makers of the now-famous AD4096 Analog Delay) is a tremolo and vibrato pedal, but it’s also much, much more than just that. With elements of compression, overdrive, distortion, auto wah and...
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The World of Compressors here in effects pedal land has really come on strong the last couple of years, with some incredible, studio-quality stompboxes coming out into the fold more and more. Today’s featured pedal is no exception, using an expected control section to produce not just excellent, high-quality compression, but a gorgeous clean boost sound if you need it as well. Straight from our friends at Analog Alien, the Alien...
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Let’s face it: there’s not really a ‘Maybe’ vote when it comes to compression on your pedalboard – you either dig it or you don’t. Around here, we can’t get enough of it, and always look forward to another pedal sending us into the realm of sustain and tone-balancing, and we’ve got another one for you today. The R-Comp Compressor from Vick Audio recreates one of the most famous comps in...
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One of the best parts of this gig is discovering new pedal companies that are doing innovative, exciting and non-traditional building in the effects pedal world, and today’s pedal and company both have captivated us in the best of ways. The DB-CL Dual Band Compressor Limiter takes all you thought you knew about compressors and turns your brain upside down, spins it around and sends it into a musical abyss from which you’ll...
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We’ve had some really great compressor pedals come through the shop recently, and today’s featured effect is right on par with the rest of ’em. Looking and sounding like a true studio rack compressor that has just been squished down into pedal form, the Underthruster from RetrogradeFX gives you all you’d expect from a comp unit. With essential features and uncompromised audio fidelity, you’ll get all the...
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Well, the effects marvels at Anasounds have done it again. Today’s featured pedal is a wooden-topped beauty coming to us all the way from France, and features just one lone control knob. While the word “compressor” can have negative connotations to some guitar players, those of us who love it LOVE it, and it’s always fun to try out different options and sonic scenarios. The Lazy Comp is an optical compressor...
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Getting pedals that come through the shop without a distinct label as to what they are or what they can do is always intriguing, and our featured pedal for today baffled us until we had the chance to plug it in. The Instant Lo-Fi Junky from ZVEX Effects is a compressor, chorus, vibrato and more, an sound experimenter’s dream in a small, pedalboard-friendly enclosure, with controls that are basic, but create a wide palette of...
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If you’re a fan of compression on your pedalboard, there’s good chance you’ve heard about the wonderful compressors being made over at Origin Effects. With a new lineup of smaller effects in their current arsenal, they have become a giant in the world of studio-quality compression for players throughout the world. Today, however, we’re going back to where it all started, with their Cali76 Standard Big Box...
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A really good simple pedal can sometimes knock your musical socks off more so than a complex, Tolstoy-novel-length manual-having pedal can, and we’re all for that with as many effects as we see around here. Today’s delightfully simple sonic recipe has only a couple of ingredients, but speaks volumes in terms of tone and value. The Electric is an overdrive and compressor in one, with elements of boost and preamp as well...
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Another compressor pedal, you say? Well, this one is a bit different than the one we reviewed earlier this week, the Lamplighter from Greer Amps. Where that one focused on studio compression in a pedal, the Kegel Compressor from Farm Pedals can get down and dirty, with enough squeeze to make your tone sparkle and pop. All we know is, a compressor with a Gain control sounds absolutely OK to us! V controls the overall output volume of...
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Studio compressors make everything sound, well…better, right? For years, we all have been on the prowl for a way to harness that key recording ingredient into our live rigs, without having it affect our original signal too much, and one of the answers has just come our way. The Lamplighter Optical Compressor from Greer Amps takes that classic studio sound and brings it front and center to your pedalboard. Volume and Compression...
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It seems like we’ve had a fairly steady stream of compressors coming through the shop lately, but nothing had prepared us for today’s mammoth of a pedal that arrived from Retrospec Audio’s shop in Weehawken, NJ. The Squeeze Box is a studio-quality optical compressor/limiter that has been sized down into pedal form, albeit a pretty big pedal. Every compression and limiting sound and tone you could really want or need...
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We love a good compressor to smooth out our tone a little bit, and using not too much or not too little is the real key. Today’s featured pedal gives you the flexibility you need in a compressor/limiter, with the functionality and tone of studio-grade sounding gear. The Velvet Comp VLC-1 is a perfect example of how a compressor should work and sound, providing smooth and lustrous compression to your entire rig. A simple...
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Pedals like the one we’ve got for you today are always a blast to review, as they seem so futuristic and uncommon, even though they were first released decades ago. With a ton of knobs, footswitches and jacks, the UE 305 is a multi effect for the ages, combining three excellent pedals from Ibanez’s golden age of effects into one HUGE enclosure (no joke, this thing is massive). Let’s just dive right in and see what...
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Another compressor pedal review is upon us, and if you haven’t grown to love them yet, we’re gonna try again and again until you do. Today’s “invisible” pedal comes to us from Japan, via a small company called Ninevolt Pedals, whose gear we’ve reviewed before (and will again). The 1927 Home Run King Compressor seeks to achieve the same tones as high-end studio compressors, all wrapped up in a nice,...
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After reviewing the new Mu-FX Mu-Tron 3X a little bit ago, we were blown away by what Mike Beigel and Co. have done with their new lineup, and couldn’t wait for more. One day, a magical box arrived at our doorstep, and what lay inside was an incredible 3-In-1 pedal that gives new meaning to an “always on” pedal: the Boostron 3 Boost Compressor Distortion box from Mike and Mu-FX. The Boostron 3 is based on three...
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Personally, we love compressors on all our pedalboards, but not everyone feels the same way. Some players absolutely swear by them, other think they’re useless and won’t come within 5 miles of one. Today’s pedal happens to be a compressor, the Saffron Squeeze from the newly-revived Way Huge Electronics, and while it appears to be a simple stompbox at first glance, a closer look reveals more controls, more options and...
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Cross-pollination pedals between different builders is unfortunately an all-too-rare thing in this magical world of effects, but when it does happen to happen, it’s usually pretty creative and special. Such is the case with today’s pedal, a 2-in-1 from two of the most popular pedal companies out there right now, JHS Pedals and Keeley Electronics. The Steak and Eggs combines two popular pedals from each of these respective...
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There seem to be a lot of compressors coming out lately that are really complex and intriguing, and while that can be fun, sometimes you just want a simple compressor pedal with easy controls and great sound to throw into your rig, set to taste and forget about. However, you might not necessarily want to same circuit that’s been redone a million times over the last couple decades, but something newer, edgier and a bit more...
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We here at Pedal of the Day have been hearing about and seeing the big, rad-looking and apparently amazing-sounding line of compressors from Origin Effects for a while now, but the price tag was just a bit out of our reach, and the opportunity to acquire one just hadn’t yet presented itself. So, you can imagine our joy when the new line of Compact pedals was announced recently, featuring both a smaller size AND a smaller, more...
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