Carl Martin Classic Opto-Compressor

An optical compressor performs gain reduction control via a light source into a photo sensitive cell: as the light source gets brighter, the photo sensitive cell sends a signal to reduce dynamic range, or what becomes a compressed signal. According to Carl Martin, the Vintage Series Opto-Compressor is an old-school compressor from the days where colouring was an important factor to the sound.

The four knobs (from left to right) control the Gain (which controls the ‘pre-glow’ of the optical circuit: the more you turn this up, the fatter the sound), Level (which controls the overall volume of the compressor), Compression (which defines how hard or soft the compression is), and finally the Attack control takes the signal from transparent to outright total squeeze.

Like all of the brand’s Vintage Series pedals, the Opto-Compressor comes in a solid diecast housing with chicken-head knobs, exclusive color and graphics, and a 9v battery compartment, although due to the very nature of compressors the use of a regulated power supply is highly recommended.

No MSRP announced as of yet.