Essential Information About the Strymon Compadre Pedal
- Dual Personality: two analog VCA compression circuits, "Studio" transparent or more pronounced "Squeeze," to shape attack and sustain.
- Full Boost: clean or dirty selectable, with 3-position EQ (Flat/Med/Treble) to perfectly fit guitar and amp.
- Always Clear Signal: Class A JFET input and DRY control to blend dry and compressed signals, preserving transients and dynamics.
- Ready for Modern Stage: presets, MIDI via TRS, expression in VCA volume mode, selectable true/buffered bypass.
Between Large Studio Racks and Legendary Stompboxes
Born from the study of analog studio compressors and console "bus comps," the Compadre combines the finesse of vintage outboard gear with the responsiveness of a classic guitar pedal. It stands as Strymon's "front of chain" reference that enhances your amp's character without altering your playing.
For Whom and For What?
Ideal for the discerning guitarist-from blues to modern rock, from punchy funk to ambient textures-the Compadre fits perfectly both in the studio and on a live pedalboard. Placed before overdrives and delays, it levels the signal, thickens sustain, and pushes the amp into its "sweet spot" with controlled volume reserve.
Intuitive Controls and Modern Connectivity
Compression adjustment is simplified by an auto threshold/ratio: turn the knob, the rest follows. Select "Studio" for musical transparency, "Squeeze" for more pronounced compression. The switchable Boost clean/dirty adds either clean headroom or slight diode saturation, while the 3-position boost EQ refines the mix foundation. For control, a TRS expression pedal turns the Compadre into a VCA volume pedal. MIDI via TRS provides access to 300 presets, remote parameters, and favorites with MiniSwitch/MultiSwitch Plus.
The Sound
Transparent, spacious, and quiet in Studio mode; more "edgy" and sustained in Squeeze mode, the Compadre respects your pickups' tone while tightening lows and brightening attacks. The DRY mix retains the string feel under your fingers, and the Dirty Boost adds a touch of organic overdrive to let a solo breathe without harshening the high end. The result: a coherent, dynamic grain perfectly stackable with your other effects.
Technical Specifications
Processing and Circuits
- 100 percent analog compression based on high-quality VCA.
- Two voicings: Studio (soft, transparent) and Squeeze (more pronounced, pedal-style).
- Analog Clean or Dirty boost with 3-position EQ (Flat, Treble, Mid).
- DRY control for blending dry/processed signal and preserving transients.
Controls and Modes
- Main potentiometers: Compression, Boost, Level, Dry.
- Mini-switches: compression type (Studio/Squeeze), boost type (Clean/Dirty), boost EQ (Flat/Treble/Mid).
- Two footswitches: main bypass and boost activation.
Inputs/Outputs and Control
- Discrete Class A JFET input with high impedance and very low noise.
- Mono low-impedance output.
- TRS input for expression pedal: operates as dedicated VCA volume.
- MiniSwitch (favorite preset) and MultiSwitch Plus (3 presets) compatibility.
- Full MIDI control via 6.35 mm TRS jack, access to 300 presets and remote parameters (requires Strymon MIDI EXP cable or MIDI-to-TRS interface).
Audio Quality and Build
- Selectable bypass: True Bypass relay or very low noise Buffered.
- Dark red anodized aluminum chassis, sturdy and lightweight.
- Compressor signal-to-noise ratio: 109 dB typical.
Included Accessories
- 9 V DC power supply included (center negative).
- Box and documentation.
Power Consumption
- Required power: 9 V DC center negative, minimum 150 mA.
Dimensions and Origin
- Dimensions: 11.4 cm (D) x 10.2 cm (W) x 4.4 cm (H).
- Designed and manufactured in the United States.
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