Kompressor
Circuit-derived OTA pedal compressor with parallel blend, treble recovery, and pickup-tuned release
Parameters
| Parameter | Range | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Sustain | 0 – 100 % | 25 % |
| Blend | 0 – 100 % | 75 % |
| Tone | 0 – 100 % | 58 % |
| Level | 0 – 100 % | 58 % |
| Pickup Mode | Single Coil, Humbucker | Single Coil |
Overview
Kompressor models the analog feedback circuit of a Keeley Compressor Plus, including its LM13700 gain cell, transistor envelope detector, parallel dry path, active treble-recovery circuit, and audio-taper controls. It preserves the characteristic fast squeeze, long sustain, and program-dependent recovery of the pedal rather than translating the controls into a conventional digital threshold and ratio.
Sustain changes the OTA’s available bias current, so it affects gain, compression depth, and detector behavior together. Blend moves between the uncompressed and compressed paths. Tone restores upper harmonics on the wet path, while Level controls the final analog-style output attenuation.
Pickup Mode selects the two recovery networks in the original circuit. Single Coil uses the slower recovery; Humbucker uses the quick-release path to retain definition with a hotter input.
Tips
- For a subtle always-on sound, keep Sustain below noon and use Blend to bring back the original pick transient.
- Raise Tone when heavy compression makes the attack feel too dark.
- Full Blend exposes the classic OTA squash and sustain most clearly.
- The control loop responds to input voltage like the pedal. Hot pickups will compress sooner and can produce some of the original circuit’s coloration.