Empress Effects Compressor Mk II (Blue)

The Compressor MKII in Blue is electronically and functionally identical to the Silver version – the only difference between the two is the Blue Sparkle enclosure finish in place of Silver Sparkle. The full feature set includes a fully analog FET compressor with three ratios (2:1, 4:1, 10:1), independent Attack (50 µs – 50 ms) and Release controls, a Mix knob for parallel compression, a tilt EQ Tone control centred at 500 Hz, and a 3-position side-chain HPF switch (120 Hz, 240 Hz, Off). An external 3.5 mm TRS side-chain jack allows connection of an external processor to the detection circuit. Metering uses two independent multi-segment LED indicators: a 10-segment Gain Reduction meter (–1 to –25 dB) and a 5-segment Input meter (–2 to –14 dB). Input impedance: 1 MΩ. Output impedance: 2.2 kΩ. THD: below 0.1%. SNR: –101 dB. Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz. Power: 9–18 V DC, 100 mA. True bypass.

FET, tilt EQ and side-chain HPF – what the three elements deliver together

FET compression (field-effect transistor as the gain control element) responds faster than opto and more musically than VCA at short attack times – a topology established in recording applications where transient control without sacrificing instrument character is the priority. The 50 µs attack time is fast enough for effective peak control on guitar string attack and drum hits. The tilt EQ at 500 Hz allows a global tonal balance shift after compression without affecting dynamics – the correction operates after the GR stage and does not alter the compression curve. The side-chain HPF (120 or 240 Hz) excludes sub-bass from the detection circuit: the compressor stops responding to low frequencies that could trigger premature and deep GR on bass guitar or guitar with active pickups. The combination of these three elements allows precise compression configuration regardless of instrument or playing style.

Parallel compression, startup preference and practical stage use

Mix implements parallel compression directly in the pedal: the dry signal blends with the compressed signal without a separate splitter branch. Range from 100% dry (transparent compressor) through 30–50% wet (New York compression – preserved transients with added cohesion) to 100% wet (full dynamic control). The Power On Bypassed / Engaged option configures the pedal's startup state when power is applied – for players where the compressor is always active, Engaged eliminates the need to re-engage it after every power-on. Multi-segment LED indicators work in stage conditions at varying light levels – multi-colour LEDs give a clear immediate indication of compression status at a glance.

KEY FEATURES

• Fully analog FET compressor, stompbox, Blue Sparkle enclosure
• Electronically identical to the Silver version – difference is enclosure colour only
• Ratio: 2:1 / 4:1 / 10:1
• Independent Attack (50 µs – 50 ms) and Release controls
• Mix (Parallel Blend) – parallel compression in the pedal
• Tone: tilt EQ centred at 500 Hz
• Side-chain HPF: 3-position switch (120 Hz / 240 Hz / Off)
• Side-chain Send/Return: 3.5 mm TRS jack
• GR metering: 10-segment LED (–1 to –25 dB)
• Input metering: 5-segment LED (–2 to –14 dB)
• Power On Bypassed / Engaged startup option
• True bypass

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: fully analog FET compressor, stompbox
• Ratio: 2:1 / 4:1 / 10:1
• Attack time: 50 µs – 50 ms
• Release: adjustable
• Mix: Parallel Blend (dry/wet)
• Tone: tilt EQ, centre 500 Hz
• Side-chain HPF: Off / 120 Hz / 240 Hz (3-position switch)
• Side-chain I/O: 3.5 mm TRS (send + return)
• GR meter: 10-segment LED (–1 to –25 dB)
• Input meter: 5-segment LED (–2 to –14 dB)
• Input impedance: 1 MΩ
• Output impedance: 2.2 kΩ
• Frequency response (–3 dB): 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• THD: below 0.1%
• SNR: –101 dB
• Bypass: true bypass
• Power: 9–18 V DC, centre-negative, 2.1 mm, 100 mA
• Enclosure material: die-cast aluminium (Blue Sparkle finish)
• Dimensions: 122 × 66 × 38 mm (enclosure) / 122 × 66 × 64 mm (including controls)
• Weight: approx. 450 g