Empress Effects Compressor Bass (Blue)

The Bass Compressor 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 signal path, three compression ratios (2:1, 4:1, 10:1), independent Attack and Release controls, a Mix knob for parallel compression, a 3.5 mm TRS side-chain send/return, a fully variable side-chain high-pass filter (20 Hz – 400 Hz), and a two-position Tone + Colour switch adding gentle harmonic saturation. Multi-segment LED indicators measure input signal level and gain reduction depth independently. Input impedance: 1 MΩ. Output impedance: 2.2 kΩ. THD: below 0.1%. SNR: –101 dB. Frequency response: 10 Hz – 20 kHz (–3 dB). Power: 9–18 V DC, 100 mA. Hand-built in Canada. Two-year warranty (four years on registration).

Side-chain HPF and Tone + Colour – designed specifically for bass

The side-chain HPF (20 Hz – 400 Hz) excludes low frequencies from the detection circuit: the compressor stops responding to sub-bass and kick energy and focuses exclusively on the mid and upper bass frequency range. This eliminates the pumping and loss of low-end definition common with compressors lacking a side-chain filter when playing electric bass or upright bass. The 3.5 mm TRS jack allows an external processor to be inserted into the detection path – for example, filtering a specific frequency or triggering compression from a separate source signal. Tone + Colour position 1 adds gentle harmonic distortion with a mid-range cut, producing a warmer, denser character; position 2 provides an upper-mid boost for more presence and articulation. The Mix knob implements parallel compression directly in the pedal without requiring a separate splitter branch.

Metering and configuration flexibility

Two independent multi-segment LED meters – Input and Gain Reduction – allow simultaneous monitoring of input signal level and compression depth, eliminating guesswork when setting the Threshold. Ratio 2:1 covers transparent dynamic cohesion, 4:1 handles standard recording and live work, and 10:1 approaches limiting. The wide power supply range of 9–18 V DC allows use with various pedalboard power supplies. The 122×66 mm enclosure occupies half the pedalboard space of the original 2011 Empress Compressor. True bypass ensures complete transparency when disengaged.

KEY FEATURES

• Fully analog bass compressor with studio-grade controls, stompbox format
• Electronically identical to the Silver version – difference is enclosure colour only (Blue Sparkle)
• Ratio: 2:1 / 4:1 / 10:1
• Independent Attack and Release controls
• Mix (Parallel Blend) – parallel compression in the pedal
• Side-chain HPF: variable 20 Hz – 400 Hz
• Side-chain Send/Return: 3.5 mm TRS jack
• Tone + Colour: two-position, gentle harmonic saturation + tonal shaping
• Input and Gain Reduction metering (multi-segment LED)
• True bypass
• Hand-built in Canada, 2/4-year warranty

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Type: fully analog bass compressor, stompbox
• Ratio: 2:1 / 4:1 / 10:1
• Attack: adjustable
• Release: adjustable
• Mix: Parallel Blend (dry/wet)
• Side-chain HPF: 20 Hz – 400 Hz (variable)
• Side-chain I/O: 3.5 mm TRS (send + return)
• Tone + Colour: 2 positions
• Input impedance: 1 MΩ
• Output impedance: 2.2 kΩ
• Frequency response (–3 dB): 10 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