This design is archived and is not in current production. For more information on archived pedals, click on the Archive link at the top of this page.
 
The Monocomp is an expansion of the original Monocle compressor. It is an optical-based device designed to give warm, colored compression, with the added ability to shape the tone, as well as add in your direct unaffected signal.
 
The compression knob increases the amount of compression applied. The red LED indicates when the compressor is engaged. The compression ratio is dependant on the strength of the input signal. At maximum compression, the Monocomp acts as a limiter.
 
The attack and release times are moderately fast. Due to the light memory of the optocoupler, continuous compression will decrease the attack time and delay the release time slightly. Although transients may be quickly subdued, the thump of bass transients can still be captured by mixing in the direct signal.

The tone control is a tilt equalizer, and is flat when set to noon. The tone control only affects the compressed signal; the direct signal is unaffected. The peak boost and cut is +/-10 dB at the extremes. The center frequency of the tilt is 300 Hz.
 
The input impedance is 1MΩ, and the output impedance is 100Ω.
 
The Monocomp requires a minimum of 9V DC. This will handle most instrument level signals. If you have active pickups or a hot signal, you may get distortion at high compression settings. Increasing the supply voltage will give more headroom, allowing stronger signals to pass without distortion. The pedal can accept up to 24V DC. The current draw is 20 mA.
 
The Monocomp has a true bypass switch.
 
Dimensions: 4.77" long x 2.6" wide