Background
The Xotic SP Compressor combines classic compressor character with considerably more control than its compact size might suggest. Inspired by the highly regarded Ross Compressor circuit, it can cover everything from subtle dynamic control and clean enhancement to stronger, more traditional compression and sustain.
A key feature is the Dry Blend control, which allows the original uncompressed signal to be mixed with the compressed signal. This parallel-compression approach makes it possible to retain natural pick attack and dynamics while adding sustain, consistency, and body.
The SP Compressor also provides up to +15 dB of output boost, making it useful not only as a compressor but also for adding level, pushing an amplifier, or driving pedals later in the signal chain.
Its three-position compression switch provides quick access to Low, Medium, and High compression settings, while four internal DIP switches allow additional adjustment of attack, release, high-frequency response, and input level.
Controls
Volume — Controls the pedal's overall output level. The SP Compressor is capable of providing up to approximately +15 dB of boost, allowing it to compensate for compression-related level changes or function as an additional level boost.
Dry Blend — Controls the balance between the unaffected dry signal and the compressed signal. Fully counterclockwise provides 100% dry signal, while fully clockwise provides 100% compressed signal. Intermediate settings blend the two signals together for parallel compression.
Sustain / Compression Switch — A three-position toggle provides Low, Medium, and High compression settings. This allows quick adjustment from subtle dynamic control to stronger compression and increased sustain.
On/Off Footswitch — Engages or bypasses the pedal using true-bypass switching.
Status LED — Illuminates when the SP Compressor is active.
Internal DIP Switches
Four internal DIP switches provide additional control over the SP Compressor's response and allow the pedal to be optimized for different guitars, pickups, and playing styles.
DIP Switch 1 — Attack / Release Time 1
Adjusts the compressor's attack and release characteristics. It can be used in
combination with DIP Switch 2 to fine-tune the response of the compressor.
DIP Switch 2 — Attack / Release Time 2
Provides an additional attack/release adjustment. Different combinations of
switches 1 and 2 allow the compressor response to range from a lower/slower attack
with longer release to a higher/faster attack with shorter release.
DIP Switch 3 — High Cut Filter
Controls the high-frequency roll-off of the compressor circuit. This allows the
upper-frequency response to be adjusted for either a smoother sound or additional
high-end presence.
DIP Switch 4 — Input Pad / Low Cut
Engages an input pad that reduces the incoming signal level and also functions as
a low-cut filter. This setting can be particularly useful with high-output humbuckers
or other strong input signals to help prevent unwanted distortion.
The factory-default DIP-switch configuration is Switch 1 Off, Switch 2 Off, Switch 3 On, and Switch 4 On.
Compression & Blend
Unlike compressors that require the entire guitar signal to pass through the compression circuit, the SP Compressor's Blend control makes it possible to mix the compressed signal with the original dry signal.
Lower blend settings can add sustain and evenness while retaining much of the guitar's original transient response. Higher settings provide a more pronounced compressed character with greater sustain and dynamic control.
This flexibility allows the SP Compressor to work with clean tones as well as overdrive and distortion. It can be used to smooth clean rhythm parts, add sustain to lead tones, tighten an overdriven sound, or remain engaged as an always-on part of the signal chain.
Please note: Higher compression settings naturally raise quieter portions of the signal along with the guitar signal. As a result, some increase in the audible noise floor is normal when the Sustain / Compression switch is set to High.
Power & Headroom
The SP Compressor can operate from 9V to 18V DC. Standard 9V operation provides the pedal's normal response, while higher-voltage operation provides increased headroom and can produce a more open and dynamic feel with additional top-end clarity.
The pedal uses a standard 2.1 mm × 5.5 mm center-negative DC connection. A regulated power supply is recommended.
The SP Compressor can also operate from a single 9V battery. When an external power supply is connected, the battery is disconnected from the circuit.
When using a battery, unplugging the input cable during extended periods of non-use will help preserve battery life. Battery access requires removal of the four screws from the bottom plate.
Features
Ross-Inspired Compression — Based on the character of the classic Ross Compressor, with a broad range of compression sounds ranging from vintage-style sustain to subtle modern dynamic control.
Parallel Compression — The Dry Blend control allows the unaffected signal to be mixed with the compressed signal, helping preserve pick attack and natural playing dynamics.
Three Compression Levels — Low, Medium, and High settings provide quick access to different levels of compression and sustain.
Up to +15 dB Boost — Provides substantial output-level adjustment for gain staging, solo boosts, or driving an amplifier or other effects.
Four Internal DIP Switches — Additional adjustments for attack, release, high-frequency response, and input level provide considerably more flexibility than the pedal's simple external control layout suggests.
True Bypass — Removes the effect circuit from the signal path when the pedal is disengaged.
Compact Format — The SP Compressor provides extensive compression and tone-shaping options in Xotic's compact mini-pedal enclosure.
9–18V Operation — Supports higher-voltage operation for additional headroom and dynamic range.
Specifications
Compression Levels: Low, Medium, High
Maximum Boost: Up to +15 dB
Blend: 100% Dry to 100% Effect
Internal Adjustments: 4 DIP switches
Bypass: True bypass
Input Impedance: 1 MΩ
Output Impedance: 10 kΩ
Nominal Input Level: -20 dB / approximately 100 mVrms
Power Consumption: 5 mA
Power: 9–18V DC, center-negative
DC Connector: 2.1 mm × 5.5 mm
Battery: One 9V battery (006P)
Dimensions: 3.5" × 1.5" × 1.5" (89 × 38 × 38 mm)
Weight: 0.57 lb. (260 g)
