Empress Effects Compressor Bass (Silver)

Empress Effects Compressor Bass (Silver) The Bass Compressor in Silver is a fully analog pedalboard compressor designed by Empress Effects specifically for bass players – with a feature set typical of high-end studio processors in a compact enclosure half the size of the original 2011 Empress Compressor. Standard controls (Ratio, Attack, Release, Mix, Input, Output) are joined by two elements unique to the bass version: a fully variable side-chain high-pass filter (20 Hz – 400 Hz) and a two-position Tone + Colour switch that adds gentle harmonic saturation and tonal shaping. A side-chain send/return via a 3.5 mm TRS jack enables external control of the detection circuit. 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 – two features without equivalent in standard compressors The side-chain HPF (20 Hz – 400 Hz) excludes low frequencies from the compressor's detection circuit: set to 80–120 Hz, sub-bass and kick energy no longer trigger compression, and the compressor responds primarily to the mid and upper bass frequency range. The result is a full, non-pumping sound under dynamic control – a problem specific to electric bass and upright bass, where sub-bass energy routinely overdrives compressor detectors without such a filter. The 3.5 mm TRS send/return jack allows an external processor to be inserted into the side-chain path – typical use is removing a pedal tone from the detection signal of an electric bass, or triggering the compressor with a signal from another instrument. Tone + Colour in position 1 adds gentle harmonic distortion with a mid-range cut (warmer, denser character); position 2 provides an upper-mid boost (more presence and articulation). Both positions differ in coloration character – this is not a post-compression equalizer but deliberately added harmonic saturation that changes the tonal character of the compressed signal. Metering, parallel mix and gain staging flexibility Multi-segment LED indicators are split into two independent meters: Input (signal level entering the compressor) and Gain Reduction (compression depth) – allowing simultaneous assessment of the compressor's operating point without guessing from the Threshold knob. The Mix control implements parallel compression directly in the pedal: blending the dry and processed signals preserves transients and dynamics while adding the cohesion and density of the compressed signal. Ratio 2:1 is transparent dynamic control; 4:1 covers the standard recording range; 10:1 approaches limiting. Power supply compatibility across 9–18 V DC allows use with high-voltage power supplies, a useful flexibility in many pedalboard configurations. KEY FEATURES Fully analog bass compressor with studio-grade controls, stompbox format 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 (excludes sub-bass from detection) 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 Power: 9–18 V DC, 100 mA 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 (Silver Sparkle finish) Dimensions: 122 × 66 × 38 mm (enclosure) / 122 × 66 × 64 mm (including controls) Weight: approx. 450 g