Best optical compressor pedals

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Oct 9, 2022

In this article, we've listed the best optical compressor pedals one can find out there. We've analyzed about 79 of optical compressor pedals and selected the 19 top options by Singular Sound. We took the time to do a meticulous research and point out some advantages and disadvantages of each of the products we suggest below so that you don't have to dive deep into the topic and spend numerous hours hoping to find the perfect model on your own.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Whirlwind OC Bass Optical Compressor
#TOP 1
Whirlwind OC Bass Optical Compressor
ftb score rating icon 10
PBM Score
CLICK FOR PRICE Read Review
Whirlwind OC Bass Optical Compressor
Whirlwind OC Bass Optical Compressor
#TOP 1
Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal
#TOP 2
Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal
ftb score rating icon 10
PBM Score
CLICK FOR PRICE Read Review
Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal
Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal
#TOP 2
Jackson Audio Blossom Optical Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal (JCKBLOSSOM)
#TOP 3
Jackson Audio Blossom Optical Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal (JCKBLOSSOM)
ftb score rating icon 10
PBM Score
CLICK FOR PRICE Read Review
Jackson Audio Blossom Optical Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal (JCKBLOSSOM)
Jackson Audio Blossom Optical Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal (JCKBLOSSOM)
#TOP 3

Top 19 Best optical compressor pedals Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

Whirlwind OC Bass Optical Compressor

Whirlwind
Whirlwind OC Bass Optical Compressor
Whirlwind OC Bass Optical Compressor Thumb #1 Whirlwind OC Bass Optical Compressor Thumb #2

Reviews for Whirlwind PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 10
View on Amazon

Features

  • Level and Gain Control Knobs
  • Compress, Limit Switch
  • Fast, Slow, MED Switch
  • Single Button Operation
#TOP 2

Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal

Greer Amps
Greer Amps Lamplighter Optical Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal

Reviews for Greer Amps PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 10
View on Amazon

Features

  • Uses 9-Volt standard neg. center, 2.1mm power supply.
  • Lifetime Warranty to the original owner!
  • Built with top quality components
  • Studio grade optical compression
  • True Bypass
#TOP 3

Jackson Audio Blossom Optical Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal (JCKBLOSSOM)

Jackson Audio
Jackson Audio Blossom Optical Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal (JCKBLOSSOM)
Jackson Audio Blossom Optical Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal (JCKBLOSSOM) Thumb #1 Jackson Audio Blossom Optical Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal (JCKBLOSSOM) Thumb #2

Reviews for Jackson Audio PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 10
View on Amazon

Features

  • Comp Control - Turn clockwise for more compression. Balance this with the BLEND and VOLUME control
  • Volume Control - Acts as a master volume for the BLOSSOM
  • Can safely run from 9V-18V DC (center negative)
  • Make sure this fits by entering your model number.
  • Mix Control - Allows you to blend in your clean uncompressed signal with the compressed signal
  • EQ Control - When the EQ control is set at the 12: 00 position, the tone of the BLOSSOM is totally flat; Clockwise - treble frequencies are increased and the bass frequencies are decreased; Counter-clockwise - treble frequencies are decreased and the bass frequencies are increased
#TOP 4

EarthQuaker Devices The Warden Optical Compressor V2

Earthquaker Devices
EarthQuaker Devices The Warden Optical Compressor V2
EarthQuaker Devices The Warden Optical Compressor V2 Thumb #1

Reviews for Earthquaker Devices PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 9
View on Amazon

Features

  • Handles a wide variety of frequencies from electrical guitars, bass guitar, synthesizer machines and just about anything else you can plug in
  • A simple, perfect pedal to place at the end of your effect chain to boost output and fine tune your tone, Made with care by human hands in Akron, Ohio
  • The treble, bass and middle controls will cut or boost up to 20db The level control will boost the signal (post EQ) up to 5 times the input depending on where the dial is set
  • Gear Hero Exclusive Purple Sparkle
  • Complete tone enhancement tool designed around a stereo preamp to cover as much frequency range as possible
#TOP 5

MXR Studio Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal (M76)

JIM DUNLOP
MXR Studio Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal (M76)
MXR Studio Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal (M76) Thumb #1 MXR Studio Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal (M76) Thumb #2 MXR Studio Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal (M76) Thumb #3 MXR Studio Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal (M76) Thumb #4 MXR Studio Compressor Guitar Effects Pedal (M76) Thumb #5

Reviews for JIM DUNLOP PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 9
View on Amazon

Features

  • Cht constant headroom technology for clear, clean performance
  • True bypass
  • Classic studio compressor in a phase 90-sized pedal
  • Ten gain-reduction status LEDs
#TOP 6

Mastro Valvola Millibar Optical Compressor Pedal

Mastro Valvola
Mastro Valvola Millibar Optical Compressor Pedal
Mastro Valvola Millibar Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #1

Reviews for Mastro Valvola PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 9
View on Amazon

Features

  • - True bypass switch
  • - Completely analog circuit
  • - Size (L x W x H): 9 cm x 11 cm x 6.6 cm
  • - Power supply: 9-18V/10 mA
#TOP 7

EarthQuaker Devices The Warden V2 Optical Compressor Pedal

Earthquaker Devices
EarthQuaker Devices The Warden V2 Optical Compressor Pedal
EarthQuaker Devices The Warden V2 Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #1 EarthQuaker Devices The Warden V2 Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #2 EarthQuaker Devices The Warden V2 Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #3 EarthQuaker Devices The Warden V2 Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #4 EarthQuaker Devices The Warden V2 Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #5 EarthQuaker Devices The Warden V2 Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #6

Reviews for Earthquaker Devices PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 8
View on Amazon

Features

  • Sustain
  • Release Controls True Bypass
  • Guitar Compress Pedal with Tone
  • Attack
  • Level
#TOP 8

Ampeg Opto Comp Optical Compressor Pedal

Ampeg
Ampeg Opto Comp Optical Compressor Pedal
Ampeg Opto Comp Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #1 Ampeg Opto Comp Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #2 Ampeg Opto Comp Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #3 Ampeg Opto Comp Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #4 Ampeg Opto Comp Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #5 Ampeg Opto Comp Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #6

Reviews for Ampeg PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 8
View on Amazon

Features

  • Output Level Controls
  • Release
  • Optical Compress Pedal with True Bypass Compression
#TOP 9

MOOER Acoustic Guitar Effect Pedal

MOOER
MOOER Acoustic Guitar Effect Pedal

Reviews for MOOER PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 8
View on Amazon

Features

  • Very small and exquisite - Great for conserving pedal board space!
  • Full metal shell
  • Classic optical compression
  • Preserves the original signal transients
#TOP 10

MOOER Electric Guitar Pedal Yellow Comp Compressor

MOOER
MOOER Electric Guitar Pedal Yellow Comp Compressor
MOOER Electric Guitar Pedal Yellow Comp Compressor Thumb #1 MOOER Electric Guitar Pedal Yellow Comp Compressor Thumb #2 MOOER Electric Guitar Pedal Yellow Comp Compressor Thumb #3 MOOER Electric Guitar Pedal Yellow Comp Compressor Thumb #4 MOOER Electric Guitar Pedal Yellow Comp Compressor Thumb #5 MOOER Electric Guitar Pedal Yellow Comp Compressor Thumb #6

Reviews for MOOER PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 8
View on Amazon

Features

  • Classic optical compressing sound with smooth attack and decay
  • Full metal shell
  • Very small and exquisite
  • True bypass
  • It preserves the original signal transients perfectly
#TOP 11

Clefly Nano Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Guitar Comp Pedal True Bypass

Clefly
Clefly Nano Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Guitar Comp Pedal True Bypass
Clefly Nano Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Guitar Comp Pedal True Bypass Thumb #1 Clefly Nano Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Guitar Comp Pedal True Bypass Thumb #2 Clefly Nano Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Guitar Comp Pedal True Bypass Thumb #3 Clefly Nano Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Guitar Comp Pedal True Bypass Thumb #4 Clefly Nano Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Guitar Comp Pedal True Bypass Thumb #5 Clefly Nano Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Guitar Comp Pedal True Bypass Thumb #6

Reviews for Clefly PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 8
View on Amazon

Features

  • Mini size and exquisite,can save a lot of space on pedal board
  • Two modes:Normal and Treble compression, Level ,Comp,Tone knobs allow you to dial in your desired sound.
  • Brings a new level of of control to what is expected and needed by today's guitar players.
  • True bypass provide transparent tone.LED indicator show the working state
  • Pure analog compressor effects Based on classic studio grade compressor, produces a smooth, sustained sound for clean tone or soaring leads
#TOP 12

VSN Guitar Compressor Pedal

VSN
VSN Guitar Compressor Pedal
VSN Guitar Compressor Pedal Thumb #1 VSN Guitar Compressor Pedal Thumb #2 VSN Guitar Compressor Pedal Thumb #3 VSN Guitar Compressor Pedal Thumb #4 VSN Guitar Compressor Pedal Thumb #5 VSN Guitar Compressor Pedal Thumb #6

Reviews for VSN PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 8
View on Amazon

Features

  • Good QualityCase body made of high-quality alloy, stable and strong
  • Analog CompressorBased on classic studio grade compressor, produces a smooth, sustained sound for clean tone or soaring leads.
  • Easy Carry: Mini size body, light weight, suitable for out side gigs,powered by a DC 9V adapter (You could buy one at VSN Music).
  • 2 ModesNormal and Treble compression, Level ,Comp,Tone knobs allow you to dial in your desired sound.
  • True Bypass Provide transparent tone.LED indicator shows the working state. Brings a new level of of control to what is expected and needed by today's guitar players.
#TOP 13

SanJune GB-CP Optical Compressor Guitar and Bass Effects Pedal

SanJune
SanJune GB-CP Optical Compressor Guitar and Bass Effects Pedal
SanJune GB-CP Optical Compressor Guitar and Bass Effects Pedal Thumb #1 SanJune GB-CP Optical Compressor Guitar and Bass Effects Pedal Thumb #2 SanJune GB-CP Optical Compressor Guitar and Bass Effects Pedal Thumb #3 SanJune GB-CP Optical Compressor Guitar and Bass Effects Pedal Thumb #4 SanJune GB-CP Optical Compressor Guitar and Bass Effects Pedal Thumb #5 SanJune GB-CP Optical Compressor Guitar and Bass Effects Pedal Thumb #6

Reviews for SanJune PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 8
View on Amazon

Features

  • Due to Its Mini Enclosure, This Pedal Does not Accept a Battery, It Requires a Standard 9V Power Supply Which is Not Included
  • Simple to use yet extremely powerful, the gb-cp will give the gloss of a professional studio production to all your performances. It is equally at home both live and in the studio.
  • This GB-CP is a professional studio compressor in compact pedal format. It takes an instrument such as an electric guitar or bass guitar. Amplifies or compresses it and restores average volume after compression.
  • Quality assurance, SanJune always stand behind our products with one-year guarantee.
  • The PhotoOptical compressor is what gives GB-CP unique character. It makes an instrument sound denser and playing seem more even for “produced” results.
#TOP 14

Movall MP-305 Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Ultimate Comp Super Mini Pedal

Movall
Movall MP-305 Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Ultimate Comp Super Mini Pedal
Movall MP-305 Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Ultimate Comp Super Mini Pedal Thumb #1 Movall MP-305 Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Ultimate Comp Super Mini Pedal Thumb #2 Movall MP-305 Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Ultimate Comp Super Mini Pedal Thumb #3 Movall MP-305 Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Ultimate Comp Super Mini Pedal Thumb #4 Movall MP-305 Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Ultimate Comp Super Mini Pedal Thumb #5 Movall MP-305 Compressor Guitar Effect Pedal Ultimate Comp Super Mini Pedal Thumb #6

Reviews for Movall PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 8
View on Amazon

Features

  • Easy to operate, with 3 function knobs, LEVEL, EQ and COMP.
  • Small and exquisite. Aluminum-alloy casing.
  • The circuit of this compressor pedal has been optimized according to the characteristics of the electric guitar and performs outstandingly over the spectrum of different playing styles.
  • Powered by 9V center negative power adapter (Not Included).
  • Classic optical compressing sound with smooth attack and decay, it preserves the original signal transients perfectly.
#TOP 15

MOOER Yellow Comp Optical Compressor Guitar Pedal

CAMOLA
MOOER Yellow Comp Optical Compressor Guitar Pedal
MOOER Yellow Comp Optical Compressor Guitar Pedal Thumb #1 MOOER Yellow Comp Optical Compressor Guitar Pedal Thumb #2 MOOER Yellow Comp Optical Compressor Guitar Pedal Thumb #3 MOOER Yellow Comp Optical Compressor Guitar Pedal Thumb #4 MOOER Yellow Comp Optical Compressor Guitar Pedal Thumb #5 MOOER Yellow Comp Optical Compressor Guitar Pedal Thumb #6

Reviews for CAMOLA PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 8
View on Amazon

Features

  • True bypass design to minimize the tone loss.
  • Working Mode Warm: Reconstruct a warm tube drive tone and nice dynamic response of classic tube amplifier, it provides a natural, smooth, creamy overdrive sound.
  • Working Mode Hot: More powerful output than Warm mode, mighty crunch tone.
  • Aluminum alloy case with stove varnish finish.
  • Mini size, compact and space-saving.
#TOP 16

Pigtronix Philospher's Tone Optical Compressor Pedal

Briskdrop
Pigtronix Philospher's Tone Optical Compressor Pedal
Pigtronix Philospher's Tone Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #1 Pigtronix Philospher's Tone Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #2 Pigtronix Philospher's Tone Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #3 Pigtronix Philospher's Tone Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #4 Pigtronix Philospher's Tone Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #5 Pigtronix Philospher's Tone Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #6

Reviews for Briskdrop PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 8
View on Amazon

Features

  • Blend knob mixes instrument’s original tone with the compressed sound effect
  • Bundle includes instrument cable, 2 patch cables, and 6 assorted Dunlop picks
  • True-bypass switching and internal 18V power rails for maximum clean headroom
  • Treble control provides up to a 6db cut or boost at 2kHz
  • Noiseless, clean sustain
#TOP 17

Foxgear Squeeze Optical Compressor Effect Pedal

Foxgear
Foxgear Squeeze Optical Compressor Effect Pedal
Foxgear Squeeze Optical Compressor Effect Pedal Thumb #1 Foxgear Squeeze Optical Compressor Effect Pedal Thumb #2 Foxgear Squeeze Optical Compressor Effect Pedal Thumb #3 Foxgear Squeeze Optical Compressor Effect Pedal Thumb #4 Foxgear Squeeze Optical Compressor Effect Pedal Thumb #5 Foxgear Squeeze Optical Compressor Effect Pedal Thumb #6

Reviews for Foxgear PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 7
View on Amazon

Features

#TOP 18

Optical Compressor Pedal

BLOKAMUGT
Optical Compressor Pedal
Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #1 Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #2 Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #3 Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #4 Optical Compressor Pedal Thumb #5

Reviews for BLOKAMUGT PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 7
View on Amazon

Features

  • Simple to use yet extremely powerful, the CP-BOOSTER will give the gloss of a professional studio production to all your performances. It is equally at home both live and in the studio.
  • The PhotoOptical CP-BOOSTER compressor is what gives unique character. It makes an instrument sound denser and playing seem more even for “produced” results.
  • This CP-BOOSTER is a professional studio compressor in compact pedal format. It takes an instrument such as an electric guitar or bass guitar. Amplifies or compresses it and restores average volume after compression.
  • Quality assurance, BLOKAMUGT always stand behind our products with one-year guarantee.
  • Due to Its Mini Enclosure, This Pedal Does not Accept a Battery, It Requires a Standard 9V Power Supply Which is Not Included
#TOP 19

Pigtronix Gloamer Analog Polyphonic Amplitude Synthesizer Pedal

Briskdrop
Pigtronix Gloamer Analog Polyphonic Amplitude Synthesizer Pedal
Pigtronix Gloamer Analog Polyphonic Amplitude Synthesizer Pedal Thumb #1 Pigtronix Gloamer Analog Polyphonic Amplitude Synthesizer Pedal Thumb #2 Pigtronix Gloamer Analog Polyphonic Amplitude Synthesizer Pedal Thumb #3 Pigtronix Gloamer Analog Polyphonic Amplitude Synthesizer Pedal Thumb #4 Pigtronix Gloamer Analog Polyphonic Amplitude Synthesizer Pedal Thumb #5 Pigtronix Gloamer Analog Polyphonic Amplitude Synthesizer Pedal Thumb #6

Reviews for Briskdrop PBM Score

ftb score rating icon 7
View on Amazon

Features

  • All-analog, polyphonic amplitude synthesizer
  • Features optical compressor that can add subtle punch or extreme sustain
  • Create a wide range of undulating, asymmetrical tremolos at slower settings as well as pulsating stutter effects when using faster attack and decay times
  • Bundle includes instrument cable, 2 patch cables, and clip-on chromatic tuner
  • Pick-triggered volume swell with variable timing

Searching for the Right optical compressor pedals: What to Keep in Mind

Should you put compressor on master?

Audio compression on the master bus can have a drastic effect on the mix. Therefore subtle compression is better than aggressive compression. Adding a compressor to the master bus after the final mix can upset the balance you've already created. It's best to mix into the compressor.

Does Mark Knopfler use compressor?

One of the most important pedals when it comes to achieving the Knopfler tone is the compressor. A compressor helps to normalise the volume of the notes that are being played.

Where should a compressor pedal go?

2. Compressor. Where to put it: Ideally, any compression should happen before the rest of the signal chain, so as to tame peaks, while still allowing for a jump in volume. Since compressors work by evening out the signal and adding gain, pedals after them, especially drives, might need their output level tweaking.

What Overdrive does Brad Paisley use?

Wampler The Paisley Drive Signature Overdrive Guitar Effect... The upper right of this photo of Brad Paisley's pedalboard shows he uses the Wampler The Paisley Drive Signature Overdrive Guitar Pedal.

What compressor does Mark Knopfler use?

The Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer compressor – Did Mark Knopfler really use it? Mark Knopfler Guitar Site.

Why is a 2 stage compressor better?

Dual-stage air compressors produce higher air power, which makes them a better option for large-scale operations and continuous applications. However, two-stage compressors also cost more, which makes them better suited for factories and workshops than private use.

Editor's Notes

Overall, our experts spent 35 hours on the research before they come up with the compilation of the 19 best optical compressor pedals out there. We've read 1852 reviews, on 23 different trusted resources and made this compilation of the customers' favorites. These products boast of the average rating of 166, and, we've also analyzed the price range: on average, the selected optical compressor pedals are available at $2552.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.