Barge Concepts RC-2

3 knobs (output level, attack rate, compression), no manual, none necessary. Couldn't be any easier.

I started by setting comp and rate all the way off and matching the level to the bypassed signal. I could not tell a difference in the signal when engaged with these settings, so I'd call that very clean. When turning up the compression I only noticed the raising of the noise floor you'd necessarily expect; the box doesn't seem to add noise at all. You can't ask for better than that in a stompbox.

The compression feels subtle; I had to crank it to 3:00 to really obviously hear that 'smashed' sound. But it definitely does what you want...notes sustain longer, chords ring out. On my clean channel I could get nice jangly rhythm sustain, and in front of crunch it drew out my solo notes nicely.

The rate knob works well; all the way down, my note attacks were pretty much gone. Not the sound I want, but it's there. All the way up I got a nice snap followed by long smooth sustain.

The output level knob has lots of range to it; I matched levels at just shy of 12:00, so turning it up lets this box double as a good clean boost, if you're kicking it in for solos. The circuit also seems to include makeup gain automatically (is this normal for stompbox compressors? Coming from the studio comp angle, I'm not used to it) so you don't have to keep adjusting output level to accomodate higher compression. Nice.

Be aware this isn't really an 'effect' compressor; you won't get that characteristic smash sound. It reminds me more of a studio rack compressor. In fact it might be a little TOO subtle if that's what you're after -- at lower settings I wasn't even sure it was engaged. And even at max comp I couldn't quite get the full-on David Gilmour silky mile-long clean notes. So I'll take off a point for that.

All-metal case, solid footswitch mounted into the case top, no PCB-mounted controls...I have every confidence in the reliability of the box.

The first thing I did when I got it (yes, before even plugging it in...I'm weird) was strip off the very BORING top sticker (black with white lettering for controls) and sand/prime/paint the whole case in a more amusing pattern. If you like that sort of thing, this is a great box for that. :) The switch/pots/jacks are all mounted tightly in the case and it was easy to mask everything off for painting.

They were quick to respond to my email queries about my order, and timely in delivery. I can't imagine ever having to contact them for 'support', but I suspect they would be there for me.

I play a mix of dub, altcountry, and shoegaze; I wanted this box for two roles: jangle chords, and silky solos. It fully gets me there for the jangle chords. It almost gets me there for the solos; close enough for my purposes, but if that was your only reason for buying a comp you MIGHT not want this one. However, it's so silent and transparent, I can't help but love it.

If it were stolen, I'd probably think about trying out an orange squeezer, but I might also just end up buying this one again.

If you know how to use a 3-knob compressor pedal, how much easier could it be?

The sound quality is just like Analogman, with less noise. Superb and useful compressor. I doubt you can get a better sounding compressor pedal than a Barge Concepts pedal - that's why I give it a 10. Of course it is true-bypass. It is totally analog sounding & TRANSPARENT & adds NO NOISE - thanks to it's 4-layer circuit board.

Built like a rock just like most of these custom-type company box pedals.

This company is top-notch. They seem very cool. The main man, Geoff, helped me out with a whole bunch of questions through emails when I was still green and studying all the vast differences in effects and possibilities. He pointed me in very helpful directions and I even bought one of the pedals he mentioned - the super quiet Zoom TM-01 Tri-Metal Distortion pedal. He has been very cool in all of his emails and I just bought this RC-2 Compressor at the Barge Concepts sale price - with free shipping! They're the best!

I like to play all styles of music - this has to be the top choice for a compressor pedal. I have owned Analogman and the Maxon Maxon CP-101 Compressor and the Barge Concepts is the better choice. This can go into anyone's rig for live or recording purposes. I think everyone should have a compressor pedal or rack unit- hands down.