Empress Compression Pedal

[evancoley]

Does anyone have experience with this pedal? I am interested as it has an onboard sidechain input, but I don’t know how much I would actually use that. How does the pedal function generally? What’s so great that it’s worth $250?

[emahoy]

I have the V1 Empress Compressor and it's the only pedal I leave on. I love it. I'm not sure how much V2 has improved, let alone how it stacks up to other popular compressor pedals like the Cali76 though.

[evancoley]

Thanks for the reply. It’s hard to make myself spend money on a comp pedal and not something “cooler” but it definitely needs it.

[vurt]

have a look at the ehx platform, nice transparent compressor, has a built in od and a transient shaper (think fade ins on notes) which make it a bit cooler than buying "a compressor" and is reasonable in price too.
also stereo so can be used on synths if you wish.

or they do a tone corset comp, bit more of a straight forward compressor, but dirt cheap.

[elxsound]

Since I once saw that there are not many dedicated side chain pedals, it worth knowing that Beebo can do side chain too. It’s much more expensive but it does tons making it a value based purchase IF you use the other features.

I would also look into Zoia too because you might be able to set all of this up in Zoia (plus do more too).

[CapnLockheed]

I have a Valco comp. It's basic but it gets the job done and was cheap as chips.
That being said, I have an Empress Tremolo pedal and it's the dog's dandlies.
Sounds great, looks cool and has more features than any other trem I've used.
Empress, like Strymon, seem to strive add more and unusual features in all
their pedals. Of course, that also makes them more pricey. I guess it all depends
on your needs and your budget.