We’ve had some really great compressor pedals come through the shop recently, and today’s featured effect is right on par with the rest of ’em. Looking and sounding like a true studio rack compressor that has just been squished down into pedal form, the Underthruster from RetrogradeFX gives you all you’d expect from a comp unit. With essential features and uncompromised audio fidelity, you’ll get all the transparency and headroom you can handle.
Inspired by the legendary dbx® 160 Series compressors, the Underthruster uses a simple control section to allow perfect tonal alignment and crisp, clean tones throughout. Threshold sets the sensitivity level, perfect for using it for everything from quiet guitar signals to studio applications. Ratio adjusts the degree of the compression, with maximum compression when turned fully clockwise, sending the effect into Limiter territory. Gain rounds these parameters out by setting the output level of the pedal, coming after the compression effect to make up for any signal loss, or act as a clean boost with the Ratio turned all the way down to 1:1.
The LED Gain Reduction meter is essential here as well, as it intuitively and accurately measures your feedback in real time. The Underthruster uses a Blackmer® Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA) as well, resulting in a smooth compression with little to no distortion. The internally multiplied voltage regulator lets you manipulate the input and output signal swings of 30 V-peak as well.
Add in a little compression, get way over the top or dial in the perfect amount for your rig – the Underthruster can do it all. Really quiet as far as compressors go (like REALLY quiet), it has a ton of tonal options, studio-grade sound and a slick look that’s sure to elicit questions from anyone who glances at your pedalboard. An excellent effect from our new pals at RetrogradeFX, we certainly can’t wait to review and demo some more of their pedals soon – make sure to check out the demo video below to hear what this little guy can do!
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