DryBell's new Module 4 Compressor is inspired by the Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer while it goes well beyond that with some really clever switching features
My good friends at DryBell already have a stellar reputation for the compressor that is onboard their much lauded Unit67 RangeMaster + Compressor style pedal - that variety is an 1176 style feedback compressor. The new one is evolved from the Dan Armstrong Orange Squeezer, where the default Mode is Orange, but you also have Full Frequency Mode.
To engage the inspirational Orange Squeezer Mode - you quickly press the ’Orange’ Mode button - and then move the dials to where the Black Dots indicate the Vintage Orange Squeezer settings.
Controls - Output, Tone, Blend, Mode : Full Frequency / Orange Squeezer, Attack, Release, Preamp (Input Gain).
The Controls really could not be simpler or more useful - Output Level, Tone (for more Brightness and Sparkle), Blend (for Parallel Compression), ’Orange’ Mode Button (for Squeezer), Attack (Speed of Onset), Release (Degree of Sustain), and Preamp being Input Gain - to handle different Instrument inputs.
As is always the way with DryBell - there are a whole load of under-the-bonnet hidden functions and features - which take this pedal into even smarter and further enhanced territories - by Pressing the Mode Button and Footswitch in 6 different pattern combinations, we get all of the following :
Main Operational Mode : Default is Orange Squeezer / Full Frequency Range - Toggle Mode by short press on Orange Mode Button (Orange LED indicates On-state)
Expander (Noise Gate) : Default Off / On - Hold footswitch for 2 seconds to engage / disengage (Turquoise LED indicates On-state). Note that the default operational LED state is White!
Expander Fade-In/Out reaction time - 5 x Rapid Presses of 'Orange' Mode Button for Fast Expander Mode (LED flashes Green x 3), 5 Rapid Presses a second time gives you Slow Expander Mode [Default Mode] (LED Flashes Red x 2)
Bypass : Buffered (Default), True - Toggle True / Buffered Bypass Modes by Pressing Orange Mode Button for 2 seconds - 3 x Green LED Flashes indicates True Bypass, 2 x Red LED Flashes indicated Buffered (Default) Bypass. Note that there is also a 3rd Buffer Mode - Buffered Bypass with Orange colouration.
Low End Cut : On (Default) / On - Disable and Enable Low End Cut but 5 x Rapid Presses Of Footswitch, 3 x Green LED Flashes indicates Cut is enabled, 2 x Red LED Flashes is disabled
Save Power-Up Settings : Press and Hold Orange Button and Footswitch for 3 seconds simultaneously. Note that you need to hit the Orange button just a split second before the footswitch - as if you do it the other way around you simply switch off the device! Red LED will Flash x 5 to indicate that the settings have been successfully saved!
I was bemused by Paul Reed Smith talking about his new pedals being Pro Audio Gear - when DryBell has been making that level of quality studio gear for many years now. The Module 4 is a far more capable a studio-quality compressor than the much larger PRS one. And it can do a whole load more.
Using the Blend Control you can do that cool Parallel Compression thing, and the combination of controls here is the absolute perfect minimum amount for maximum versatility and functional impact.
Even the Mode-switching is relatively straight forward - and I would imagine everyone would pick up on those above covered enhanced features very quickly.
This has fast become both the year of the Delay, and the Compressor - with so many great new options - and this is another top top candidate. You know with DryBell that you're going to get pristine studio quality sounds - with those extra smart features.
The design of this pedal is so clever really - with that perfect complement of controls to get the very most out of a compressor. I also love how DryBell print the key instructions of the back of their pedals - so you can quickly figure out the more complex features and settings - more should follow this great example of usability!
The only challenge now really is whether this or the equally excellent Unit67 takes priority! Obviously if you want a full-featured studio level compressor - known for being particularly sweet sounding - then I would think the Module 4 would be a pretty obvious choice.
The Module 4 is available right now on the DryBell Webstore for $315 (Excluding VAT and Shipping) for EU citizens VAT is included which takes you to €391.25 + Shipping. So this is a Pro-level studio style pedal priced to match its pristine audiophile quality!
With so many new Compressors on the market this year, it would be interesting to hear from you where you are with your own compressor choices - and if you're considering getting the Module 4 or any others of this year's crop?
Demos
