ao link
Filter content by area of interest
Amps
Boost and Overdrive
Delay
Distortion
Fuzz
Guitars
Modulation
Pitch
Reverb
Utility
All
All

Horizon Devices releases its own special take on ultra transparent compression - The Clarity Compressor

Best of BrandsBoostBoost and OverdriveCompressorDelayDigital DelayDigital ReverbDistortionEchoverbHorizon DevicesMetal DistortionOverdrivePreAmpReverbUtility+-
Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
2024-GPX-Horizon-Devices-Quartet-700.jpg

Misha Mannsoor’s Horizon Devices has quietly made its way to 4 superior modern tone enhancers. It kind of set the mould with its specialist Metal tone enhancing Precision Drive, then came its Apex High Gain Preamp, then the Flux Echo/Reverb - and here we have a very unique take on a Compressor.

 

Horizon Devices’ slogan is "Sound great, and be easy to use" and that theme is very clearly carried through all 4 pedals which are about as straightforward a pedals as you might expect to encounter - but yet with expansive range - all within that ’Modern Guitar Tone’ profile and very much optimised for Modern High Gain players in particular.

 

The one I’ve come closest to acquiring to date is the Apex Preamp - while I also really liked the look of the Flux Echo when that was announced. The Clarity Compressor is intended to be as transparent and non-invasive as can be - meaning that it’s perfect for an always-on tone enhancer.

 

There are so many smart Compressors on the market currently that competition is intense - and still this Clarity Compressor manages to define its own niche. Each of the Horizon Pedals is made by Jim Dunlop / MXR and is pretty reasonably priced, the Precision Drive @ $219, Apex Preamp @ $319, Flux Echo @ $199, and Clarity Compressor @ $199. All 4 can be ordered from the Horizon Devices Webstore and the Clarity Compressor should be arriving imminently at International dealers too.

 

Here follow the specific details for each :


2024-GPX-Horizon-Devices-Quartet-700.jpg

Clarity Compressor - $199

close

Controls - Clarity, Mix, Intensity, Volume, Comp.

 

A beautifully simple yet really clever take on compression. Engineered for being an incredibly transparent always-on compressor that enhances your guitar's output while producing minimal colouration of and deviation from the core tone. 5 controls give you everything you need - where the Attack and Release vectors are cleverly internally calibrated by default. Compressor's tend to be used for Funk / Bass / and Low Gain Accentuation - there's not many that are specifically designed to get the most out of High Gain.


Flux Echo / Reverb - $199

close

Controls - Mix, Tone, Flux Mode : Ambient Reverb + Analog Delay / Modulated Reverb + Reverse Delay / Shimmer Reverb + Tape Echo, Reverb Decay, Delay Feedback, Tap/Freeze Footswitch, Bypass Footswitch.

 

A really cool combination EchoVerb with 3 killer modes - stereo ins and outs and smart footswitch action - super potent for the few controls it has - and brilliantly calibrated for maximum impact.


Precision Drive - $219

close

Controls - Volume, Bright, Attack, Gate, Drive.

 

The first proper breakthrough dedicated High Gain Overdrive / Boost. There are now several specifically High Gain Tightening and Enhancing Overdrives - while I believe this was the first one to make the mark.


Apex Preamp - $319

close

Controls - Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble, Gain, Cab Sim, Gate, Tight Footswitch, Bypass Footswitch.

 

A really tight modern-sounding high-gain preamp with smart controls. I've meaning to get this one for a while - it's one of those that's been on the wishlist since it first materialised - but I never got around to getting one yet. I guess the next time I do medium-and-above high gain distortion / preamp pedals I will consider this one hard to add to the reference collection - it's probably about time!

Stefan Karlsson
Posted by Stefan Karlsson
PopularCommentsRSS FeedContent Subscriptions
Share to TwitterShare to Facebook
Add New Comment
You must be registered and logged in to comment
Profile
Stefan Karlsson
Stefan Karlsson
Guitar Pedal X
News Navigation






















































PAUL LENARD EWING
2023 November Pedal-Chain Update - Episode XI - Delineated Duality
"The pedal that got my attention just came out. a B"...
3 days ago
Bruno Ternoval
9 Notable Brazilian Guitar Pedal Brands
"Hi Stefan. I recommend the Brazilian brand COLLATE"...
3 days ago
J Straker
9 of the Best Guitar BitCrusher Pedals for Your Consideration
"Kia ora from Aotearoa NZ. Many thanks for this "...
4 days ago
Bry F
32 Favourite Compact Rat Style Distortion Pedals - 2024 Ultimate Edition
"Awesome and thorough list! So many great options. "...
7 days ago
Waiting