Tosin Abasi releases really intriguing Dual Parallel Dynamic Compressor - The Micro Aggressor

Tosin is a very special player, and has a unique style with very specific technique. Where he’s also very particular about his instruments / tools and gear. Obviously he’s sporting one of his Abasi Concept signature Legion Guitars in the main video, while he also has a Kaizen Signature Guitar in collaboration with Music Man - both seem to cover similar territory - where I think the Legions typically have more strings, but there definitely seems to be something of an overlap there for me - not sure exactly how that works to Music Man’s satisfaction!

In any case Tosin understandably has a very specific requirement for a compressor. Which consists of two really simple parallel compressor circuits - which deliver flavour! I would have thought it would have made sense to have the second parallel compressor circuit on a separate footswitch, while evidently he seems to mostly run those together - with just a few variations - so both Compression circuits are engaged by the one footswitch.

Controls - PRIMARY } Compression Level / Boost, Clarity (Tilt EQ), Bloom (Primary Compression), SECONDARY } Smack (Parallel Second Compressions).

The topology could not be easier - with just those 4 controls and single footswitch. And this pedal obviously works its magic for how Tosin plays.

I often lean into the more granular and extended range of Compressors - where my current BecosFX CompIQ Pro Stella is pretty much the top of the tree as far as full Studio Style compact compressor pedals go.

My next compressor into the rig will definitely be the Chase Bliss Clean - early next year, while I would not mind giving this Mirco Aggressor a go at some stage too.

It’s simple but impactful topology makes this pedal intriguing - and I really like the look of that gloss black facia with that curved metal strip - looks really elegant! This is specifically not a ’sterile’ transparent compressor which Tosin disparages - but rather one that adds character and flavour to your playing - hence its use in duplicate I suppose!

The Micro Aggressor Dual Parallel Dynamic Compressor goes for $249 / $195 on the Abasi Concepts Webstore.

Interestingly his previous Pathos High Gain Distortion pedal was made by Wampler, while it’s a total mystery as to which pedal maker - made this Micro Aggressor - it looks pretty sleek and unique to me. Will be interesting to find out in due time who made this pedal for Tosin!

Definitely goes on my ’nice-to-have’ list - where it will have to get in line behind the Chase Bliss Clean!