Ampeg Opto Comp

^# 62

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$111.10 to $178.99 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (8)

3 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

Find out who is using Ampeg Opto Comp

8 community setups

1 wishlisted

23 saved

Page last updated Jun 19, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated June 19, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (24)

$149.99

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5.0 (3)

$149.99

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4.2 (23)

$178.99

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5.0 (4)

$111.10 21 available New

$85.00 10 available Used

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$149.99

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$149.99

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4.7 (68)

$116.00 $115.00 $1.00

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Average Price: $136

Standard/Professional

$50

$201+

Price Tier

In the Compressor Effects Pedals category, Ampeg Opto Comp is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Ampeg Opto Comp". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the Ampeg Opto Comp, an effects pedal that brings the perfect blend of vintage and modern to your musical endeavors. Built with an optical circuit, the Opto Comp delivers smooth, vintage-style compression, adding headroom and sustain to your guitar or bass. Whether you're looking for a fast, subtle style to control peaks or wanting to crank up the compression to add a unique character to your sound, the Opto Comp has got you covered. This analog bass compressor offers an unparalleled user experience, with controllers for compression, release, and output levels. Its true bypass feature ensures no loss of tone when the pedal is off, preserving the pureness and richness of your sound. It operates with a 9V battery or 9V power supply, giving you the flexibility to play anytime, anywhere. Enhance your performance with the Ampeg Opto Comp Optical Compressor pedal.

Key Features:

Optical circuit for smooth, vintage-style compression
Controllers for compression, release, and output levels
True bypass for unaltered sound when the pedal is off
Operates with 9V battery or 9V power supply
Ideal for adding headroom and sustain to guitar or bass sounds

Product specs

Pedal Type	Compressor
Analog/Digital	Analog
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
True Bypass	Yes
Power Source	9V DC power supply required (sold separately)
Batteries	Optional 9V battery
Height	2.2"
Width	2.6"
Depth	4.5"
Weight	0.6 lbs.

FAQs

What type of compression does the Ampeg Opto Comp use?: The Ampeg Opto Comp uses optical compression, which is known for its smooth and musical response, making it ideal for both subtle dynamic control and more pronounced compression effects.
Can the Ampeg Opto Comp be powered with a battery?: Yes, the Ampeg Opto Comp can be powered with an optional 9V battery, offering flexibility for players who prefer battery power over a power supply.
Does the Ampeg Opto Comp have true bypass switching?: Yes, the Ampeg Opto Comp features true bypass switching, ensuring that your guitar signal remains uncolored when the pedal is not engaged.
What are the input and output options for the Ampeg Opto Comp?: The Ampeg Opto Comp has a single 1/4" input and a single 1/4" output, making it easy to integrate into any pedalboard setup.
Is the Ampeg Opto Comp suitable for bass guitar?: Yes, the Ampeg Opto Comp is suitable for bass guitar, providing smooth compression that enhances sustain and controls dynamics without losing low-end clarity.
What power supply does the Ampeg Opto Comp require?: The Ampeg Opto Comp requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately, for optimal performance.

Videos

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Sweetwater

Ampeg Opto Comp Optical Bass Compressor Pedal Demo

Sweetwater

Ampeg Opto Comp Analog Bass Compressor | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Ampeg | Miki Santamaria | Opto Comp Analog Optical Compressor Pedal

Ampeg

Ampeg | Opto Comp Analog Optical Compressor pedal | Demo

Ampeg

Strings Quick Demo : Ampeg Opto Comp

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Reviews

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PROS

Enhances tone without squashing the sound
Adds smoothness to lows and evens out high notes
Simple to use with just three dials
Quality build, durable for live shows
True bypass, works with battery or power supply
Does not alter the core sound of the bass
LED visual indicator for release time
Can function as both a tool and a beauty filter for sound
Good for managing unruly bass strings in a mix
More affordable compared to similar quality pedals

CONS

Footswitch may feel insubstantial
Slightly darkens sound even at zero compression
Can produce a quiet hissing noise when active
Lacks an Attack knob, which could offer more control
Internal -15db pad may be too extreme for some
Knobs are easily moved, potentially altering settings unintentionally

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ampeg Opto Comp.

Features and functionality

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The Ampeg Opto Comp offers one-knob compression with variable release, ideal for users who prefer simplicity over multi-control compressors.
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The Ampeg Opto Comp features an LED compression indicator, which can help users visually gauge compression levels during use.
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User experience

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Owners note that the Ampeg Opto Comp effectively tames high-output P basses, while having minimal impact on lower-output J basses unless compression is cranked.
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Some users report a significant 'pop' noise and added hiss when using the Opto Comp, affecting their signal chain negatively.
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A user replaced their Opto Comp due to these issues, suggesting it may not be suitable for those sensitive to noise artifacts in pedals.
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Owners of the Ampeg Opto Comp appreciate its solid build quality, aligning with Ampeg's reputation for sturdy gear.
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One user has successfully used the Ampeg Opto Comp to match their specific needs, reinforcing its versatility for various play styles.
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Comparisons

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Compared to pricier compressors, the Ampeg offers less functionality, which can be advantageous for those seeking straightforward operation without extensive control adjustments.
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The MXR M87 is noted for its light-up gauge, which can be beneficial for users learning about compression settings, unlike the Opto Comp.
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Some users consider the Ampeg Opto Comp's optical compression circuit advantageous over others for its perceived quality in sound management.
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Value and pricing

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The lower price is attributed to high sales volume and a simpler circuit design, making it cost-effective without compromising essential performance.
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One owner found the Opto Comp for as low as £65 (approximately $75-$80), highlighting its affordability compared to other compressors.
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Use cases and applications

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The Ampeg Opto Comp has been noted as a reliable choice for users already impressed with other Ampeg products, like the SCR-DI preamp.
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Critic Reviews

Quick Hit: Ampeg Opto Comp Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Ampeg's Opto Comp is a subtle, straightforward compressor pedal that adds a gentle polish to your bass tone without overwhelming it. With just three knobs for compression, release, and output, it's user-friendly and perfect for those who appreciate transparency over aggressive squashing. While compression aficionados might crave more tweakable parameters, the Opto Comp delivers smooth, unobtrusive control at an appealing price point. Ideal for bassists seeking a reliable, always-on pedal that enhances rather than dominates their sound.

positive

Full Review

Ampeg Opto Comp Analog Optical Compressor - Effects - Harmony Central

harmonycentral.com

The Ampeg Opto Comp impresses with its smooth, musical optical compression, providing simplicity and quality sound for both guitarists and bassists. While it eschews a tone control and blend options, its quiet operation and effective design make it a great choice for those who value straightforward functionality over complex controls. Lacking ultra-fast attack settings, it emphasizes a gentler, natural compression that retains initial note attacks, making it ideal for those seeking a subtler compression effect. Despite its minimalistic approach, it offers good value for its price, appealing to fans of optical compressors.

positive

Full Review

Ampeg Opto Comp Review

compressorpedalreviews.com

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

mix_music

213

about 5 years ago

Great, cheap compressor!

This compressor suits all my needs, it works great. i needed a compressor and was going for an MXR M87, but this one caught my eye being over $100 cheaper. i never turn it off, been through a couple live shows and hasnt failed me yet. good build quality

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Rock Blues Funk / Soul

meerootz

640

almost 6 years ago

A good, mid priced compressor.

It gets the job done. It adds some sound what can be bad for some people (that's why I've give it 4, not 5 stars), I really like the characteristics of it, and never turn it off.

Roles:

Bassist Composer

Genres:

Rock Orchestra Jazz

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