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Average Price: $169

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$201+

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Description

For guitarists seeking the ultimate in dynamic control without sacrificing the natural feel of their playing, the Barber Electronics Compact Tone Press Parallel Compressor is a game-changer. This pedal distills the essence of studio-grade parallel compression into a compact, pedalboard-friendly design, making it a must-have tool for any serious musician. The Class-A discrete mixer circuit is at the heart of its magic, blending your dry signal with the compressed tone seamlessly. This ensures that even at higher compression levels, your sound retains its punch and clarity.

The Compact Tone Press is not just about preserving your tone; it's about enhancing it. With two additional switches, it offers versatility that other compressors simply can't match. Engage the fast action switch for quick picking and more percussive playing, or flick the brilliance switch to introduce a touch of high-frequency shimmer, perfect for cutting through the mix with finesse. Whether you're playing live or in the studio, this pedal ensures your performance always shines.

Key Features:

  • Compact, pedalboard-friendly design
  • Class-A discrete mixer circuit for seamless parallel compression
  • Blend control to mix dry and compressed signals
  • Fast action switch for quicker response
  • Brilliance switch for added high-frequency clarity
  • Durable construction for reliable performance on the road

Product specs

Brand Barber
Model Compact Tone Press
Finish Black, Mint Turquoise, Red
Year 2014 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Compressor Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of power supply does the Barber Electronics Compact Tone Press require?

The Barber Electronics Compact Tone Press requires a 9-volt DC negative tip power supply. It does not have a battery compartment.

How does the parallel compression feature of the Barber Compact Tone Press affect my guitar tone?

The parallel compression feature allows you to blend your dry signal with the compressed signal, retaining your guitar's natural dynamics while adding sustain and punch.

Is the Barber Electronics Compact Tone Press suitable for both live performances and studio recording?

Yes, the Compact Tone Press is versatile enough for both live performances and studio recording, offering transparent compression that enhances your guitar tone without overpowering it.

Can the Barber Electronics Compact Tone Press be used with both electric and acoustic guitars?

The Compact Tone Press is primarily designed for electric guitars but can also be used with acoustic guitars equipped with a pickup, offering enhanced sustain and dynamic control.

Does the Barber Electronics Compact Tone Press work well with other pedals in a signal chain?

Yes, the Compact Tone Press is designed to integrate seamlessly with other pedals, preserving your tone and adding dynamic control without introducing noise.

Prymaxe

Prymaxe

Barber Electronics Tone Press

Video thumbnail for Barber Electronics Tone Press by Prymaxe

Barber Electronics Tone Press

Prymaxe

Prymaxe

Video thumbnail for Barber Electronics   Tone Press Compressor Demo by Bryan Ewald by Bryan Ewald

Barber Electronics Tone Press Compressor Demo by Bryan Ewald

Bryan Ewald

Bryan Ewald

Reviews

PROS

  • Compact size, pedalboard friendly

  • Easy to dial in, user-friendly

  • Balances strings and signal without hard squish

  • Includes unique bright mode and fast function switches

  • Superior tweakability compared to competitors

  • Underrated, high-quality compressor pedal

CONS

  • Lacks tone control present in the full-size version

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Barber Electronics Compact Tone Press Parallel Compressor.

Features and functionality

  • The compact version lacks the internal "color" trimpot from the original, but includes a bright switch which enhances brightness subtly.

    Source
  • The compact Tone Press includes a fast/slow switch that adjusts the compression's response time, useful for balancing pick attack and percussive sounds.

    Source
  • The blend knob on the Tone Press is praised for enhancing appreciation of compression by allowing precise control over the wet/dry mix.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike the Keeley compressor, the Tone Press offers parallel compression, which is a key differentiator between these pedals.

    Source
  • The pedal is noted as a more affordable option compared to other compression pedals, with a smaller footprint being an added benefit.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • This compressor is favored for finger-picking, as it maintains high-end clarity, a common issue with other compressors like the Analogman mini Bicomp.

    Source
  • Works effectively with bass and is noted for enhancing percussive styles like funk when combined with reverb.

    Source
  • It's favored by players influenced by David Hislop and Dave Knudson, indicating its appeal to fans of specific musicians.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report using the Tone Press after distortion pedals to boost solos and even-out levels, defying typical compression placement conventions.

    Source
  • Owners report no significant noise issues unless the guitar volume is set around 8, highlighting its quiet operation with a Champion 40 amp.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Multiple owners have found deals on the compact Tone Press for $115-$125 on platforms like Reverb and The Gear Page classifieds.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jepatawaran

Underrated

Definitely and underrated compressor and line of pedals

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matt Lange uses Barber Electronics Compact Tone Press Parallel Compressor

Matt Lange

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

In a post on Instagram, Matt Lange shares a photo featuring his Barber Compact Tone Press Parallel Compressor discreetly positioned in the background.

See how David Hislop uses Barber Electronics Compact Tone Press Parallel Compressor

David Hislop

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

This pedal can be seen throughout the video as he shows his pedalboard run down. This is his always on pedal. Barber Electronics pedals are underrated

See how Corey Coffman uses Barber Electronics Compact Tone Press Parallel Compressor

Corey Coffman

Singer, Guitarist

Gleemer

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, Corey Coffman is seen using notable pedals like the Tone Press Compressor

See how Amir Tehrani uses Barber Electronics Compact Tone Press Parallel Compressor

Amir Tehrani

Singer, Composer

Sgt. Sparkle

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram post by sgt.sparkle, Amir Tehrani uses a Barber Compact Tone Press Parallel Compressor to process the Volca Beats during a demo.

See how Micah Nichols uses Barber Electronics Compact Tone Press Parallel Compressor

Micah Nichols

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

A Tone Press is seen in the top right corner of Micah Nichols pedalboard in this post from XAct Tone Solutions.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Barber Electronics Compact Tone Press Parallel Compressor, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
jepatawaran

jepatawaran

Gear IQ 334

jepatawaran

jepatawaran

Gear IQ 334

samuel_balazs

samuel_balazs

Gear IQ 71

bryan_franz

bryan_franz

Gear IQ 184

jepatawaran

jepatawaran

Gear IQ 334

4 alternative and related items for Barber Electronics Compact Tone Press Parallel Compressor, curated by the Equipboard community.

Keeley Compressor Plus

$126.00 - $309.00

similar sound cheaper alternative

A similar compressor circuit with a clean blend. The Keeley has a more traditional tone control and a switch to set attack for single coils or humbuckers, while the Tone Press has a simpler slow/fast toggle.

Laney Black Country Customs The Custard Factory

$119.00 - $189.99

similar sound

A bass friendly take on the parallel compressor, with more tweakability. Likely influenced by the Tone Press.

Ross R-30 Compressor

$149.00 - $391.21

Vintage or Discontinued high-end alternative

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