Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $199

Standard/Professional

$50

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter is your gateway to studio-quality compression in a compact, pedalboard-friendly design. Tailored for discerning guitarists, this pedal captures the essence of high-end rack compressors, offering a seamless blend of precision and musicality. With its intuitive control set, you can effortlessly dial in the perfect amount of compression to enhance your tone without sacrificing clarity. The advanced analog circuitry ensures that your signal remains pristine, while the pedal’s robust build stands up to the rigors of live performance.

Musicians appreciate the pedal’s versatility, whether you’re looking to add sustain to your solos or even out your rhythm playing. The Threshold, Compression, Response, and Gain knobs provide comprehensive control, allowing you to shape your sound with ease. The true bypass function ensures that your tone remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged, maintaining the integrity of your signal chain.

Perfect for both live performances and studio sessions, the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter is a must-have for any guitarist seeking to refine their sound with professional-grade compression.

Key Features:

  • Compact stompbox design with studio-grade compression
  • Controls for Threshold, Compression, Response, and Gain
  • Advanced analog circuitry for pristine signal quality
  • True bypass ensures no tonal coloration when disengaged
  • Rugged construction ideal for live and studio use

Product specs

Brand Carl Martin
Model Compressor Limiter
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In Denmark
Categories Compressor Pedals

FAQs

What kind of power supply does the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter require?

The Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter requires a 9V DC power supply. It is important to ensure the power supply is center-negative for optimal performance.

Can the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter be used effectively with both electric guitars and bass guitars?

Yes, the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter is designed to work well with both electric guitars and bass guitars, providing smooth compression and limiting for a variety of instruments.

How does the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter affect the tone of my guitar?

The Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter provides transparent compression, meaning it maintains the natural tone of your guitar while smoothing out dynamics and controlling peaks effectively.

Is the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter is suitable for live performances, offering reliable compression and limiting to maintain consistent sound levels on stage.

Does the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter have a true bypass?

Yes, the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter features true bypass, ensuring that your signal remains unaltered when the pedal is not engaged.

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Maybe you should get a COMPRESSOR PEDAL rather than ANOTHER GAIN PEDAL?

Video thumbnail for Maybe you should get a COMPRESSOR PEDAL rather than ANOTHER GAIN PEDAL? by Johan Segeborn

Maybe you should get a COMPRESSOR PEDAL rather than ANOTHER GAIN PEDAL?

Johan Segeborn

Johan Segeborn

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin Compressor Limiter | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Carl Martin Compressor Limiter | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin Compressor / Limiter - Comp Pedal Review by EytschPi42

Carl Martin Compressor / Limiter - Comp Pedal Review

EytschPi42

EytschPi42

Video thumbnail for Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter - Demo by Erik Holmbom by Erik Holmbom

Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter - Demo by Erik Holmbom

Erik Holmbom

Erik Holmbom

Reviews

PROS

  • Studio-quality compression with excellent sustain

  • Natural vintage tone enhances sound quality

  • Fine-tunable compression levels for precise control

  • High resale value due to robust build

  • Gain knob effectively counteracts volume cuts

  • Adds unique sparkle to various amps

  • Quiet operation, keeping noise minimal

  • Durable construction ensures long-lasting use

CONS

  • Requires its own AC power, limiting pedalboard compatibility

  • Larger size may not fit all pedalboards

  • Can be slightly noisy without additional noise suppression

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter.

Build quality

  • The Carl Martin AT compressor, while made in China, is noted for its impeccable construction and durability by experienced users.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The dual compressor, offering both clean boost and compressed sounds, is praised for its versatility across different musical contexts.

    Source
  • The Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter is praised for its transparency, making it suitable for players seeking minimal signal squish and a smooth attack.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Carl Martin compressor is often compared with models from MXR, Xotic, Wampler, Keeley, and Empress, with each offering distinct tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • The Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter is highlighted as the most transparent compressor compared to other models mentioned in discussions, appreciated for its clean sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The combination of compression and clean boost is a significant feature for fans of Andy Timmons's style, providing flexibility in sound shaping.

    Source
  • It’s noted that in quiet environments or recording situations, the transparency and low noise level of the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter can be more distinctly appreciated.

    Source

User experience

  • Users suggest that concerns over true bypass are mitigated by incorporating buffered pedals to maintain signal integrity in pedalboards.

    Source
  • Owners note the downside of requiring the pedal to be plugged in via a cord, which can be inconvenient for some setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Quick Hit: Carl Martin Comp/Limiter Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter is a robust and straightforward pedal, offering pleasing compression ratios that cater well to players seeking a solid, no-nonsense compressor. Its compact design and ample make-up gain are significant positives, making it a reliable choice for those who prioritize feel and straightforward operation in their sound. However, the pedal lacks in-depth control features, such as parallel compression, which might leave tone tweakers wanting more. Its slightly dark tone can overshadow a player's sound without a blend control. Overall, it's a commendable addition for those who need a tactile compression experience.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ayman_ibrahim

Studio Quality, NO EQUAL

This pedal is pure magic, most natural compression, and best response you can get out of a compressor. I use it to fatten the sound, with impression lowered as much as possible, especially with my Super Reverb. With other amps, it just adds tons of sparkle and makes the guitar shine, you can get a very unique sound out of really cheap generic practice amps if you set it up correctly.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Johnny Marr uses Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Photo

A recent photo from Johnny Marr's Facebook page shows his pedalboard, featuring the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter Pedal.

See how John Petrucci uses Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter

John Petrucci

Guitarist, Composer

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

"We just settled back on the Carl Martin Compressor Limiter. We were kind of doing a big compressor shootout in rehersals and I just called every company out when we were rehearsing and said, 'Send over every compressor pedal you have and let me try them out.' John's had one of these for a long time and we used it in the studio a little bit, and he just really likes it. He likes the way it compresses, he likes the attack on it. It's not hugely overbearing and it just sounds nice to him," says John Petrucci's guitar tech.

See how Gustavo Cerati uses Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter

Gustavo Cerati

Singer, Guitarist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via Fbcdn

As can be seen in the touring rig of 2009 source, Gustavo Cerati used the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter Pedal.

See how Steven Wilson uses Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter

Steven Wilson

Singer, Guitarist

Porcupine Tree

...
Verified via YouTube

Can be seen in Steven's "gig rig" at 21:12 into his and Guthrie Govan's rig rundown video. One of the loops in Steven's TC Electronic G-System goes to this pedal.

See how Andy Timmons uses Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter

Andy Timmons

Guitarist

Danger Danger

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:05, Andy Timmons' Carl Marting Compressor/Limiter is mentioned.

See how Greg Howe uses Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter

Greg Howe

Guitarist

Richie Kotzen & Greg Howe

...
Verified via Photo

Guitarist Greg Howe is confirmed to use the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter pedal, as evidenced by a photograph of his pedalboard taken by Equipboard.com user "Singletrackfun" before his performance on August 2, 2023, at Yoshi's in Oakland, CA, during the Lost and Found North America Tour.

See how James Lomenzo uses Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter

James Lomenzo

Bassist

Megadeth

...
Verified via YouTube

The compressor/limiter is used at 2:00 into the video.

See how Joe Hottinger uses Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter

Joe Hottinger

Guitarist

Halestorm

...
Verified via YouTube

"The first one, loop one starts out with this Carl Martin Compressor Limiter, it's a well known pedal, it's awesome, you know, just put it in the box when you need to" - Joe Hottinger at 33:35.

See how Jan Borysewicz uses Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter

Jan Borysewicz

Guitarist, Bassist

Lady Pank

...
Verified via YouTube

Jan Borysewicz has been using the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter Pedal since 2015, specifically a signature model by Andy Timmons. This is detailed in the TopGuitarPL YouTube video "Na czym gra Jan Borysewicz (LADY PANK), czyli gitarowy sprzęt koncertowy."

See how Kristin Hersh uses Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter

Kristin Hersh

Singer, Guitarist

Throwing Muses

...
Verified via Photo

Can clearly be seen in this tweet from 24 Oct 2016

See how ishiwatari makiko uses Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter

ishiwatari makiko

Bassist

the peggies

...
Verified via Photo

Ishiwatari Makiko shared a photo on her Twitter showcasing the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter Pedal.

See how Andy Wood uses Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter

Andy Wood

Guitarist

Rascal Flatts

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Andy Wood (@andywoodmusic) on April 25, 2020, he is shown using the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter during a live session announcement tagged #thewoodshed.

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 Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
dy_kord

dy_kord

Gear IQ 221

1 alternative for Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter, curated by the Equipboard community.

Carl Martin Andy Timmons Compressor Limiter

$231.00 - $299.00

similar sound high-end alternative mod

A two preset channel, version of the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter, created for guitarist Andy Timmons.

More Carl Martin Compressor Effects Pedals

Gear Guides