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Average Price: $199

Standard/Professional

$50

$201+

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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.

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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
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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 James Leach uses Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter

James Leach

Bassist

Sikth

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo, James Leach shows his Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter Pedal, and calls it his "favourite compressor." He says:

Massive thanks to Jay @firstlinemusic distribution and the good folks @carlmartin.effects for bringing my favourite compressor back from the dead!

S

Sherif Hawary

Guitarist

Cairokee

...
Verified via Twitter

Sherif Hawary uses the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter Pedal on his pedalboard, as shown in his Twitter photo captioned "My pedalboard in the making."

See how Thomas Ramdhan uses Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter

Thomas Ramdhan

Bassist

GIGI

...
Verified via YouTube

In episode 36 of DAPOER GEAR on YouTube, Thomas Ramdhan is seen using the Carl Martin Compressor/Limiter Pedal.

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

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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.

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