Empress Effects Compressor MKII main image

Empress Effects Compressor MKII

^# 31

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$274.00 to $277.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (2)

2 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

All time low price

Find out who is using Empress MKII

4 community setups

10 wishlisted

29 saved

Page last updated Jun 07, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated June 7, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.5 (19)

$274.00

View Deal

$274.00

View Deal

$365.19 $274.00 $91.19 · All time low

View Deal

5.0 (20)

$274.00 24 available New

$262.97 4 available Used

View Deal

$274.00

View Deal

$274.00

View Deal

4.9 (35)

$280.00 $277.00 $3.00 · All time low

View Deal

$274.00

View Deal

Average Price: $273

High-end/Boutique

$50

$201+

Price Tier

In the Compressor Effects Pedals category, Empress Effects Compressor MKII is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Empress Effects Compressor MKII". 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

Edit description

The Empress Effects Compressor MKII is a masterstroke in compact pedal design, packing studio-grade compression controls into a sleek, pedalboard-friendly footprint. This all-analog unit is a sonic sculptor's dream, offering a transparent compression that maintains the integrity of your original tone. Whether you're aiming for subtle dynamic control or more pronounced effects, the Compressor MKII delivers with a 500Hz-centered tilt Tone EQ control and a versatile trio of compression ratios (2:1, 4:1, and 10:1). Its external sidechain insert allows for creative expansion, while the integrated high-pass filter ensures precision control over your low end. True Display LEDs provide clear, multi-stage metering for both input gain and gain reduction, allowing you to dial in your sound with pinpoint accuracy. Crafted in Canada, this pedal ensures your signal remains pure with its true bypass circuitry.

Beyond its robust functionality, the Compressor MKII is remarkably intuitive, featuring independent Attack and Release controls and a Mix knob for seamless parallel compression blending. The pedal's space-efficient design doesn't compromise on aesthetics either, boasting a stylish finish that complements any setup.

Key Features:

All-analog signal path for uncolored, smooth compression
500Hz-centered tilt Tone EQ control
External sidechain insert with a 3.5mm TRS send/return
High-pass filter with 120Hz and 240Hz toggle selections
Compression ratios: 2:1, 4:1, 10:1
True Display LEDs for gain reduction and input gain metering
True bypass for a pure signal path
Compact chassis for easy pedalboard integration
Made in Canada

Owner's manual

Empress Effects Compressor MKII User Manual

Product specs

Pedal Type	Guitar Compressor
Analog/Digital	Analog
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
Other I/O	1 x 1/8" TRS (sidechain)
True Bypass	Yes
Power Source	9V DC 100mA power supply (sold separately)
Height	2.5"
Width	2.6"
Depth	4.8"
Weight	1.0 lbs.

FAQs

Is the Empress Effects Compressor MKII suitable for bass guitar?: Yes, the Empress Effects Compressor MKII is suitable for bass guitar, offering transparent compression that maintains the original tone of your instrument.
What power supply is required for the Empress Effects Compressor MKII?: The Empress Effects Compressor MKII requires a 9V DC 100mA power supply, which is sold separately.
Does the Empress Effects Compressor MKII have true bypass?: Yes, the Empress Effects Compressor MKII features true bypass switching, ensuring your signal remains uncolored when the pedal is not engaged.
What compression ratios are available on the Empress Effects Compressor MKII?: The Empress Effects Compressor MKII offers three compression ratios: 2:1, 4:1, and 10:1, allowing for versatile dynamic control.
Can I use the Empress Effects Compressor MKII for sidechain compression?: Yes, the Empress Effects Compressor MKII includes a 1/8" TRS sidechain input/output for sidechain compression applications.

Videos

Add video

Knobs

Empress - Compressor mkII

Knobs

How To Use A Compressor Pedal (feat. Empress Compressor MKII + Bass)

Benn Jordan

TONE TIPS: Understanding Compression - Empress Compressor MKii

Michael W. Westbrook

Empress Compressor MKII

Mike Hermans

Do You REALLY Understand Compressors? | Empress Compressor MkII | Gear Corner

Kris Barocsi

Empress Compressor MkII Pedal Demo

Sweetwater

Studio FET Compressor For Your Pedalboard | Empress Compressor MkII

JayLeonardJ

Empress Compressor mkII - Guitar Demo

Ambient Endeavors

Empress Compressor MKII

The Sound Parcel

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Transparent compression without altering tone
Versatile, with settings for subtle to tight compression
Quiet operation, ideal for clean signal paths
Studio-quality compression in a pedal format
Sidechain switch and mix knob for precise control
HPF sidechain feature eliminates muddy bass tones
Visible gain and input meters for accurate adjustments
Parallel compression for maintaining dynamics
Compact and pedalboard-friendly design
Reliable across various musical styles and setups

CONS

May be more expensive compared to other compressors
Some users might prefer compressors that color the tone

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Empress Effects Compressor MKII.

Features and functionality

0 0

The Empress Compressor MKII features a mix control that enables parallel compression, allowing for blending between wet and dry signals, enhancing tonal versatility.
Source
0 0

The MKII includes a tone control and adjustable high-pass filter for the sidechain input, adding subtlety and precision to the compression effect.
Source
0 0

The Empress MKII's "tone + colour" toggle switch can offer a preset mid-cut and boost, providing a versatile range of tonal adjustments.
Source
0 0

The Empress Compressor MKII's top-mounted jacks facilitate easy integration into crowded pedalboards, a feature appreciated by users with limited space.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Users find the pedal excellent for creating over-compressed analog synth sounds, especially when set to a 10:1 ratio with high input gain for a squashed effect.
Source
0 0

The compressor is particularly effective on plucked sounds, providing a more realistic acoustic instrument vibe, and is also praised for enhancing textured pad sounds.
Source
0 0

The MKII is a staple on some pedalboards, favored for its ability to clean up signals when used with fuzz wah pedals for dynamic sound layering.
Source
0 0

Switching between active and passive basses requires reconfiguration, but the Empress MKII's straightforward controls mitigate this common challenge among compressors.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Owners note that the MKII's sound quality is nearly identical to the original Empress Compressor, with improvements mainly in physical dimensions and additional controls.
Source
0 0

Users often compare the Empress MKII to the Cali76, noting the Cali76 is preferred for a "warm and fat" tone, while the Empress excels at transparency and metering.
Source
0 0

Owners note that while the Empress MKII is favored for transparency, the Origin Cali76 Bass Compact is preferred for its vintage, tone-coloring capabilities.
Source

User experience

0 0

Many users appreciate the low noise level and character of the MKII, noting that it pairs well with rat-style distortion pedals for a fuller sound.
Source
0 0

Owners report the MKII can be difficult to dial in perfectly, requiring patience to achieve desired sound settings.
Source
0 0

Users report the indicator lights provide essential feedback on input gain and compression, simplifying the dialing-in process, particularly for those familiar with compression.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Empress Effects offers a "scratch and dent" sale, allowing buyers to acquire MKII units at a discount, often with undetectable cosmetic flaws.
Source

Critic Reviews

Empress MKII Compressor Review

compressorpedalreviews.com

Empress Effects Compressor MKII is a versatile and visually appealing upgrade, boasting best-in-class LED metering and a powerful tilt EQ that shines with guitars. The pedal's transparency preserves original tone while enhancing sustain, making it a great choice for many setups. However, its limited three ratio selections may not satisfy those seeking a more dynamic range of compression. Additionally, its subtlety might disappoint bass players looking for pronounced low-end fatness. Overall, it stands as a strong contender in a crowded market, delivering quality and functionality at a reasonable price.

positive

Full Review

Review : Empress Compressor Mk II — That Guitar Lover

thatguitarlover.com

The Empress Effects Compressor MKII delivers exceptional, clean compression that stands out in a crowded market. Critics laud its versatility, particularly for acoustic instruments, and appreciate the blend feature that allows for nuanced tone shaping. However, its fixed compression ratios may not suit every player's needs, and using it in tandem with overdrives can lead to a muddled sound. Overall, while it may not be perfect for everyone, the MKII is praised as a top-tier choice for serious musicians seeking reliable performance without the squishiness found in many pedal compressors.

positive

Full Review

Add review

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

43thyr

almost 2 years ago

Excellent compressor for metal at lower practice volumes.

I use this compressor in the front of my board as an always-on when playing at low volume, even when playing high gain. It does a perfect job to compensate for the lack of interaction between amp and guitar with an attenuated sound. I love the mix knob to retain my pick attack and the sidechain HPF switch makes this pedal super useful when playing heavier styles with a lot of palm mutes. Perfect for metal!

Roles:

Guitarist Keyboardist

Genres:

Metal

johnly

222

about 4 years ago

Fantastic Compressor!

I keep this near the front of my chain and nearly always on! I have it set for more subtle compression just to even out my playing a bit. Also work for more funk/country sounds if you play with the settings. The user manual shows a variety of suggested settings for different sounds you might be looking for!

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Alternative rock Indie rock Folk rock

From Gear Setup