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Description

Designed for the discerning guitarist who demands precision and warmth, the Ground Control Audio Serpens Optical Compressor is a standout in the realm of compressor pedals. This pedal combines optical compression technology with modern features to deliver a smooth, transparent sound that enhances your tone without sacrificing your instrument's natural character. Whether you're aiming for subtle sustain or aggressive punch, the Serpens adapts seamlessly to your playing style.

The Serpens is equipped with intuitive controls, including Sustain, Level, and Blend knobs, which allow you to tailor your compression with ease. The inclusion of a Blend knob is particularly noteworthy, enabling a mix of dry and compressed signals for more dynamic range and expression. This feature is ideal for musicians looking to maintain their original playing nuance while still benefiting from the pedal's compression capabilities.

Built with high-quality components, the Serpens ensures durability and reliability on stage or in the studio. The pedal's true bypass design guarantees that your signal remains pure and unaltered when the pedal is disengaged.

Key Features:

  • Optical compression technology for smooth, transparent sound
  • Sustain, Level, and Blend controls for precise tone shaping
  • Blend knob for mixing dry and compressed signals
  • True bypass circuitry for unaltered signal when disengaged
  • Premium build quality for durability and reliability

Product specs

Brand Ground Control Audio
Model Serpens Optical Boost/Compressor
Year 2017 - 2025
Made In Canada
Categories Compressor Pedals
Color Family Blue
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of compression does the Ground Control Audio Serpens provide?

The Ground Control Audio Serpens is an optical compressor, which offers smooth and natural compression, ideal for maintaining dynamics while adding warmth to your guitar tone.

Can the Serpens Optical Compressor be used as a clean boost?

Yes, the Serpens functions as both a compressor and a clean boost, allowing you to enhance your signal without altering your core tone.

Is the Ground Control Audio Serpens suitable for bass guitar?

The Serpens Optical Compressor can be used with bass guitars, providing controlled dynamics and maintaining low-end clarity.

What power supply is required for the Serpens Optical Compressor?

The Ground Control Audio Serpens requires a standard 9V DC power supply, commonly used with many guitar pedals.

How does the Serpens Optical Compressor affect tone transparency?

The Serpens is designed to maintain tonal transparency, ensuring that your guitar's natural sound is preserved while providing smooth compression.

Pedalboard of the Day

Pedalboard of the Day

Ground Control Audio - Serpens Demo

Video thumbnail for Ground Control Audio - Serpens Demo by Pedalboard of the Day

Ground Control Audio - Serpens Demo

Pedalboard of the Day

Pedalboard of the Day

Video thumbnail for Ground Control Audio - Serpens | How can an optical boost and compressor strengthen guitar tone? by Sean Gibson

Ground Control Audio - Serpens | How can an optical boost and compressor strengthen guitar tone?

Sean Gibson

Sean Gibson

Video thumbnail for Ground Control Audio Serpens (Demo) by Jackson Brooksby

Ground Control Audio Serpens (Demo)

Jackson Brooksby

Jackson Brooksby

Video thumbnail for Ground Control Serpens Optical Boost and Compressor Demo and Review by Get Offset

Ground Control Serpens Optical Boost and Compressor Demo and Review

Get Offset

Get Offset

Video thumbnail for Serpens | Ground Control Audio | Demo by Pedal Haven

Serpens | Ground Control Audio | Demo

Pedal Haven

Pedal Haven

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ground Control Audio Serpens Optical Compressor.

Features and functionality

  • The Serpens offers a wide tonal range, able to compress to the point of clipping, while remaining dead quiet.

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  • The Serpens includes internal trimmers for decay time, recovery gain, and gain level, offering extensive customization beyond top-mounted controls.

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  • The pedal's blend knob helps recover picking dynamics and attack when set to higher compression levels.

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  • The Serpens includes a unique gain knob that can add subtle grit to the sustain, providing a distinct tonal warmth not typically found in compressors.

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  • Internal trim pots allow for tweaking parameters, offering customization of the pedal's compression characteristics beyond typical surface controls.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to the Walrus Deep Six, the Serpens adds less coloration to the lower mids.

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  • Unlike many boutique compressors, the Serpens is an optical compressor, distinguishing it from the common OTA and Ross-style circuits.

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User experience

  • Owners praise its smooth compression and subtle tone coloration, useful for evening out playing dynamics.

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  • Users note a very slight bass boost, enhancing the thickness of single-coil pickups like those on a Stratocaster.

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  • Some owners report slight pumping when set for long sustain, which may not suit all playing styles.

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  • Owners appreciate the compressor's ability to add warmth while maintaining the guitar's original tone, highlighting its subtle yet effective tonal enhancement.

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Build quality

  • The pedal is noted for its stunning gold finish and unique clear stomp switch washer.

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Use cases and applications

  • Effective as both a transparent tone-shaping tool and an effect for more pronounced compression.

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  • The Serpens is praised for its versatility, able to function effectively as both a compressor and a boost, making it suitable for diverse musical styles.

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