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Average Price: $88

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$201+

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Description

The Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter is a unique blend of modern performance and vintage charm. This pedal offers a different twist from the classic compressors with its distinctive all-analog design and a robust three-knob layout. The knobs control attack time, level, and threshold, giving you complete control over your sound. Unlike its counterparts, the CP-9 features a glassier character and crisper attack in higher gain registers, making it a standout choice for that unique '80s MIJ tone. This pedal is housed in the iconic Ibanez 9 series chassis, adding a touch of classic appeal to your setup.

Key Features:

  • All-analog design for authentic sound reproduction
  • Three-knob layout for controlling attack time, level, and threshold
  • Unique glassier character and crisper attack in higher gain registers
  • Housed in a classic Ibanez 9 series chassis for vintage appeal
  • Excellent choice for achieving '80s MIJ tone.

Product specs

Brand Ibanez
Model CP9 Compressor Limiter
Finish Red
Year 1980s
Made In Japan
Categories Compressor Pedals

FAQs

What type of compression effect does the Ibanez CP-9 provide?

The Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter offers a smooth and subtle compression effect, ideal for enhancing sustain and leveling out dynamics without overly coloring the guitar's natural tone.

Is the Ibanez CP-9 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ibanez CP-9 is well-suited for live performances due to its reliable build and consistent compression, which helps maintain a balanced sound across different playing styles.

Can the Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter be used with a bass guitar?

The Ibanez CP-9 can be used with a bass guitar, providing a subtle compression that enhances sustain and evens out dynamics, though some bassists may prefer a pedal specifically designed for bass frequencies.

How does the Ibanez CP-9 differ from modern compressor pedals?

The Ibanez CP-9 is known for its vintage, subtle compression, which differs from many modern pedals that offer more aggressive compression and additional features like blend controls or multiple compression modes.

What power supply does the Ibanez CP-9 require?

The Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter requires a standard 9V DC power supply or a 9V battery, making it compatible with most pedalboard power setups.

celtusfergus

celtusfergus

IBANEZ CP9 Compressor/Limiter (Vintage / MIJ Made In Japan / CP-9) Pedal

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ CP9 Compressor/Limiter (Vintage / MIJ Made In Japan / CP-9) Pedal by celtusfergus

IBANEZ CP9 Compressor/Limiter (Vintage / MIJ Made In Japan / CP-9) Pedal

celtusfergus

celtusfergus

Video thumbnail for IBANEZ CP9 COMPRESSOR LIMITER by KRAZEEIZATION

IBANEZ CP9 COMPRESSOR LIMITER

KRAZEEIZATION

KRAZEEIZATION

Reviews

PROS

  • Organic sound enhances the guitar's natural tone

  • Excellent for achieving brighter, tighter overdrive/distortion

  • Ideal for dark amp or solid-state situations

  • Can significantly improve sustain

CONS

  • Bright and "trebly" may not suit all applications

  • Acts more like a treble booster, regardless of settings

  • May not be the best choice for a focused "clean" sound

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter.

Value and pricing

  • Owners find the Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter to be a great value when bundled with other pedals, sometimes even being included as a free addition.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users unfamiliar with compressors are advised to experiment with placing the CP-9 first in the effects chain, potentially after a tuner, for optimal use.

    Source

User experience

  • Those new to compressors find the CP-9's compression capabilities effective, though some may need time to explore its full potential in different setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Feature – 1982 Ibanez CP9 Compressor/Limiter

craveguitars.co.uk

The 1982 Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter shines as a vintage gem, revered for its refined, studio-like sound and quiet operation. It offers more flexibility than rivals like the MXR Dyna Comp, thanks to its separate 'Attack Time' and 'Threshold' controls. This pedal excels at providing a smooth, sustained tone, making it a staple for players like David Gilmour. While it lacks the aggressive compression of some modern pedals, its subtle effect is its strength, perfect for those seeking a 'set and forget' device. Though collectible and pricier now, the CP-9 is a worthwhile investment for vintage pedal enthusiasts.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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1 star
peter_gustafsson

This is an old one...

I use it like most metalheads use an overdrive, like the tubescreamer, to tighten up the low end. And I get sustain for days isn't so bad either.

B

more of a trebble booster than a compresser

Its hotter than expected for a compresser. its more of a treble booster no matter where you have the nobs

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Gilmour uses Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter

David Gilmour

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Pink-floyd

"Additional pedals include a Boss CS-2 Sustainer, MXR Dyna Comp, Iba- nez CP9 Compressor-Limiter, Boss Hyperfuzz, Electro-Harmonix Big Muff, two Chandler Industries Tube Drivers and three Boss Graphic Equalizers. He also operates several master volume pedals: one for his 4x12 cabinets, another one for his rotating speakers, another for his voice box and a speed control for the doppolas." - Phil Taylor, David Gilmour's guitar tech.

See how Andy Bell uses Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter

Andy Bell

Guitarist, Bassist

Oasis

...
Verified via Andybellmusic

"Ibanez CP-9 Compressor. This is the only pedal that stays on throughout the gig. it’s the first thing my guitar goes into and I think this is an 80’s unit. It’s an eBay job, they don’t make them anymore. I think I got one because my friend Andy Hackett (who is in the Rockingbirds and also runs Angel Music on Denmark Street, the best guitar shop in London) has one on his pedal board. Gem also swears by these."

See how Rex Shelverton uses Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter

Rex Shelverton

Guitarist

Portraits of Past

...
Verified via Photo

"This setup is super smooth and simple. I only used the compressor when I need to get louder" - Rex Shelverton.

See how Matt Berry uses Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter

Matt Berry

Singer, Guitarist

The Desert Sessions

...
Verified via Photo

Pictured in this December 2020 Sound on Sound interview.

For electric pianos and organs, Matt Berry favours his Orange and Fender guitar amps. He is also an avid pedal collector; the Small Stone Phase on the upper tier of his pedalboard was a gift from Jean‑Michel Jarre, who used it on his seminal Oxygène album.

See how Paco Huidobro uses Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter

Paco Huidobro

Guitarist, Composer

Fobia

...
Verified via YouTube

En el minuto 1:37 de la versión en vivo (del disco Pastel) de "Plástico", se puede ver el pedal en la pedalera de Paco.

See how Christian Wargo uses Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter

Christian Wargo

Guitarist, Bassist

Fleet Foxes

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Ibanez CP-9 is visible on top of the Mellotron.

See how Jim Roth uses Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter

Jim Roth

Guitarist

Built to Spill

...
Verified via Pedal Finder Blog

Jim Roth uses the Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter as part of his pedalboard, as detailed in the Pedal Finder Blog article, "Built To Spill: Jim Roth Pedalboard."

Album Usage

The Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ibanez CP-9 Compressor/Limiter, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Boss CS-3 Compression Sustainer Compressor Effects Pedals
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1
Dunlop TS-1 Tremolo Stereo Pan
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1
Fender Telecaster Deluxe
Fender Telecaster Deluxe Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Boss OC-2 Octaver
Boss OC-2 Octaver Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Boss TR-2 Tremolo Tremolo Effects Pedals
1
Boss DD-3 Digital Delay
Boss DD-3 Digital Delay Delay Effects Pedals
1

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