Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $131

Standard/Professional

$50

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Achieve the perfect blend of tone and control with the Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal, a staple in the world of guitar effects. Designed to retain the natural attack of your guitar while delivering a smooth, noise-free compression, this pedal is a must-have for musicians seeking to enhance their sound without compromise. The CP101 is built with simplicity in mind, featuring just two intuitive controls: Sustain and Level. These controls allow you to effortlessly dial in the desired amount of compression and output level, providing you with the flexibility to shape your sound to perfection.

Whether you're looking to even out your playing dynamics or add sustain to your solos, the CP101 offers a reliable and straightforward solution. It’s a favorite among guitarists for its ability to maintain the integrity of the original tone while delivering the desired compression effect. This pedal is housed in a durable casing, ensuring it withstands the rigors of any performance or practice session. Compact and efficient, the CP101 is easily integrated into any pedalboard setup, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned professionals alike.

Key Features:

  • Smooth, low-noise compression
  • Retains natural guitar attack
  • Simple controls: Sustain and Level
  • Durable construction for reliable performance
  • Compact size for easy pedalboard integration

Product specs

Brand Maxon
Model Compressor CP101
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In Japan
Categories Compressor Pedals

FAQs

Is the Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal suitable for bass guitar?

Yes, the Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal works perfectly with bass guitar, providing clean compression and minimal noise, making it an excellent choice for bassists seeking enhanced sustain and clarity.

Does the Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal add sustain to my guitar sound?

The Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal can increase sustain by boosting the level of notes as they decay, allowing them to ring out longer, which is particularly beneficial for lead guitarists.

How does the Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal affect the noise level of my setup?

The Maxon CP101 is designed to provide clean compression with minimal noise, ensuring that your guitar tone remains clear and free from unwanted hiss or hum during performance.

Can the Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal be used with acoustic/electric guitars?

Yes, the Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal is versatile enough to be used with electric, acoustic/electric, and bass guitars, enhancing the dynamics and sustain across different instrument types.

Science of Loud

Science of Loud

Compressors: Maxon vs TC Electronic Comparison

Video thumbnail for Compressors: Maxon vs TC Electronic Comparison by Science of Loud

Compressors: Maxon vs TC Electronic Comparison

Science of Loud

Science of Loud

Video thumbnail for Maxon Compressor CP101 Pedal Demo by intheblues

Maxon Compressor CP101 Pedal Demo

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for TWO KNOB COMPRESSORS: MXR Dyna Comp vs Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal by Music Bliss Malaysia

TWO KNOB COMPRESSORS: MXR Dyna Comp vs Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal

Music Bliss Malaysia

Music Bliss Malaysia

Video thumbnail for MAXON CP101 Opto Compressor Review  Dyna Comp MXR Ross Keeley Wampler Xotic Limiter Sustainer by roger brainard

MAXON CP101 Opto Compressor Review Dyna Comp MXR Ross Keeley Wampler Xotic Limiter Sustainer

roger brainard

roger brainard

Video thumbnail for Maxon CP101 Compressor on Guitar by Godlyke Inc.

Maxon CP101 Compressor on Guitar

Godlyke Inc.

Godlyke Inc.

Video thumbnail for Let's Stack - Maxon OD808X & Maxon CP101 Compressor by intheblues

Let's Stack - Maxon OD808X & Maxon CP101 Compressor

intheblues

intheblues

Video thumbnail for Maxon CP101 Compressor Demo by ChrstnSmrvllMsc

Maxon CP101 Compressor Demo

ChrstnSmrvllMsc

ChrstnSmrvllMsc

Video thumbnail for Maxon Compressor CP101 demo, Msm workshop by MSMWorkshop

Maxon Compressor CP101 demo, Msm workshop

MSMWorkshop

MSMWorkshop

Reviews

PROS

  • Compact and aesthetically pleasing design

  • Priced competitively for its features

  • Offers a natural and transparent sound at lower settings

  • Versatile, capable of both subtle and intense compression

  • Functions well as both a compressor and a booster

  • Easy to use, making it suitable for beginners and pros alike

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal.

Comparisons

  • The Maxon CP101 is preferred over the Diamond Comp Jr for its natural high end, with both featuring optical compression and a soft knee around a 4:1 fixed ratio.

    Source
  • Users found the Keeley GC-2 Limiter to have a snappier transient response than the Maxon CP101 and Diamond Comp Jr, which are both optical compressors.

    Source
  • Users mention the Maxon CP101 in discussions about alternatives to Ross-style compressors, appreciating its ability to offer a distinct sound profile without the typical squish effect.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Maxon CP101 offers a transparent sound ideal for clean arpeggios and picking, avoiding the high ratio squish effect of Ross-style compressors.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners highlight the Maxon CP101 as ideal for achieving shimmery cleans in indie/dream pop/shoegaze genres when stacked with chorus and reverb/delay effects.

    Source

User experience

  • It's noted that the Maxon CP101 is often used as an always-on pedal to enhance tonal consistency, offering a unique sound not commonly found on other pedalboards.

    Source
  • A user noted the cool factor of owning a Maxon CP101 due to its rarity on pedalboards, suggesting a sense of uniqueness and exclusivity among gear enthusiasts.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
gvdl10

best compressor I ever tried

It's just the easiest and best compressor, doing his job perfectly, if you want a compressor as a booster or to crank your amp

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Adam Dutkiewicz uses Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal

Adam Dutkiewicz

Guitarist, Drummer

Killswitch Engage

...
Verified via YouTube

Adam mentions that he uses this for his clean channel.

See how Matt Hoopes uses Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal

Matt Hoopes

Guitarist

Relient K

...
Verified via Photo

Matt Hoopes uses a red Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal, which complements the color theme for Relient K's album "Air For Free" and features on one of the band's new t-shirts. This is showcased on his Instagram.

See how Jesse Valenzuela uses Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal

Jesse Valenzuela

Guitarist

Gin Blossoms

...
Verified via Maxonfx

According to Maxon's webiste, Valenzuela uses the Maxon CP101 Compressor pedal.

See how Yusuke Chiba uses Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal

Yusuke Chiba

Singer, Guitarist

Thee Michelle Gun Elephant

...
Verified via Photo

In the image provided, Yusuke Chiba is seen using a Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal.

See how The GOASTT uses Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal

The GOASTT

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

During the GOASTT performance of "Too Deep" on WNYC's Spinning On Air at 2:49 the Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal is shown.

M

Michael Kang

Guitarist

The String Cheese Incident

...
Verified via Premierguitar

As the de-facto lead guitarist, er mando-man, Kang bounces between his Ron Oates Custom 5-string Octave Mandolin or Walker Electric 5-string Octave Mandolin. To amplify his custom 5-strings, he cranks up a Two-Rock Custom Reverb and Groove Tubes D75 Power Amp through a Bogner 2x12 cab. His two-board setup boasts a DigiTech XP100 Whammy Wah, a Electro-Harmonix Micro Metal Muff, a Electro-Harmonix Micro POG, a Electro-Harmonix Micro Synth, a Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron, a Line 6 DL4, a Keeley Phaser, a Fulltone Full-Drive 2, a Keeley-modded Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer, a Keeley Katana Clean Boost, a Boss TU-2 Chromatic Tuner, a Maxon Compressor, a Ernie Ball Volume Pedal, a Roland GR-33 Guitar Synth, a TC Electronic G-Force, a Sarno Music Solutions Steel Guitar Black Box, and the boxes are powered by a Voodoo Lab Ground Control and a Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2+. And his uses various Elixir strings and Fender Extra Heavy picks.

Album Usage

The Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal has been featured on the following albums:

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 Maxon CP101 Compressor Pedal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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