Great demo. What I love about what I hear is how it controls the edge of breakup in the high end (like above 8khz) that I always hate. It's like frying bacon, but in a bad way. Love some nice velvety breakup, but then it's gets harsh. The Squish tames that very nicely, if not very transparently. Thanks for the video!
@@markjohnstonofficial hey mark - i realize I'm way late on this, but am stuck deciding between the cali76 and squish as. how would you describe the big differences in their sound? am i right to assume based on what I'm learning online that the cali76 imprints more of an obvious "signature sound" that's less transparent - vs. the squish as which is supposed to fit more of the transparent/always-on thing?
@@saint__andrew I essentially have both pedals. I have the SlideRig instead of the Cali 76, but when only using one stage of the compressor, it is a Cali 76. I would say your assumption is absolutely correct. I think the Squish As does a better job of keeping the foundation of your original tone intact and is probably the better always-on type of compressor. It does exactly what it's supposed to without changing anything else in a way that I've never heard from another pedal. I wouldn't even call it "clean" sounding or anything because it's simply not there until it needs to be. It's just the perfect little container that your sound waves travel through, and sometimes get squished by, if they start getting a little wild. On the other hand, the Cali 76 makes your tone absolutely beautiful and very Hi-Fi sounding. It's more likely I'd use the Cali 76 as an "effect" in certain parts of a song. Others may disagree. However, if noise is particularly annoying to you, go with the Squish As. That's something people couldn't argue with.
@@joepatterson13 thanks man - I ended up going with the cali and really loving it so far, but still curious about the squish as. might still try it out based on how you described!
Different flavors, goals, and approaches but kind of torn between this and a cali76. Seems like there isn't a wrong choice really, i have been anti compressor pedal because I was dumb, but started using the 1176 emulation on the ox stomp and I love it. Might be worthwhile to get this and I'll still have a fet based one via ox anyways. Always appreciate the time, heart and effort you out into these!
So I've been thinking about this pedal for a while and finally started looking at the product page. I noticed that the input and output impedance are notably off from what would be considered "transparent" for guitar (500kOhm/560Ohm, compared to "ideal" of 1MOhm/~100Ohm). Have you noticed any notable coloration when using/stacking this pedal?
Sounds great Mark! Looking to replace my Keeley Compressor Plus as i find it too noisy. Was considering the Walrus Mira but this looks interesting but also will be hard o get hold of. How would you compare to the Mira? Anything better?
Try stacking two or even three compressors in series. You won't have to "work" any of them hard enough to generate noise. I use a Maxon cp101, Keeley compressor plus, and an Emerson Customs Duke.
I'm wondering if it has a blend control for some dry signal. A close up shot to see the lettering for the knobs would have been nice. Certainly sounds great.
Thanks, I totally agree about the blend. (I don't know how I missed it on the video.) I'm currently using a Keeley 4 knob but this just might up my game a bit.@@markjohnstonofficial
I have it in the middle; it’s after my rat voiced distortion, the Jam Rattler, and before the other drives. Really the reason I have it after the Rattler is because when I made the board I was using the DRV originally and I ALWAYS put the DRV as early in my chain as I can.
Yep. Not every part needs a compressor pedal, not every compressor is right for every rig, but compression is an essential piece of modern music production and should be a factor in everyones rig.
Lots of flavors of compressors out there are they've all got their strengths. The Origin Cali76 is a really great compressor if you want the "heft" of an 1176's tone without the potential breakup the real thing offers. Walrus Mira is my favorite optical compressor and is versatile and squishy at almost all settings. This is a hyper precise VCA compressor that has a programme dependent atk/rel and doesnt raise the value of low notes making it a fantastic options for someone who wants a compressor that feels more natural in it's dynamics, has an EQ, and a super quiet noise floor. So if those are the features you are after in a compressor then it might very well be the best compressor ever made for your use case. Of course, you dont want to know all that, you were just looking to be low effort catty.
@@markjohnstonofficial sorry man I’m just busting your chops, the pedal search has made me broke and bitter due to all the marketing and in the end I’ve started to resent something that used to bring joy because I’ve realized there’s just always the next thing that is regarded as the best thing or better thing or groundbreaking thing…. To be honest the algorithm won’t let me get away from the marketing because I’ve unfollowed almost all content in the category…you know any gear addict anonymous groups lol
This channel made me spend a lot of money that’s for sure
Very nice review of this pedal. Thank you for all of the many configurations of tones.
Man, everything really sits perfectly in a mix... Jon is doing some fine things! Stunning playing as usual Mark.
He’s one of the two best dirt / drive / dry effects designers in the game right now. You love to see it.
@@markjohnstonofficial facts!
Really keen to give this a try next to the Cali76 - different beasts but the dynamics sound superb here.
Great demo. What I love about what I hear is how it controls the edge of breakup in the high end (like above 8khz) that I always hate. It's like frying bacon, but in a bad way. Love some nice velvety breakup, but then it's gets harsh. The Squish tames that very nicely, if not very transparently. Thanks for the video!
man i love my cali 76 but this seems really cool too! thanks so much for all the work you put into your demos. you’re great at what you do
The Cali76 is excellent. They’re both fantastic compressors that sound wildly different as far as compressors go.
@@markjohnstonofficial hey mark - i realize I'm way late on this, but am stuck deciding between the cali76 and squish as. how would you describe the big differences in their sound? am i right to assume based on what I'm learning online that the cali76 imprints more of an obvious "signature sound" that's less transparent - vs. the squish as which is supposed to fit more of the transparent/always-on thing?
@@saint__andrew I essentially have both pedals. I have the SlideRig instead of the Cali 76, but when only using one stage of the compressor, it is a Cali 76. I would say your assumption is absolutely correct. I think the Squish As does a better job of keeping the foundation of your original tone intact and is probably the better always-on type of compressor. It does exactly what it's supposed to without changing anything else in a way that I've never heard from another pedal. I wouldn't even call it "clean" sounding or anything because it's simply not there until it needs to be. It's just the perfect little container that your sound waves travel through, and sometimes get squished by, if they start getting a little wild. On the other hand, the Cali 76 makes your tone absolutely beautiful and very Hi-Fi sounding. It's more likely I'd use the Cali 76 as an "effect" in certain parts of a song. Others may disagree. However, if noise is particularly annoying to you, go with the Squish As. That's something people couldn't argue with.
@@joepatterson13 thanks man - I ended up going with the cali and really loving it so far, but still curious about the squish as. might still try it out based on how you described!
Great review as usual! How would you compare it sonically to the Empress?
Different flavors, goals, and approaches but kind of torn between this and a cali76. Seems like there isn't a wrong choice really, i have been anti compressor pedal because I was dumb, but started using the 1176 emulation on the ox stomp and I love it. Might be worthwhile to get this and I'll still have a fet based one via ox anyways. Always appreciate the time, heart and effort you out into these!
So I've been thinking about this pedal for a while and finally started looking at the product page. I noticed that the input and output impedance are notably off from what would be considered "transparent" for guitar (500kOhm/560Ohm, compared to "ideal" of 1MOhm/~100Ohm). Have you noticed any notable coloration when using/stacking this pedal?
I've spent so many years mastering the attack and release controls, sorry, I'm not ready to give up on them lol
Sounds great Mark! Looking to replace my Keeley Compressor Plus as i find it too noisy. Was considering the Walrus Mira but this looks interesting but also will be hard o get hold of. How would you compare to the Mira? Anything better?
Try stacking two or even three compressors in series. You won't have to "work" any of them hard enough to generate noise. I use a Maxon cp101, Keeley compressor plus, and an Emerson Customs Duke.
My always on compressor is my play style. Never too hard and never too soft, Always just right...😅😅😊
How does it do with high gain pedals and amps? Noisy?
I'm wondering if it has a blend control for some dry signal. A close up shot to see the lettering for the knobs would have been nice. Certainly sounds great.
Blend is shown at 00:36 and is discussed throughout the video. Super useful for a compressor like this.
Thanks, I totally agree about the blend. (I don't know how I missed it on the video.) I'm currently using a Keeley 4 knob but this just might up my game a bit.@@markjohnstonofficial
Empress compressor comparison?
So you're using the always on compressor following your dirt pedals and before your time based effects?
I have it in the middle; it’s after my rat voiced distortion, the Jam Rattler, and before the other drives. Really the reason I have it after the Rattler is because when I made the board I was using the DRV originally and I ALWAYS put the DRV as early in my chain as I can.
How can you tell if you're the type of player that needs compression but doesn't know it yet?
If you don’t have a compressor or utilize compression in post when producing, your the type of player.
@@markjohnstonofficial so you're saying, every player needs a compressor?
Yep. Not every part needs a compressor pedal, not every compressor is right for every rig, but compression is an essential piece of modern music production and should be a factor in everyones rig.
44 mins for a comp review lol sheesh
It takes as much time as it takes. Wait until you see the video where I spend a half hour on a rat variant.
Let me guess it’s the best compressor ever made….
Lots of flavors of compressors out there are they've all got their strengths. The Origin Cali76 is a really great compressor if you want the "heft" of an 1176's tone without the potential breakup the real thing offers. Walrus Mira is my favorite optical compressor and is versatile and squishy at almost all settings. This is a hyper precise VCA compressor that has a programme dependent atk/rel and doesnt raise the value of low notes making it a fantastic options for someone who wants a compressor that feels more natural in it's dynamics, has an EQ, and a super quiet noise floor. So if those are the features you are after in a compressor then it might very well be the best compressor ever made for your use case.
Of course, you dont want to know all that, you were just looking to be low effort catty.
but also I appreciate you commenting without watching the video. have a nice day.
Best response to the worst first comment ever
Why are you even here watching the video @tonyz4292?
@@markjohnstonofficial sorry man I’m just busting your chops, the pedal search has made me broke and bitter due to all the marketing and in the end I’ve started to resent something that used to bring joy because I’ve realized there’s just always the next thing that is regarded as the best thing or better thing or groundbreaking thing…. To be honest the algorithm won’t let me get away from the marketing because I’ve unfollowed almost all content in the category…you know any gear addict anonymous groups lol