ratio on the Cali76 sweepable , an excellent idea for those situations that require more delicate limiting . Looking at the rest of the pedal , we have standard compressor controls with input and output gain , as well as Attack and Release . The jewel indicator on the front glows orange while compressing , and reacts to your signal , giving this pedal a hi-fi studio feel , always a plus over here . However , what sets this compressor apart from the rest , and really makes me question all my previous compressor purchases is the inclusion of the Dry blend , allowing you to mix in your dry signal to the compressed signal to taste . This feature is incredibly useful , and is quite possibly the most intuitive compression control I ’ ve ever used ( including some very expensive studio units ). It allows you to subtly impart a warm snappiness to your signal , without absolutely smashing your tone with gelatinous transients . However , should you want to submit your guitar to such things , the Cali76 is there for you .
Getting over the honeymoon , I went to work with this compressor , keeping it in my rig for almost three weeks to this day ( an unprecedented amount of time on the pedalboard of this reviewer ). This pedal , like the studio unit before it , imparts a bright warmth to your signal that will almost make you squint at higher volume levels . It makes your tone feel more intimate , depending on where you set the attack and release . Set the Attack a little sluggish and the Release a little quick , and the post-picking transients will bloom out of your amp . Fingerpicking accentuates this effect , and altering your picking attack makes the compressor act in turn , by softening and sweetening those plucks . This effect is almost pillowy , and really needs to be heard to be believed .
The Cali76 is wired for buffered bypass , so if that turns you off , turn back now . I noticed with my Analogman Buffer it was incredibly bright , so I put the Cali76 in the front of my chain and removed the Analogman . The Cali is now taking care of buffer duties , and as a buffer it ’ s decent . It gets the job done , but doesn ’ t have the detail of my Analogman buffer when not engaged .
The Cali76 Compact Deluxe is a premium product , no question . It feels good , looks good , and most importantly of all , sounds good . The inclusion of a Dry control sets it apart from the sea of other compressors out there , and the tonal character it imparts is one that hi-fi minded guitar players will love at the first stomp .
Warm , musical , and hi-fi . Enhances all the right parts of your pick attack to make it sound intimate and clear . Dry control is incredibly intuitive and makes me think every compressor from now on needs one .
Can be a little too bright for some , buffer isn ’ t the most detailed .
ratio on the Cali76 sweepable , an excellent idea for those situations that require more delicate limiting . Looking at the rest of the pedal , we have standard compressor controls with input and output gain , as well as Attack and Release . The jewel indicator on the front glows orange while compressing , and reacts to your signal , giving this pedal a hi-fi studio feel , always a plus over here . However , what sets this compressor apart from the rest , and really makes me question all my previous compressor purchases is the inclusion of the Dry blend , allowing you to mix in your dry signal to the compressed signal to taste . This feature is incredibly useful , and is quite possibly the most intuitive compression control I ’ ve ever used ( including some very expensive studio units ). It allows you to subtly impart a warm snappiness to your signal , without absolutely smashing your tone with gelatinous transients . However , should you want to submit your guitar to such things , the Cali76 is there for you .
Getting over the honeymoon , I went to work with this compressor , keeping it in my rig for almost three weeks to this day ( an unprecedented amount of time on the pedalboard of this reviewer ). This pedal , like the studio unit before it , imparts a bright warmth to your signal that will almost make you squint at higher volume levels . It makes your tone feel more intimate , depending on where you set the attack and release . Set the Attack a little sluggish and the Release a little quick , and the post-picking transients will bloom out of your amp . Fingerpicking accentuates this effect , and altering your picking attack makes the compressor act in turn , by softening and sweetening those plucks . This effect is almost pillowy , and really needs to be heard to be believed .
The Cali76 is wired for buffered bypass , so if that turns you off , turn back now . I noticed with my Analogman Buffer it was incredibly bright , so I put the Cali76 in the front of my chain and removed the Analogman . The Cali is now taking care of buffer duties , and as a buffer it ’ s decent . It gets the job done , but doesn ’ t have the detail of my Analogman buffer when not engaged .
The Cali76 Compact Deluxe is a premium product , no question . It feels good , looks good , and most importantly of all , sounds good . The inclusion of a Dry control sets it apart from the sea of other compressors out there , and the tonal character it imparts is one that hi-fi minded guitar players will love at the first stomp .
WHAT WE LIKE
Warm , musical , and hi-fi . Enhances all the right parts of your pick attack to make it sound intimate and clear . Dry control is incredibly intuitive and makes me think every compressor from now on needs one .
CONCERNS
Can be a little too bright for some , buffer isn ’ t the most detailed .