The Keeley Compressor Plus Germanium is the latest generation of their best-selling compressor pedal, but upgraded and reimagined. Twenty-five years ago, a compressor was the very first pedal developed by Robert Keeley.
Contents – Keeley Compressor Plus Germanium
Compressor Plus Germanium First Thoughts
This updated Keeley Compressor Plus Germanium pedal looks like a win for the pedal company, taking an already good design and building on it. Robert Keeley expanded it with Japanese germanium circuitry, and it could be a great platform for guitarists chasing great guitar tones.
I’ve used the original Keeley Compressor many times, and it’s pretty good, so will this updated edition top the classic?
The original’s simplicity is its strength, so I’m glad they didn’t mess with that, since too many controls on a compressor pedal can be a nightmare. It is fine in the studio, but when you are out gigging, ‘less is more’.
This 25th Anniversary Compressor Plus could be a nice update to that original and is worth checking out if you are in the market for a new compressor pedal.
What do germanium transistors do?
As the name suggests, the Keeley Compressor Plus Germanium houses a Japanese-style germanium transistor.
Keeley uses germanium in the audio output and in the compressor’s sidechain feedback circuit. This naturally results in an audible difference in sound. Germanium transistors react differently to string attack. Thankfully, the layout and control selection haven’t changed. Level, Tone, Comp, and Blend offer excellent signal control.
Single-Coil & Humbucker
A toggle switch lets you choose between single-coil and humbucker pickups—useful depending on the guitar you’re using. Holding the footswitch down selects between true bypass and buffered bypass.
So I expect slightly more musical, responsive compression with this new edition. It draws only 25 mA and runs on 9–18V DC, so it’s perfect for pedalboard setups.
They are available in Brushed Aluminum as standard or a Transparent Black edition, which is only available directly from Keeley.
Availability
The Keeley Compressor Plus Germanium will soon be available here at Thomann and Sweetwater.
More Information
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