Orange Amplifiers

collapse expand iconDescription

The Kongpressor from Orange Amplification is an analog Class A compression pedal that adds an organic, three-dimensional quality to any rig. The pedal takes its inspiration from some of the world’s most iconic vintage optical studio units, employing a re-issue of the famous vactrol VTL5C3 optocoupler that was responsible for the sound heard on countless hit records.

At lower compression levels, the Kongpressor’s effect is transparent but somehow fattening. It adds mojo and a glossy sheen to your core tone that you’ll truly miss when it’s bypassed. Even at extreme settings, the tone always remains musical with great feel under the fingers.

With controls for attack and release time, the Kongpressor can be tweaked to fine tune the transients and the bloom. We worked hard to make these parameters as forgiving as possible whilst still allowing players full control over the compression response. The pedal’s internal charge pump doubles the headroom of the unit, so however the dials are set, the compression tracks seamlessly and remains clean across its range. There’s also an active treble control for adding in extra chime and jangle, making the compression even more transparent. So whether you are new to compression or a seasoned studio user, it’s impossible to get a bad sound from this comp.

Of course it’s outstanding for crystal clean country pickin’, but the Kongpressor also maintains the bottom end that seems to gets lost in many compression pedals. This means it behaves impeccably with overdrive pedals or the lead channel of your amplifier, adding fullness and sustain.

Optical Class A Compression
The Kongpressor’s analogue, Class A design makes for very natural sounding compression. The vintage-inspired optical circuit adds extra depth your guitar or bass tone, making it seem larger than life.

The attack and release times can be adjusted to taste allowing for fine tuning of the bloom and perceived plectrum gauge. Faster attack times will react to the front of the note faster, while slower attack times will add punch to the sound as the compression reacts slower on the transient. Fast release times will give more perceived clean volume along with a more transparent compression. Slower release times will yield more compression and a slower, mellower bloom. With any attack or release setting, the Kongpressor has a satisfying, springy playing response under the fingers.

12dB Clean Boost
With up to 12dB of clean gain available on the Volume control, the Kongpressor works brilliantly as a transparent clean boost pedal, but with a little extra "something." With the compression turned up, your lead lines will cut through the band with plenty of fat, singing sustain.

Internal Charge Pump
Like all Orange pedals, the Kongpressor features an internal charge pump which doubles the operating voltage of the pedal to 18V. This has the effect of drastically increasing the headroom for super clean compression. The Kongpressor can be powered by 9V battery or standard DC adapter, or for even more output can also run on 12V DC.

Transparent Buffered Bypass
The Kongpressor’s bypass features an ultra-linear buffer which retains your guitar’s upper harmonic content when the pedal is switched off. Maintain tonal integrity even with long cable runs and large pedalboards.
Orange Amplifiers Kongpressor Analog Compression Effects Pedal
Orange Amplifiers Kongpressor Analog Compression Effects Pedal
Orange Amplifiers Kongpressor Analog Compression Effects Pedal

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Add three-dimensional tone to your rig
  • Works equally well with clean tones or overdrive pedals and high-gain amps
  • Natural-sounding compression that maintains low end

collapse expand iconSpecs

  • Power: 9V battery operation or 9V–12V DC adapter
  • Maximum draw: 35mA
  • Optical Class A compression
  • 12dB clean boost
  • Internal charge pump doubles operating voltage to 18V
  • Transparent buffered bypass
  • Controls: volume, squash (compression level), release, attack, chime (high end)
  • Dimensions: 3.74 x 2.56 x 5.12 in. (9.5 x 6.5 x 13 cm)
  • Weight: 1.1 lb. (495g)

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collapse expand iconReviews

5

3 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Amateur Recording2
  2. Home Studio2
  3. Outdoor Events / Games2
  4. Performances2
  5. Professional Recording2
Cons
  1. Difficult To Use1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced1
  2. Novice1
  3. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Excellent Sound Quality3
  2. Good Selection Of Effects2
  3. Responsive2
  4. Versatile2
  • I didn't know I needed this. Now it's always on.

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byRobert H

    fromPortland

    I wasn't sure I needed a compression pedal but this thing makes the sound really shine. Never turn it off.

  • I'm buying another one.

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byDan R

    fromAsbury Park, NJ

    I knew I wanted an optical compressor for my live pedal board and there aren't that many out there. Every brand that makes an optical compressor pedal is probably a decent choice but I chose Orange because of their overall reputation throughout the years. I am not disappointed at all!! I was concerned about it not having a "blend" knob bc that seems to be a staple these days to get that dynamic parallel compression sound but this pedal sounds so good that you don't even need it!! If you know what you're listening for, this will exceed your expectations for that perfect studio quality optical sound. I'm buying a second one for my home studio rig now too 😎

  • Great Pedal!

    5

    submitted7 years ago

    byThomas

    fromTexas

    I absolutely love this pedal. I was originally looking at a Keeley compressor, but found this gym and thought it looked really interesting. I was kind of skeptic because most guitar compressors don't come with Attack and Release features because its not considered useful, but now that Iv'e used this I I'm so happy I went with this. The pedal is very versatile and offers lots of different capabilities. It does a really good job of either hiding itself behind the tone where you don't notice it being used (which is what most people desire in a pedal like this) or you can use it as a type of boost or chyme tone that really brings your sound to life. Works great with over drives and with high gain humbuckers. Its built like a absolute tank so you will never have to worry about it. This is not however something I would recommend to a beginner. Compressors are difficult to figure out on your own anyway, and this one has a lot of extra options, so someone who doesn't know how to use this may find it frustrating and want to consider another option. Over all it is a fantastic option, and for the price its well worth checking out!

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byUnusualnoob

    fromPittsburg,Ks

    Can this be used  on a bass guitar?

    Can this be used on a bass guitar?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes