Compressors are one of the best tools in a guitar player’s tool box, and the Reaction Compressor fulfills all the requirements for outstanding compression.  Professional players use a compressor like a secret weapon to get accomplish many things, including adding more sustain to any guitar without adding distortion, defining every note in a chord while letting it ring out, creating in your face solos, and much more.

Rocktron’s Reaction Series pedals are built into a rugged metal slim form factor chassis, taking up as little space as possible on your pedalboard.  The Reaction Compressor is a TRUE BYPASS pedal: when you turn it off…it is out of your signal path!

Control knobs for the Reaction Compressor include SUSTAIN, which controls the amount of Compression and Release characteristics.    ATTACK determines how fast the compression reacts.  LEVEL controls the output volume.

Most studio compressors are big and bulky and quite difficult to set.  Rocktron comes to the rescue with the Reaction Compressor.  It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 to get professional results that will improve your live performances. 

Here’s some tips.  Start by setting the ATTACK and LEVEL controls around the 12::00 o’clock position.  Turn the SUSTAIN from left to right in small increments while playing until you achieve the texture you are seeking.  After you have found your favorite sweet spot, use the LEVEL control to fine tune your output level.  That’s it!  Sound check is done.

Use the Reaction Compressor as a master SOLO switch to not only define what you play but also to raise the volume!  The soundman can worry about something else…you have performance control!.

Typically you want to set the output level after compression has been applied so that it is the same as the pedal in True Bypass – this is called “unity gain” (the same level from pedal on to pedal off).  You may want to apply compression, and then actually add volume using the LEVEL control.  Now you have added more sustain and drive which can be used before an overdrive pedal, or direct into your amplifier. 

Compression helps define articulation for any instrument by limiting how loud a note can get.  It also makes lower volume notes louder.  The end result is a smoother and more even sound, and that is what you hear on professional recordings.  It’s also what you will hear live!  The soundman will thank you!

The footswitch on the Reaction Compressor controls On/Off status as shown by the LED indicator.  Reaction stomp boxes run on a 9V Alkaline battery, or may also be powered by Rocktron’s DC OnTap Universal Power Supply adaptor.