Classic Grey Compressor

The problem with this gray Ross Clone is that there is not enough gain. With the volume knob maxed, there is less than unity gain. If you want to use a compressor to increase your volume for leads, it will not do it. I have owned a couple Ross Compressors and they do not have this problem. The original Ross Compressors had plenty of volume to go way above unity gain. I don't understand why a suppossed clone does not preform in the same way. I found this pedal useless for a band situation because when you engage the effect, your volume will drop. This occurs even when running the Atomic Classic after gain pedals. If you put the Atomic first in your effect chain, the volume drop will be even worse.

It seemed to be well made, but I sold it on ebay within a month, so I have no opinion as to its longevity.

Very easy to use, but not to good effect.

When I received my Atomic Classic Grey Compressor brand new from MusicToyz (the manufacturer and distributor), it had scratches all over the enclosure. I emailed MusicToyz and told Ted that I thought I was sent a used one, he replied with a LOL, and told me that some of the boxes got scratched up in transit to his new facility. He told me that all the enclosures were scratched, and that was why the price was only $99.00 on sale. MusicToyz never mentioned in the ad that the enclosures were scratched, they were selling them as new. I'll never buy from MusicToyz again for the reason that they should have disclosed that they were selling "scratch & dent" items, and the fact that I didn't appreciate a "LOL" for a legitimate concern.

Almost worthless. Maybe this could be used for recording, but not live.

I totally relate with Jim's review posted below pertaining to the sound quality of the effect.   I too thought it was broken at first, until I read his review.  It definitely blots any character of the sound coming out of the amp.

Hasn't died on me yet.

How easy is it to get a good sound out of it? If I would use "good" as the key word, then I give it a '1'.  But otherwise, just two knobs and a footswitch controls the sound and turns off-on/bypasses the effect - I'll make it a '10', I guess

However, I am not able to return it, since I bought this at an auction.     Note: But, with the less-than-mediocre service that MusicToyz performs (yes, I did have problems with them also) it wouldn't make a difference if I did.  Hence, I know what Jim is talking about.

I am pretty disappointed with this compressor.  Here I thought it was going to have that nice boutiquesh/vintage sound, where I can replace my very cheap, dime-a-dozen compressors, but it doesn't even stand up to them.  I don't think I will be using this in my line up.

I have 2 guitars, Rickenbacker 360 and a Reverend Rocco custom which i plug throw a Fat multi scream - Top hat wonderboy - analogman clone chours - atomic grey compressor - atomic echo clone. I find the grey compressor works best after my OD,Chorus pedals. I previously owned a robert keeley compressor which i found to be more transparent then this one but they both are great pedals. First off the classic grey compressor is not as noisy as the Keeley comp. The atmoic comp seems to  kill alot of my highs anywhere after 12 o'clock but thats where the singing feedback happens so i dont mind to much. seems to boos my bass up a bit but not to harsh. infront of my od pedal it seems to make everything sound like a broken speaker (some people like that) I like a more tight focused sounding overdrive as oppose to a fuzzy death so i place it after. it works very well for what I do and I like it. Its silent when off and takes nothing from my tone which I love. the keeley was a very nosiy pedal but had a great sound. I didnt like the crazy hiss so I got rid of it (BTW a keeley compressor with the sustain between 12 & 1 and level at noon along with a java boost with the bost around 2-3 and level around 2-3 makes for a really wicked crunch drive with class A monsters) I guess there really isnt anymore to say about this pedal. it works and does a great job, I dont leave it on all the time so i dont mind that i loose a little highs for certain overdriven areas because it sings and sustains for days so im happy not fulfilled but extreamly happy.

I trust it will be working until my sons son is born and I hope he uses it.

2 knobs sustain (how much compression ) and level (how loud) pretty easy to compress your sound. takes a second to hear a change in your sound. its true bypass and has boss style jack to power it up or use 9 volts (i use a power supply)

takes forever to get to your door but once its there its there for good. the guy at musictoyz is very helpfull if incase something ever happens to the pedal. I turst he can pull some strings if you cant reach the atomic company.

I mostly play old new wave. early grunge and indy rock some noise stuff and this pedal for what it does works well with everything I throw at it. I suggest you try to get your hands on one..rumor has it they will be like the way huge pedals...( didnt hear it form me) I hope so since i have the entire collection but if not then I'm totally fine using it to get my sounds. thanks again atomic for a job well done.