The 3Leaf Audio PWNZOR is an optical compressor pedal aimed at bass players, designed by Spencer Doren of 3Leaf Audio. It pairs a high-fidelity compression circuit with a Vintage switch that changes the pedal's attack and release behavior to recall old-school compressors, and it runs from a 9V supply with an internal voltage doubler for extra headroom12.
An optical compressor with a Vintage switch
An optical compressor uses a light-dependent element to control gain, and the PWNZOR applies that approach to bass in a pedal housed in a Hammond Manufacturing 1590BB enclosure, which Premier Guitar's reviewer described as giving the compressor "a very industrial look"1. The pedal was announced as available in August 2011, handmade in the USA, with the first 25 pedals carrying a Fromel-etched finish2.
The Vintage switch is the pedal's signature feature. No Treble's Kevin Johnson explained that "the Vintage switch kicks the pedal into feedback mode, essentially changing the characteristics of the attack and release" to mimic older compressor designs2. Premier Guitar described the front panel toggle as switching between vintage and modern compression modes, a high-fidelity design that nods to classic compressors12.
The controls
The PWNZOR has four main controls, listed by No Treble as Input Sensitivity, Output Gain, Attack Speed, and Ratio2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Input Sensitivity | Sets how much signal feeds the optical compression circuit; higher settings trigger the circuit easier1 |
| Output Gain | Sets the pedal's output level2 |
| Attack Speed | Sets how quickly compression engages2 |
| Ratio | Sets compression amount, with a range of 1:1 through 10:11 |
The Input control is described by Premier Guitar as "the first step after engaging the pedal," and getting it right determines how hard the optical circuit is driven1.
Power and bypass
The PWNZOR does not take batteries. It requires a 9V wall wart supply, so it needs a dedicated power output on a pedalboard rather than a battery compartment or a daisy chain shared with lower-draw pedals1.
Once powered, the pedal runs its compression circuit at 18V internally through a voltage doubler, which 3Leaf Audio includes for expanded headroom1. Switching is handled by a relay bypass system designed for clickless operation, which automatically switches to bypass mode if power is lost2.
The input and output jacks are made from plastic and are Neutrik-manufactured; 3Leaf Audio states that more than 4,000 Neutrik-manufactured jacks have been used1.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's reviewer came away positive, listing as pros "Great tone and many options for dialing in the right amount and type of compression," and calling the PWNZOR "a knockout choice in the world of compression pedals for bass"1.
"the PWNZOR is a knockout choice in the world of compression pedals for bass"
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Questions
Does the 3Leaf Audio PWNZOR take a battery?
No. Premier Guitar's reviewer notes that the PWNZOR does not take batteries and requires a 9V wall wart power supply to run. The pedal makes up for that with an internal voltage doubler that raises the input power to 18V internally for expanded headroom, so plan your pedalboard power around a dedicated 9V DC output rather than a battery compartment.
Is the PWNZOR true bypass?
The PWNZOR uses a relay bypass system rather than a conventional mechanical switch. No Treble's Kevin Johnson described it as a clickless switching system that automatically switches to bypass mode if power is lost, so the pedal will not leave your signal stranded when the power dies.
What does the Vintage switch do on the PWNZOR?
The Vintage switch kicks the pedal into feedback mode, changing the characteristics of the attack and release to mimic old-school compressors. The front panel toggle switches between vintage and modern compression modes, letting the high-fidelity design nod to classic compressors at the flip of a switch.
Who designed the 3Leaf Audio PWNZOR?
The PWNZOR was designed by Spencer Doren of 3Leaf Audio, according to Premier Guitar's review, which credits him with tackling the optical compression flavor of effect in the pedal.
Where is the PWNZOR made?
The PWNZOR is handmade in the USA, as announced when the pedal was released in August 2011. The first 25 pedals off the line carried a Fromel-etched finish.
Sources (2)
- 3Leaf Audio PWNZOR Bass Compressor Review, Premier Guitar, 2012-02-27
- 3Leaf Audio Releases PWNZOR Optical Compressor Pedal, No Treble, 2011-08-22