The Carl Martin Dual Compressor Limiter is a compressor pedal with a limiter function that puts two independent compression channels in one enclosure, for instant switching between two settings1. Carl Martin describes it as delivering flexible, natural compression, and says that used lightly it "evens out volume differences and makes your tone feel more stable and finished," tightening chords and adding controlled sustain without collapsing attack1.
Controls
The two channels share one global threshold, while each side keeps its own compression amount and output level2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Threshold | Sets the global compression trigger level, shared by both channels1 |
| Comp (left channel) | Controls compression amount on the left channel1 |
| Comp (right channel) | Controls compression amount on the right channel1 |
| Level | Output level for each channel2 |
| Bypass | Engages or bypasses the pedal1 |
| Input | Receives the instrument signal1 |
| Output | Sends the signal to the next device1 |
Carl Martin's support material sums up the layout: "Each side has its own COMP and LEVEL controls, while both share a global THRESHOLD control for consistent response."2
The two channels and the limiter function
The point of the dual layout is having two compression setups ready at once: one side set lightly for evening out volume, the other set harder for sustain or for limiting, switched between instantly1. At the top of its range the pedal works as a limiter as well. Carl Martin says that "with higher compression settings (up to 30:1), it can act as a peak limiter, controlling transient spikes"12.
Power, bypass and specifications
The pedal takes a 9V DC center-negative supply and runs internally at 12V, generated from the 9V input, which Carl Martin says increases headroom1. Switching is true bypass, which the maker says preserves signal integrity when the pedal is disengaged12. The listed 105 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.05% THD are figures Carl Martin points to for clean performance in recording as well as live use1.
The product page lists a 9V DC center-negative input and does not give a current draw figure or mention a battery option, so plan your power supply accordingly.
Where it sits in Carl Martin's compressor range
Carl Martin builds several compressors around the compressor/limiter idea. The Comp/Limiter is a compact two-knob version of the company's original Compressor/Limiter, and the Andy Timmons Signature Compressor/Limiter is a two-preset design developed with Timmons that uses similar DC/DC converter circuitry. The Honey Comp added a Dry knob for parallel compression, and the Classic Opto-Compressor is the maker's opto-based model3. For the wider category, see the compressor pedals page.
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Questions
Is the Carl Martin Dual Compressor Limiter true bypass?
Yes. Carl Martin states the pedal uses true bypass switching to preserve signal integrity when it is disengaged. The Bypass footswitch engages or bypasses the pedal, so when it is off your guitar's signal passes through without going through the compression circuitry.
What power supply does the Carl Martin Dual Compressor Limiter need?
It runs on a 9V DC center-negative power input. Internally, the pedal generates 12V from that 9V input, which Carl Martin says increases headroom. No battery option or current draw figure is given on the product page.
What is the maximum compression ratio?
The maximum compression ratio is 30:1. Carl Martin notes that at higher compression settings the pedal can act as a peak limiter, controlling transient spikes in a controlled way.
Can it work as a peak limiter?
Yes. With higher compression settings, up to 30:1, Carl Martin says it can act as a peak limiter, controlling transient spikes in a controlled manner. That makes it usable both as an always-on level smoother and as a limiter for taming hard picked notes.
What is the signal-to-noise ratio?
Carl Martin lists a 105 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.05% THD, and says the pedal performs cleanly in recording environments as well as in a live rig.
How do the two channels work together?
Each side of the pedal has its own COMP and LEVEL controls, while both share a global THRESHOLD control for consistent response. That lets you set up two different compression amounts and levels and switch between them instantly with the footswitches.
Sources (3)
- Dual Compressor Limiter, Carl Martin, 2026
- Support - Carl Martin, Carl Martin (carlmartin.com), 2026
- Classic Opto-Compressor, Carl Martin, 2026
