The Cicognani Engineering FLORENCE is a 1176-style optical compressor pedal, inspired by the 1176, which the maker calls one of the most famous studio compressors from the 60s. It is fully analog and carries a 12AU7 tube, which the maker says guarantees a sound with a lot of headroom. The pedal has been discontinued by Cicognani Engineering and is listed as sold out.1
What it does
The FLORENCE covers three functions in one box: Compressor, Limiter, and Sustainer. A ratio selector offers four selectable ratios: 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1, running from gentle leveling to firm limiting.1
The maker describes the pedal's character in terms of naturalness: "The naturalness of sound is its virtue, thanks to the possibility of correcting the equalization with the 'Tone', even in extreme ratio conditions." In practice, that means the Tone control lets a player adjust the equalization to keep the sound natural even when the pedal is compressing hard at the higher ratios.1
For players comparing compressors, the FLORENCE sits in the same family as the maker's Cicognani Engineering SEXYCOMP76, and both belong to the broader field of compressor pedals. What sets the FLORENCE apart on paper is the combination of an optical 1176-style circuit with a 12AU7 tube stage in a fully analog signal path.1
Build
The main panel is made of three-layer color Plexi (PMMA). The pedal was conceived, designed and built in Italy.1
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Questions
Is the Cicognani Florence discontinued?
Yes. According to the product page from Godlyke Distributing, the FLORENCE has been discontinued by Cicognani Engineering, and the pedal is listed as sold out. Players looking for a Cicognani compressor will need to find one secondhand or consider the maker's other designs.
Is the Cicognani Florence true bypass?
Yes. The FLORENCE uses a true bypass switching system, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes through without the compressor circuit in the path.
What tube does the Cicognani Florence use?
The FLORENCE is equipped with a 12AU7 tube. According to the maker, this tube gives the pedal a sound with a lot of headroom, which suits players who want compression that stays clean under signal.
Where is the Cicognani Florence made?
The FLORENCE was conceived, designed and built in Italy by Cicognani Engineering.
Sources (1)
- FLORENCE (1176-style optical compressor) *discontinued*, Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
