The SEXYCOMP76 is an optical compressor/limiter pedal from Cicognani Engineering, described by the maker as a pro-quality unit optimized for use with guitar, bass and acoustic stringed instruments. It combines two functions in one box: a compression section that can add sustain and punch to notes, and a limiter section that controls the maximum signal level that is output. The two modes can also be mixed together, which the maker describes as allowing unprecedented manipulation of sustain and signal level. The pedal has been discontinued by Cicognani Engineering, so it is no longer in current production.1
How it works
As an optical design, the pedal's gain reduction is built around an LDR, a light-dependent resistor paired with a professional-grade IC. Cicognani Engineering states that the internal circuitry runs at 24 VDC.1
The controls
The SEXYCOMP76 keeps its front panel to four controls, each with a distinct job:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Input Level | Determines the threshold of the compression effect1 |
| Ratio | Determines how much compression will be added1 |
| Tone | Can add back the brightness often lost with compression effects1 |
| Output Level | Balances bypassed and effected volumes, or boosts output to push an amplifier harder1 |
The Input and Ratio controls together set when compression starts and how hard it bites, while the Output Level doubles as a level-matching tool and a clean boost into the front of an amp. The Tone control addresses a common complaint about compressors, the dulling of high frequencies, by restoring brightness after the compression stage.1
Compressor and limiter together
The pedal's distinguishing feature is that its two sections are not exclusive. Cicognani Engineering describes the compression section as the tool for adding sustain and punch to notes, with the limiter section capping the maximum output level. Because the two modes can be mixed together, a player can use them as one combined stage of dynamic control rather than switching between roles.1
Bypass and signal integrity
The SEXYCOMP76 uses mechanical true bypass switching. The maker states this makes sure the bypassed signal remains clean and unaltered, so the pedal stays out of the signal path entirely when switched off.1
Cicognani Engineering has discontinued the SEXYCOMP76, so it is no longer available new from the maker.1
If you are weighing compressors more broadly, the Compressor Pedals page covers how optical designs compare with other circuit types.
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Questions
Is the Cicognani Engineering SEXYCOMP76 true bypass?
Yes. The SEXYCOMP76 uses mechanical true bypass switching, which Cicognani Engineering says makes sure the bypassed signal remains clean and unaltered when the pedal is off.
Is the SEXYCOMP76 still made?
No. According to the maker's product page, the SEXYCOMP76 has been discontinued by Cicognani Engineering, so it is no longer in current production.
Can you use the compressor and limiter at the same time on the SEXYCOMP76?
Yes. Cicognani Engineering says the SEXYCOMP76's compressor and limiter modes can be mixed together, allowing you to shape sustain and signal level at the same time rather than choosing one mode or the other.
What does the Tone knob do on the SEXYCOMP76?
The Tone control can add back the brightness that is often lost with compression effects, letting you restore high-end sparkle after the compression stage.
What does LDR mean in an optical compressor?
LDR stands for light-dependent resistor, the light-sensitive element at the heart of an optical compressor. In the SEXYCOMP76, the internal circuitry features a professional-grade IC and a hand-selected LDR, all running internally at 24 VDC.
Sources (1)
- SEXYCOMP76 (opto limiter compressor) *discontinued*, Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
