The DemonFx Call76 Bass Compressor is an analog FET compressor for bass, inspired by the classic 1176 studio compressor and built into a compact, pedalboard-friendly format. DemonFx describes it as a studio-quality design with bass-focused enhancements, pairing a low-noise circuit with the fast, musical FET response the 1176 is known for. It sits in the compressor category alongside other compressor pedals and is aimed squarely at bass players1.
What it does to a bass signal
The Call76 applies 1176-style FET compression, which DemonFx describes as fast and musical, and adapts it for the bass range. The maker's description of the result is "exceptionally transparent compression that is both powerful and articulate"1.
Two bass-focused features set it apart from a straight 1176 copy:
- Dry Blend: mixes the uncompressed signal back in with the compressed one. This is a parallel compression technique, delivering the punch and thickness of 1176-style compression while preserving natural attack and dynamics1.
- HPF: a variable-frequency high-pass filter in the sidechain. It controls how much compression is applied to the lowest frequencies, making the compression frequency-dependent so low strings remain full and dynamic while higher strings stay tightly controlled1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Attack/Release | A single, combined control offering a smooth and practical range of settings, designed to avoid problematic combinations that could introduce unwanted distortion, especially in the low end1 |
| Dry Blend | Mixes the uncompressed signal back in with the compressed one for parallel compression1 |
| HPF | Variable-frequency high-pass filter in the sidechain, controlling how much compression reaches the lowest frequencies1 |
The Call76 does not have separate attack and release knobs. The single combined Attack/Release control is a deliberate design choice, intended to keep players out of settings that cause distortion in the low end1.
Power
The Call76 runs on 9V DC, center negative, and draws 78mA of current1. That is a standard pedalboard supply arrangement, but the 78mA draw means a low-current output on a shared supply may not be enough for it.
Manual
An English manual for the Call76 is available as a PDF from DemonFx, linked from the product's RockBoard PedalPedia listing1.
Videos
Joãozinho Alves
Questions
Is the DemonFx Call76 analog?
Yes. The Call76 Bass Compressor is an analog pedal with an analog circuit type. It uses a FET-based compression design inspired by the classic 1176 studio compressor, adapted for bass and built into a compact pedalboard-friendly format.
What power supply does the DemonFx Call76 use?
The Call76 runs on a 9V DC power supply with a center negative plug, the standard arrangement for most pedalboard power supplies. It draws 78mA of current, so it is worth checking the current budget of a shared power supply when adding it to a board.
What does the Dry Blend control do on the Call76?
The Dry Blend control mixes the uncompressed signal back in with the compressed one. This is a parallel compression technique: it delivers the punch and thickness of 1176-style compression while preserving the natural attack and dynamics of the bass.
What does the HPF do on a bass compressor?
The HPF is a variable-frequency high-pass filter in the sidechain, the part of the circuit that tells the compressor when to act. It controls how much compression is applied to the lowest frequencies, so low strings stay full and dynamic while higher strings are tightly controlled.
Does the Call76 have separate attack and release knobs?
No. The Call76 uses a single, combined Attack/Release control. It offers a smooth and practical range of settings, designed to avoid problematic combinations that could introduce unwanted distortion, especially in the low end.
Where can I find the DemonFx Call76 manual?
An English manual for the Call76 Bass Compressor is available as a PDF from DemonFx, linked from the product's RockBoard PedalPedia page.
Sources (1)
- Call76 Bass Compressor by DemonFx, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026