The DryBell Module 4 is an analog compressor pedal from DryBell Guitar Effects. What sets it apart from most studio-style compressor pedals is that it carries two distinct compression voices in one box: True FET mode, a modern FET compressor, and Orange mode, a recreation of Dan Armstrong's vintage Orange Squeezer. A single Orange button toggles between the two12.
The pedal is listed at USD 315.003. Beyond the two voices, it adds a Blend control for parallel compression, a Tone control, a Preamp input-gain control, a Release control, an Output control with up to 17dB of boost gain, and a built-in expander for noise reduction1.
What it does: two compressor voices in one pedal
The Module 4's two modes are aimed at different jobs. True FET mode is described by DryBell as a classic FET compression voice that complements a wide range of instruments, including guitar, bass, acoustic guitar, keyboards and vocals, and it works with both passive and active pickups1.
Orange mode is the vintage side. DryBell describes it as delivering "the warm magic of Dan Armstrong's Orange Squeezer," the circuit the pedal explicitly recreates12. The original Squeezer is known among players as a squishy, glued-together vintage compression sound, and DryBell has modernized the recreation in at least one measurable way: the company states that Orange mode's noise floor is more than 10dB lower than the original vintage unit1.
A third element sits on top of both voices: an expander for noise reduction, with fast and slow adjustable reaction times. DryBell says it "intelligently attenuates incoming background noise when you mute strings," which functions like a built-in noise gate tuned for a compressor's sustain-heavy output1.
The controls
The control set covers the full compression picture, from input gain to output level, plus tone shaping1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Preamp | Sets input gain for the preferred compression amount, regardless of pickup output or type1 |
| Release | Adjusts how long the compression lasts after you play a note, shaping sustain and feel1 |
| Blend | Mixes dry signal with compressed signal for parallel compression that retains pick attack; DryBell calls it ideal for bass1 |
| Tone | Fine-tunes brightness and presence of the compressed tone, adding clarity or warmth1 |
| Output (Boost) | Sets overall output level to match volume, or adds a high-headroom boost of up to 17dB to the amp or next pedal1 |
| Orange Button | Toggles between modern FET and vintage-style Orange Squeezer compression (orange light on)1 |
The Blend control deserves a note for players new to compression. Because the dry signal keeps its original pick attack while the compressed signal adds sustain underneath, parallel compression is a common approach for players who want evenness without the audible "grab" of a fully wet signal. DryBell positions this as especially useful on bass1.
Power and connections
The Module 4 runs on a 9V standard power supply drawing 100mA, and the supply is not included. There is no battery operation1.
No battery option means the pedal needs a 9V DC power supply or pedalboard power brick from day one. Plan for 100mA of current on your supply.
Bypass is selectable between three options: True, Buffered, and Orange1. The default is Pure Buffered Bypass, which DryBell says preserves clarity and high-end sparkle, especially with long cables or multiple pedals in the chain, with headroom of 15.8dBu and full audio spectrum fidelity. Orange Bypass is a buffered option that retains the EQ characteristics of Orange mode even when the effect is bypassed, so the vintage voicing carries over to your clean signal1.
Input and output specs differ by mode. In True FET mode the input impedance is 900kΩ at 1kHz; in Orange mode it is dynamic, listed between 80kΩ and 200kΩ at 1kHz. Output impedance is 440Ω at 1kHz1.
Where it came from and who uses it
DryBell is a Croatian effects maker. The Module 4 is a two-mode analog compressor: its Orange mode delivers the warm character of Dan Armstrong's Orange Squeezer, while True FET mode offers classic FET compression that works with passive and active pickups and suits guitar, bass, acoustic guitar, keyboards and vocals1.
The pedal ships in a Hippie Blue Metallic powder-coated enclosure, and DryBell says each one comes with a gift direct from its workshop in Croatia1. The company also offers a 14-day trial period with a full refund if you are not satisfied1.
On the artist side, DryBell quotes Jon Carin on the Module 4:
"I'll definitely be using it on our upcoming European tour."
What reviewers said
"The Module 4 is beautifully poised, and contains all my essentials"
He specifically called out the Blend, Tone and Preamp controls as his essentials for a compressor, which lines up with the parallel-compression and input-matching approach the pedal is built around4.
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Questions
Does the DryBell Module 4 run on a battery?
No. The Module 4 runs on a 9V DC standard power supply drawing about 100mA, and the supply is not included with the pedal. There is no battery option, so you will need a pedalboard power supply or a dedicated 9V adapter.
Is the DryBell Module 4 true bypass?
It offers three bypass options: True, Buffered, and Orange. The default is a Pure Buffered Bypass that DryBell says preserves clarity and high-end sparkle with long cables or large pedalboards, with 15.8dBu of headroom. Orange Bypass is buffered and keeps the EQ character of Orange mode even when the effect is off.
Can you use the DryBell Module 4 on bass?
Yes. DryBell describes the Blend control's parallel compression, which keeps pick attack, as ideal for bass, and says True FET mode works with both passive and active pickups across guitar, bass, acoustic guitar, keyboards and vocals.
Who uses the DryBell Module 4?
DryBell quotes keyboardist and guitarist Jon Carin, who said of the pedal: "I'll definitely be using it on our upcoming European tour."
Where is the DryBell Module 4 made?
In Croatia. DryBell is a Croatian effects maker, and the company says each Module 4 ships with a gift directly from its workshop in Croatia.
Sources (4)
- DryBell Module 4: Orange Squeezer + True FET Compression, DryBell Guitar Effects, 2026-09-24
- DryBell Module 4: Awards & Press Reviews, DryBell, 2024-06-21
- Gwyn Ashton's Blues-Rock Tone with DryBell Guitar Effects, DryBell, 2026-09-29
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X
