The FEA Labs DB-CL Dual Band Compressor Limiter is a compressor/limiter pedal that splits your signal into two frequency bands and compresses each one on its own. Instead of one compressor working across the whole signal, the low side and high side each get their own set of controls, with a Freq knob setting the crossover point between them. Pedal of the Day described it as a pedal that "takes all you thought you knew about compressors and turns your brain upside down"1.
It is built with bass and low-end control in mind, and it carries two outputs that let you split the processed signal in different ways. FEA Labs also makes other compressors, including the FEA Labs Opti-FET Compressor and the FEA Labs DE-CL Dual Engine Compressor Limiter, a related dual-engine design1.
How the dual band design works
A dual band compressor divides the signal at a crossover point and applies compression to each band separately. On the DB-CL, the Freq knob in the middle adjusts that crossover point, with a range Pedal of the Day described as "tailored specifically for bass/low end"1. Splitting the bands means heavy compression on the low end does not pull down the highs, and the two sides can be voiced differently.
Each half, Lo and Hi, has its own Threshold, Ratio, Attack and Release compression parameters, plus a Gain section to make up for signal loss1. The control ranges for the Attack and Release knobs have been optimized for each side, which the reviewer said covers "a TON of sonic ground"1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Threshold (Lo and Hi) | Sets the level at which each side's compression engages1 |
| Ratio (Lo and Hi) | Sets the amount of compression on each side1 |
| Attack (Lo and Hi) | Sets how quickly each side responds, with ranges optimized per side1 |
| Release (Lo and Hi) | Sets how quickly each side recovers, with ranges optimized per side1 |
| Gain (Lo and Hi) | Makes up for signal loss on each side1 |
| Freq | Adjusts the crossover point between the Lo and Hi sides1 |
Limiter mode and footswitches
Switching to Limiter mode bypasses the Lo side Ratio control, adding hard limiting that is set by the Threshold knob1. In practice that turns the low side into a peak catcher: rather than compressing proportionally, it clamps down hard at the threshold.
A Hi Bypass footswitch lets you take the Hi side out of the equation, focusing solely on control of the lower frequency portion of the signal1. That is useful when you want the low end tamed but the upper frequencies left alone.
Outputs
The DB-CL has two outputs, and they do different jobs1:
- Hi: used in conjunction with more guitar-based effects, allowing you to send a Lo signal to another amp or mixer
- Lo/Full: mixes the Hi and Lo signals together for a complete full range signal
That split makes the pedal usable as more than a straight compressor: the low band can be sent somewhere else entirely while the Hi output feeds a normal guitar chain1.
Power
The pedal runs from a 9V power supply, and an onboard internal charge pump allows the DB-CL to operate at 18V from that 9V supply, which FEA Labs describes as giving headroom that is great for active pickups and aggressive playing styles1. A battery can also be used if you like1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's review, published April 18, 2018, was enthusiastic about the depth of the pedal while noting it is not cheap. The reviewer wrote1:
"Basically, this is the super-compressor you never knew existed, and that you never knew you needed."1
The same review called the DB-CL a pedal suited to players seeking a final compressor pedal, and said that while it has a lot of controls and sonic options, "the exploration of it is one of the best parts"1.
Videos
Pedal of the Day
Bass Stuff
ardeshir mistry
Questions
What is a dual band compressor?
A dual band compressor splits your signal into two frequency ranges, a low side and a high side, and compresses each one separately before they are combined again. That lets you even out the low end without squashing the highs, or vice versa. The Freq knob sets the crossover point where the split happens.
Can the FEA Labs DB-CL run on a battery?
Yes. Pedal of the Day notes that you can use a battery with the DB-CL if you like, alongside a standard 9V power supply. The pedal also has an onboard internal charge pump that lets it operate at 18V internally from that 9V supply, which FEA Labs says gives extra headroom.
What does the Hi Bypass footswitch do?
The Hi Bypass footswitch takes the Hi side out of the equation, so the pedal focuses solely on controlling the lower frequency portion of your signal. That is useful when you want compression only on the low end and want the upper frequencies left untouched.
What is the difference between the Hi and Lo/Full outputs on the DB-CL?
The Hi output is used in conjunction with more guitar-based effects, allowing you to send a Lo signal to another amp or mixer. The Lo/Full output mixes the Hi and Lo signals together, giving you a complete full range signal from one jack.
Is the FEA Labs DB-CL made for bass or guitar?
The Freq knob's crossover range is tailored specifically for bass and low end, so the pedal is aimed at players who want independent control of low frequencies. It works as a compressor/limiter for either instrument, and the 18V internal operation is described as great for active pickups and aggressive playing styles.
What does Limiter mode do on the DB-CL?
Switching to Limiter mode bypasses the Lo side Ratio control and adds hard limiting, which is then set by the Threshold knob. It turns the low side from a variable ratio compressor into a hard limiter for catching peaks.
Sources (1)
- FEA Labs DB-CL Dual Band Compressor Limiter, Pedal of the Day, 2018-04-18
