The Fishman AFX AcoustiComp Mini is a compact compressor pedal built for acoustic guitar and other acoustic instruments. Fishman describes it as providing "mild, effective dynamics leveling designed specifically for acoustic instruments," and the circuit is based on the company's Aura Spectrum Compressor1. It is a digital design with an analog signal path, housed in a small aluminum enclosure, and it is now discontinued1.
Gentle compression for acoustic instruments
The AcoustiComp Mini exists to even out the dynamic swings that come from a pickup under an acoustic top, where a hard strum can jump out and a fingerpicked note can disappear. Fishman positions it as a gentle leveler rather than a squash-heavy effect, carried over from the Aura Spectrum Compressor that appeared in the company's Aura range1.
The control set is deliberately small:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| COMP | Adjusts the compression ratio from off to full1 |
| LEVEL | Adjusts the effect level so you can balance it with your bypass volume1 |
That two-knob layout means setting it up is a matter of dialing in how much compression you want, then matching the level. Players who want more control over attack, release or tone would need to look elsewhere, but for a pedalboard where space is tight, the simple layout keeps things quick on stage1.
Analog or digital?
The pedal is a hybrid. The compression runs on 32-bit digital signal processing with 24-bit A/D and D/A conversion, while the signal path around the converters is analog, specified at 10M ohm input impedance and 1k ohm output impedance1. Fishman also lists a signal-to-noise figure of -100dB and a dynamic range of 100dB1.
Bypass and Dual Path routing
Fishman equips the AFX Mini pedals with true bypass, and explains the choice in its own words1:
The Level control adjusts the effect level, letting you balance the compression against your bypass volume1. The pedal combines digital signal processing with an analog signal path, with a 10M Ohm input impedance and a 1k Ohm output impedance1.
A switchable buffered bypass is included for players who run long cable runs and prefer a buffer in the chain1.
The other routing feature is what Fishman calls Innovative Dual Path Routing, selected with a front-panel Audio Path switch. Fishman explains that AFX Mini pedals "allow you to choose the audio path on which a particular effect will be processed" by flipping this switch1. The 1/4-inch TRS input and output jacks are what enable the Dual Path functionality1.
Power and connections
The pedal needs a 9V external power supply, which is not included. Fishman specifies its own 910-R adapter for 120VAC outlets or 910-U for 230VAC to ensure the stated specifications, into a 5.5mm outer diameter, 2.1mm inner diameter barrel connector with center negative. Current draw is 53mA typical1.
The AcoustiComp Mini is discontinued, and no power supply is included with the pedal. At 53mA typical draw it needs its own supply output on most pedalboard power supplies rather than a shared low-current output1.
Physical specifications:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.9" W x 3.8" D x 1.92" H (49mm W x 97mm D x 49mm H)1 |
| Enclosure | Durable aluminum1 |
| Audio I/O | 1/4" TRS input and output (TRS enables Dual Path functionality)1 |
Where it sits in the AFX range
The AcoustiComp Mini is part of Fishman's AFX Mini series of compact pedals for acoustic instruments. Others in the family include the Fishman AFX AcoustiVerb for reverb, the Fishman AFX BlueChorus Mini for chorus, the Fishman AFX EchoBack Mini for delay, and the Fishman AFX Pro EQ Mini for preamp and EQ duties12. For more options in this category, see the compressor pedals and acoustic pedals pages.
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Questions
What circuit is the Fishman AFX AcoustiComp Mini based on?
Fishman based the AcoustiComp Mini on its Aura Spectrum Compressor, describing the pedal as providing mild, effective dynamics leveling designed specifically for acoustic instruments. It carries that circuit into a compact mini enclosure with a single COMP control for the compression ratio and a LEVEL control for balancing the effect against your bypass volume.
Is the AcoustiComp Mini discontinued?
Yes. Fishman's own product page for the AFX AcoustiComp Mini lists it as discontinued, so it no longer appears in the company's current lineup. It was sold under model number PRO-AFX-CM2, and used or remaining new stock is where players would look for one today.
Is the AcoustiComp Mini analog or digital?
It is a hybrid design. The compression itself is done with 32-bit digital signal processing and 24-bit A/D and D/A conversion, while the signal path around the converter stages is analog, with a 10M ohm input impedance and a 1k ohm output impedance.
Is the AcoustiComp Mini true bypass?
Yes. Fishman equips the pedal with true bypass, which removes the pedal's electronics from the signal chain when it is off, and adds a switchable buffered bypass for players who prefer a buffer in the chain.
What power does the AcoustiComp Mini need?
The pedal requires a 9V external power supply, sold separately, drawing a typical 53mA. Fishman specifies its own 910-R adapter for 120VAC outlets or 910-U for 230VAC, into a 5.5mm outer diameter, 2.1mm inner diameter barrel connector with center negative.
What does the Dual Path routing switch do?
AFX Mini pedals include a front-panel Audio Path switch for Dual Path Routing. Fishman says it lets you choose the audio path on which a particular effect will be processed, so the compression can sit where it works best in your signal chain. The 1/4-inch TRS input and output jacks enable this functionality.
