The Flamma FC21 Compressor is an analog, optical compressor pedal from Flamma Innovation, part of the company's FC line of mini pedals. Flamma describes it as aiming to provide "that classic, optical compression while maintaining a smooth attack and decay," tuned specifically for a sensitive dynamic range1. It sits in the compact, metal-shell format that Flamma uses across the FC lineup, with true bypass when the effect is not engaged1.
Flamma's product page showed the FC21 as sold out as of 26 October 2026, at a list price of $59.90 USD and a sale price of $29.90 USD1.
What an optical compressor does
Optical compression is a design approach with its own character. As Paolo De Gregorio of Delicious Audio put it, "Optical compressors are based on a technology that produces slightly different compression from regular designs," with slower attack and release times, the potential to be very transparent, and a technology base different from VCA or FET compressor designs2. For a player, that means the FC21 is aimed at evening out a sensitive dynamic range smoothly rather than clamping down hard and fast.
Flamma's own description matches that: the pedal is tuned for a sensitive dynamic range, with the goal of classic optical compression and a smooth attack and decay1. Pedal of the Day's review repeats the same framing, calling the FC21 Analog Compressor "a simple effect that takes your tone to the next level"3.
The controls: EQ and volume
The FC21 keeps things simple. Delicious Audio describes it as "an optical mini-compressor with controls for Compression, Volume and EQ"2. Flamma's page highlights the built-in EQ and volume knobs as allowing customization of the effect, alongside the pedal's tuning for a sensitive dynamic range1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Compression | Sets the amount of compression applied to the signal2 |
| Volume | Level control, part of the customization of the effect1 |
| EQ | Built-in tone shaping, part of the customization of the effect1 |
The EQ knob is worth noting, because many mini compressors offer only level and compression controls. Having a tone control on the pedal lets a player adjust how the compressed signal sits, rather than relying on the amp or a separate equalization pedal to rebalance things123.
Size, price and where it fits
The FC21 is a mini pedal, and that format is central to how it fits on a board. As of the latest check, the pedal is listed as sold out1. For a player considering one secondhand or waiting on a restock, that status is worth knowing before planning it into a build, since a mini compressor that takes up little pedalboard real estate is only useful if you can actually get one.
Delicious Audio added the FC21 to its guide to mini-compressor pedals in September 2022, describing it as part of the Chinese company's FC line of mini pedals2.
If you are weighing it against other options, the FC21's combination of analog optical circuit, three knobs and a mini footprint places it among the simpler entries in the wider field of compressor pedals. Flamma also lists the pedal under the name Flamma Innovation FC21 Analog Compressor in some coverage213.
Videos
Flamma Innovation
Pedal of the Day
Ryan Lutton
Questions
Is the Flamma FC21 analog or digital?
The FC21 is an analog pedal. Flamma's product page lists it as the FC21 Compressor Analog Comp, and both Delicious Audio and Pedal of the Day describe it as an analog compressor in their coverage. It uses optical compression, a design based on different technology from VCA or FET compressors.
Is the Flamma FC21 true bypass?
Yes. Flamma states that, as is standard in the FC lineup, the FC21 features a compact metal shell with true bypass when not engaged. Delicious Audio and Pedal of the Day both repeat the same description in their reviews of the pedal.
How much does the Flamma FC21 cost?
Flamma's product page listed the FC21 at $59.90 USD, with a sale price of $29.90 USD, as of October 2026. The page also showed the pedal as sold out at that date.
Is the Flamma FC21 an optical compressor?
Yes. Flamma describes the FC21 as aiming to provide classic optical compression while maintaining a smooth attack and decay. Optical compressors work on technology different from VCA or FET designs and tend toward slower attack and release times.
What other pedals are in the Flamma FC lineup?
The FC21 is part of Flamma's FC line of mini pedals. The FC lineup shares a common format: compact metal shells with true bypass. Beyond that shared format, the individual pedals in the line are not covered in the same detail as the FC21 itself.
Sources (3)
- FLAMMA FC21 Compressor Analog Comp Classic, Optical Compression, Flamma Innovation
- Flamma FC21 Analog Comp, Delicious Audio, 2022-09-28
- Flamma Innovation FC21 Analog Compressor, Pedal of the Day, 2022-12-23
