The Flamma Innovation FC21 Analog Compressor is an analog, optical compression pedal in a compact mini enclosure. 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 carries three knobs, Compression, Volume and EQ, and switches to true bypass when not engaged2.
What optical compression means here
Optical compressors work on a technology different from the VCA or FET designs used in most compressor pedals. As Paolo De Gregorio of Delicious Audio explains, optical designs "produce slightly different compression from regular designs," generally with a slower attack and release, and they can be very transparent2. That slower, smoother response is what Flamma is pointing at with its "smooth attack and decay" description1. If you are new to compression as an effect type, the Compressor Pedals page covers how these designs compare.
Delicious Audio added the FC21, which it lists under the name Flamma FC21 Analog Comp, to its article about the best mini-compressor pedals in September 20222.
The controls: Compression, Volume and EQ
The FC21 keeps things simple with three knobs2:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Compression | Sets the amount of optical compression applied to the signal2 |
| Volume | Sets the output level, allowing customization of the effect13 |
| EQ | A built-in tone control that, with the Volume knob, allows customization of the effect13 |
Flamma says the pedal is "tuned specifically for a sensitive dynamic range with a built-in EQ and volume knobs that allow customization of the effect"1. The EQ knob is the unusual one on a mini compressor at this size: it lets you shape the tone of the compressed signal instead of leaving the voicing fixed.
Design, lineage and availability
As is standard in Flamma's FC lineup, the FC21 features a compact metal shell with true bypass when not engaged1. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio characterized the pedal as "a repackaged but cheaper (and better looking) version of the Mooer Yellow Comp"2, which gives a sense of where the design sits among related mini compressors.
Flamma Innovation's product page for the FC21 Compressor currently shows it as sold out1. Pedal of the Day reported in December 2022 that Flamma released five new pedals that month, with the FC21 Analog Compressor the last of the batch covered that week3.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the FC21 in December 2022 and summed it up in terms of size and value3:
"the FC21 Analog Compressor provides plenty of funk without hogging all the real estate on your pedalboard. For the price"
The review framed it as "a simple effect that takes your tone to the next level" and noted the compact metal shell and true bypass shared across the FC lineup3. Delicious Audio's inclusion in its mini-compressor roundup is another published endorsement of the format, with the caveat of its Mooer Yellow Comp comparison above2.
Videos
Flamma Innovation
Pedal of the Day
Ryan Lutton
Questions
Is the Flamma FC21 analog or digital?
The FC21 is an analog pedal. Flamma Innovation lists it as the FC21 Compressor Analog Comp, and both Delicious Audio and Pedal of the Day describe it as an analog compressor. It uses optical compression, a design based on a light-dependent element rather than the VCA or FET circuits found in many other compressors, which gives it a slightly different compression character.
Is the Flamma FC21 true bypass?
Yes. Flamma Innovation says the FC21 features true bypass when not engaged, and Pedal of the Day repeats the same specification in its review. That means the pedal's circuit is removed from the signal path entirely when it is switched off, so it does not color your tone while bypassed.
What does the EQ knob do on the Flamma FC21?
The FC21 has a built-in EQ knob alongside its Compression and Volume controls. Flamma Innovation describes the EQ and Volume knobs as allowing customization of the effect, so the EQ knob lets you shape the pedal's tone to suit your guitar and amp rather than leaving you with a fixed compressed sound.
Is the Flamma FC21 still in production?
As of October 2026, Flamma Innovation's own product page for the FC21 Compressor shows it as sold out. The pedal was part of a batch of five new Flamma pedals released around December 2022, so it has been available in the past, but the maker's listing currently shows no stock.
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
