The Free The Tone SILKY COMP SC-1-CS is an analog compressor pedal from Free The Tone, built as a limited-production revival of the original SILKY COMP SC-1, which the company discontinued in 201812. After the original went away, Free The Tone says many players wrote in asking for its return, saying there was a comp sound only the Silky Comp could produce, so the company brought it back in small quantities through its FREE THE TONE CUSTOM SHOP, sold only through the company's online store in Japan12.
The name comes from what the pedal aims for: Free The Tone describes the original SC-1 as having a silk-like smooth sound and playing feel, and RockBoard PedalPedia notes it was known for its silky smooth sound and playability12. RockBoard also describes the reborn pedal as having a sound matched to modern music2.
Where it came from
The original Silky Comp SC-1 was a compressor in Free The Tone's regular lineup until production ended in 201812. Its disappearance left a gap: Free The Tone's Custom Shop page says that after the discontinuation, many voices called for the Silky Comp's return, believing there was a compressor sound only it could produce1.
The SC-1-CS is the answer to those requests. Free The Tone states plainly that it is a small-quantity production released through the FREE THE TONE CUSTOM SHOP1, and RockBoard PedalPedia likewise describes it as a limited production of the SC-1 released through the Custom Shop2. An English manual is available from Free The Tone2.
The controls
The SC-1-CS keeps the original's three-knob layout13:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| SUSTAIN | Sets the amount of compression and sustain1 |
| ATTACK | Shapes how the compressor responds to the attack of a picked note; Free The Tone says it enables a wide range of sound making, and turned fully to the right the pedal can be used as a limiter1 |
| LEVEL | Sets the output volume1 |
The ATTACK control is the one Free The Tone highlights: the maker says it allows a wide range of sound making, and that with the knob turned fully clockwise the pedal works as a limiter1. That gives the pedal two personalities in one box, from gentle sustain smoothing to hard peak control.
Power and connections
Power comes from DC9V, either a 9V 006P-type battery or an AC adapter, with a DC9V input jack on the pedal for the adapter1. The current draw is about 4mA1, which is low enough that the pedal places almost no demand on a pedalboard power supply.
Connections are simple: one 1/4-inch input jack and one 1/4-inch output jack1. Input impedance is 330kΩ and the output wants to see a load of 200kΩ or higher1, which is typical of analog pedals and works fine into most amps and later pedals in a chain.
The SC-1-CS runs on a 9V battery as well as an adapter, unlike pedals that require adapter power only. At about 4mA draw, a fresh battery lasts a long time, and the pedal is also easy to power from a shared or low-current output on a multi-pedal supply1.
How it relates to the Silky Groove
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Questions
Is the Free The Tone Silky Comp SC-1-CS analog?
Yes. The SC-1-CS is an analog compressor pedal, listed by RockBoard PedalPedia with an analog circuit type. It is a limited-production reissue of the original Silky Comp SC-1, which Free The Tone discontinued in 2018.
Does the Silky Comp SC-1-CS run on a battery?
Yes. Free The Tone specifies DC9V power from either a 9V 006P-type battery or an AC adapter, with a DC9V input jack for the adapter connection. So it works on a standard 9V battery or a pedalboard power supply.
How much current does the Silky Comp SC-1-CS draw?
About 4mA, according to Free The Tone's product page. That is a very low draw, so it places almost no demand on a pedalboard power supply and can share an output with other low-current analog pedals.
Why was the original Silky Comp discontinued?
Free The Tone ended production of the original SILKY COMP SC-1 in 2018. Afterward, many players asked for its return, and the company answered those requests by producing the SC-1-CS in small quantities through its Custom Shop.
How does the Silky Groove relate to the Silky Comp?
The Silky Groove SG-1C, released in 2021, carried the Silky Comp design forward by adding a Mix knob with a phase-aware dry mix circuit. The SC-1-CS, by contrast, is a limited reissue of the original three-control Silky Comp.
How big is the Silky Comp SC-1-CS?
It measures 72mm wide, 115mm deep and 50mm high, including the footswitch, jacks and other protruding parts, and weighs about 215g without accessories. That is a compact standard-size pedal enclosure.
Sources (3)
- SILKY COMP / SC-1-CS｜CUSTOM SHOP カスタムショップ｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
- SILKY COMP SC-1-CS by Free The Tone, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- SILKY COMP / SC-1｜Products 商品紹介｜Free The Tone, Free The Tone
