The Guyatone PS-020 Bass Exciter / Compressor is a compact pedal that combines two functions for bass players: an exciter, which shapes harmonic content, and a compressor, which evens out dynamics. It is the bass companion to the Guyatone PS-021 Guitar Exciter / Compressor, and the two pedals share one circuit design. According to Aion FX, which traced the circuit, "The circuit is identical to the PS-021 except for five parts that have been changed in the exciter and tone control" to suit bass frequencies1.
How it differs from the PS-021
The PS-020 and the PS-021 are the same circuit at heart. The difference comes down to component values: five parts in the exciter and tone control sections are changed so the effect works on the frequencies a bass produces rather than a guitar's range. For a player choosing between the two, the choice is simply the instrument being plugged in1.
Where the design comes from
For more on how this kind of effect works, see Compressor Pedals.
Videos
The Rolling Store
Satoshi Henmi's Kugenuma Diary
Sources (1)
- Meridian Exciter & Compressor / Guyatone PS-021, Aion FX, 2019-08-31
