The Guyatone STm5 Compressor/Sustainer is a compact compressor pedal from Guyatone's Mighty Micro series. It is a VCA compressor, meaning it uses a voltage-controlled amplifier to manage gain, and it is built around a 3080 OpAmp with true bypass switching1. It belongs to the wider family of compressor pedals that even out a guitar's dynamics and extend sustain.
What it does
As a compressor/sustainer, the STm5's job is to reduce the volume of loud notes and lift quieter ones, which evens out playing dynamics and lets notes ring longer. Guyatone describes it as a "VCA Compressor with 3080 OpAmp and true bypass switching"1. The 3080 OpAmp is the chip at the heart of the gain-control circuit, and true bypass means the pedal is removed from the signal chain entirely when switched off, so it does not color the guitar's tone when not in use.
Where it came from
The STm5 Compressor/Sustainer is a VCA compressor built around a 3080 OpAmp, with true bypass switching1. It carried a list price of $160.00, with a MAP of $1361.
The STm5 was announced in 2009 as part of a limited second batch of Mighty Micro pedals, so it is an older release rather than a current product line.
Pricing
At announcement, the STm5 carried a list price of $160.00, with a MAP (minimum advertised price) of $136 USD1.
Related Guyatone compressors
Guyatone has made several other dynamics pedals that players sometimes compare with the STm5:
- Guyatone SD-2 Sustainer D
- Guyatone BL-2 Bottom Limiter
- Guyatone PS-021 Guitar Exciter / Compressor
- Guyatone PS-020 Bass Exciter / Compressor
Videos
John Gorbe
Mike Hermans
Godlyke Inc.
Questions
What kind of compressor is the Guyatone STm5?
The STm5 Compressor/Sustainer is a VCA compressor, meaning it uses a voltage-controlled amplifier to manage gain. Guyatone's announcement describes it as a VCA Compressor with a 3080 OpAmp and true bypass switching, and it was sold as part of the Mighty Micro series of compact pedals.
When did the Guyatone STm5 come out?
The STm5 was announced in August 2009 as part of the second batch of Guyatone Mighty Micro pedals, alongside the MCm5, SVm5 and TZm5. Godlyke, Inc. said the batch would be available in summer 2009.
Sources (1)
- Guyatone Releases Second Batch of Mighty Micros, Premier Guitar, 2009-08-30
