The JAM Pedals Dyna-ssoR Bass is the bass version of the Dyna-ssoR, an analog compressor pedal from the Greek company JAM Pedals. Like the standard model, it is built around a rare NOS CA3080 chip and combines the spirit of the classic Ross and MXR Dyna Comp circuits in a simple two-knob design12. A compressor evens out the volume between your loudest and quietest notes and adds sustain, which for bass players often means a more consistent, punchier note that sits solidly in the mix.
What it does and how it is controlled
JAM Pedals describes the Dyna-ssoR as "a musical NOS CA3080 compressor"1. The control set is deliberately minimal, two knobs shared by every version of the pedal:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Sustain | Sets compression and sustain1 |
| Level | Sets output; matches your volume or pushes the next stage1 |
That is the whole interface: a simple two-knob design with Sustain setting compression and sustain, and Level setting output. With no ratio control, attack knob or blend, there are fewer decisions to make, but less fine control over how the compression behaves on a bass signal1.
The CA3080 chip and where the circuit comes from
The heart of the pedal is the CA3080, an operational transconductance amplifier that has been out of production for years, which is why JAM Pedals uses NOS (new old stock) parts. The company says the rare chip "delivers the vintage attack, compression and sustain associated with classic compressor designs"2. The circuit itself is not a clone of one pedal: JAM Pedals says it "combines the spirit of classic Ross and Dyna Comp circuits in a simple two-knob design that feels responsive at every" setting2.
On That Pedal Show, Dan described the family lineage directly:
"Jam Pedals makes perhaps our favourite modern pedal compressor inspired by the classic MXR Dyna-Comp"4
The Bass version and the artwork versions
The standard Dyna-ssoR is also sold in a series of custom artwork versions, including the "Relic" and "Lunar Trails" finishes, and JAM Pedals is explicit that these are the same pedal underneath: "Same sound, different artwork"56. The "Achenbach" artwork version was listed as sold out5.
The artwork versions of the Dyna-ssoR are cosmetic variants only. JAM Pedals states they share the same sound, so a "Relic" or "Lunar Trails" finish is the same circuit as the standard pedal56.
What reviewers said
That Pedal Show's verdict, quoted above, placed it among their favorite modern pedal compressors4.
Who uses it
JAM Pedals lists David Torn among the artists using the Dyna-ssoR, on both the pedal's product page and Torn's artist page on the company's site17. Dweezil Zappa also appears on the company's artist pages alongside the compressor8.
Videos
JAM pedals
JAM pedals
BassTheWorld.com
Questions
What is the difference between the Dyna-ssoR and the Dyna-ssoR Bass?
The Dyna-ssoR Bass is the bass version of JAM Pedals' standard Dyna-ssoR compressor. Both are analog pedals built on the NOS CA3080 chip with the same two controls, Sustain and Level. Delicious Audio's reviewer confirmed in 2019 that JAM Pedals makes a Bass version of the Dyna-ssoR that can be purchased.
What chip does the JAM Dyna-ssoR use?
The Dyna-ssoR uses a NOS CA3080 chip, a rare, discontinued part that JAM Pedals describes as delivering the vintage attack, compression and sustain associated with classic compressor designs. The circuit combines the spirit of the classic Ross and MXR Dyna Comp circuits.
Who uses the JAM Pedals Dyna-ssoR?
JAM Pedals lists David Torn among the artists using the Dyna-ssoR, on both the pedal's product page and Torn's own artist page on the company's site. Dweezil Zappa also appears on the company's artist pages alongside the compressor.
Sources (8)
- Dyna-ssoR, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
- Dyna-ssoR B-Stock, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
- Guitar Pedal Reviews: JAM Dyna-ssoR Compressor/Sustainer, Delicious Audio, 2019-11-12
- JAM Pedals Dynassor & ’70s MXR Dyna Comp Effector Du Jour, That Pedal Show, 2024-02-27
- “Lunar Trails” Dyna-ssoR, JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
- “Achenbach” Dyna-ssoR, JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
- David Torn, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
- Dweezil Zappa, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
