The Lehle Basswitch Dual-Band Compressor is a dual band compressor pedal built for bass players. Instead of squeezing the whole signal at once, it works in two frequency bands, each handled by its own high performance Blackmer VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier), with a non-linear timing circuit that Lehle says gives perfect attack-time behavior1.
Lehle describes the result as low distortions and a superb dynamic sound, and the whole thing is set with a single knob that adjusts a soft knee compression, the gentle style of compression that eases in as the signal gets louder rather than clamping down abruptly1.
What it does
The pedal's design comes down to three elements, all announced when Lehle launched it:
- Two frequency bands: the signal is split so low and high ranges are compressed separately, the approach the "dual band" name refers to
- Two Blackmer VCAs: one voltage controlled amplifier per band, described by Lehle as high performance
- Non-linear timing circuit: Lehle says this is there for perfect attack-time behavior, so the compression responds musically as notes are played1
The single knob covers soft knee compression, meaning one control sets the amount rather than a panel of threshold, ratio and release settings1.
Where it came from
The Basswitch Dual-Band Compressor belongs to Lehle's Basswitch line, which is aimed at bass guitars, and sits in the wider family of compressor pedals and bass pedals1.
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Guitar Interactive Magazine
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Questions
What is a dual band compressor?
A dual band compressor splits the signal into two frequency ranges and compresses each separately, rather than applying one compressor to the whole signal. On the Lehle Basswitch Dual-Band Compressor, that approach uses two Blackmer voltage controlled amplifiers and a non-linear timing circuit, which Lehle says delivers perfect attack-time behavior with low distortion and a dynamic sound.
Who makes the Basswitch Dual-Band Compressor?
The Basswitch Dual-Band Compressor is made by Lehle, the German pedal builder also known for its switching and volume pedals. It was announced in January 2015 as part of the Basswitch line, which Premier Guitar described as the Basswitch Babies gaining a new sibling.
Sources (1)
- Lehle Launches New Basswitch Compressor & Pedals, Premier Guitar, 2015-01-25