The Lusithand Alma MKIII is a boutique bass compressor pedal, analog throughout and built around an opto-isolator compression design, where a light-sensitive element handles the gain reduction. It is the third version of the Alma, building on earlier versions with added flexibility and headroom1. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes its circuitry as aiming for transparent, musical compression suitable for both bass and other instruments1.
The controls
The Alma MKIII's control set covers the main decisions a bass player makes with a compressor: how hard it works, how much dry signal comes through, and how the tone sits1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | Selectable ratios of 2:1, 4:1 and 8:11 |
| Attack switch | Fast/slow attack switch1 |
| Clean blend | Blends uncompressed signal with the compressed signal for parallel compression1 |
| Tilt EQ | Tilt EQ section that can be shifted between center frequencies to tailor tone1 |
The clean blend is the control many bass players look for first in a compressor. Because it runs a parallel compression path, the untouched note keeps its attack and low-end while the compressed path evens out the level, which is why the design suits bass as much as other instruments1. The tilt EQ then lets the player lean the tone brighter or darker around a chosen center frequency1.
For more on how compressors fit a bass rig, see Compressor Pedals and Bass Pedals.
Power
The Alma MKIII runs on 9V DC, center negative1, the standard arrangement for pedalboard power supplies.
Videos
LusitHand Devices
LusitHand Devices
LusitHand Devices
Questions
What compression ratios does the Lusithand Alma MKIII offer?
The Alma MKIII offers selectable compression ratios of 2:1, 4:1 and 8:1. The lower settings give gentle, even leveling, while the 8:1 setting applies much stronger control over peaks. Together with the fast/slow attack switch, these ratios let the player decide how firmly the pedal clamps down on loud notes.
What does the clean blend control do?
The clean blend control mixes an uncompressed copy of the instrument's signal back in alongside the compressed signal, which is known as parallel compression. On bass this keeps the attack and low-end detail of the dry note audible while the compressed signal evens out the overall level.
Is the Lusithand Alma MKIII an analog compressor?
Yes. The Alma MKIII is an analog pedal, built around an opto-isolator compression design, an approach where a light-sensitive element controls the gain reduction.
What is a tilt EQ?
A tilt EQ is a tone control that pivots around a center frequency: turning it one way boosts highs and cuts lows, and turning it the other way does the opposite. On the Alma MKIII, the tilt EQ section can be shifted between center frequencies to tailor the tone.
Can the Alma MKIII be used on instruments other than bass?
The maker describes its circuitry as aiming for transparent, musical compression suitable for both bass and other instruments, so it is not limited to bass duties even though it is designed and marketed as a bass compressor.
What power does the Lusithand Alma MKIII need?
The Alma MKIII runs on 9V DC with a center-negative plug, the standard pedal power arrangement used by most pedalboard power supplies.
Sources (1)
- Alma MKIII by Lusithand, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026