The Reactor Boost Compressor is a compressor pedal from McCaffrey Audio that also works as a boost. Announced on May 1, 2015, it keeps the control layout deliberately simple: two knobs, one for compression and one for level, plus a three-position switch that tunes the pedal to the guitar plugged into it12.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Increases or decreases the pedal's output volume. Turned up, the pedal starts to push the front end of your amp and other pedals1 |
| Fusion | Affects the amount of compression and drive when the level is increased1 |
| Critical Mass switch | Three-position switch to tune the pedal to the guitar type: single coil, brighter modern humbucker, or darker vintage humbucker2 |
The Fusion knob is where the boost side of the design lives: as the level comes up, it shapes how much compression and drive the pedal adds, so the same two knobs cover everything from light compression to pushing an amp1.
Circuit and design
Premier Guitar's release coverage describes the circuit as a single dual op-amp effect with J-Fets and a single diode towards the end of the circuit1. The company framed the pedal around three design principles: simplicity and ease of use, and being specifically tailored to the player's rig1.
The Critical Mass switch is not fixed. McCaffrey Audio will custom-voice that "CRITICAL MASS" control to your liking, just for asking, according to both Premier Guitar and Guitar Interactive at the 2015 release12.
Guitars and playing styles
McCaffrey designed the pedal to shine with both humbucker and single-coil-equipped guitars, and the Critical Mass switch gives each type its own position2. Guitar Interactive's Jonathan Graham described the intended uses: "whether you're looking to get that chicken-pickin' tonality, smooth your rhythm playing, get endless single note sustain"2, or helping the guitar sit better in the mix2.
For players comparing compressor designs, the Reactor sits in the compressor pedal category, and its level-driven drive puts it alongside players who use a boost pedal to push an amp2.
Videos
Brett Kingman
60 Cycle Hum
Rogue Guitar Shop
Questions
What does the Critical Mass switch do on the McCaffrey Reactor?
It is a three-position switch that tunes the pedal to your specific guitar type: single coil, the brighter modern humbucker, or the darker vintage humbucker. McCaffrey Audio will also custom-voice the Critical Mass control to your liking, just for asking, so the pedal can be tailored to a particular rig.
Does the Reactor Boost Compressor work with single-coil guitars?
Yes. The maker designed it to shine with both humbucker and single-coil-equipped guitars, and the Critical Mass switch has a dedicated single-coil position. Guitar Interactive's coverage described uses including chicken-pickin' tonality, smoothed rhythm playing, single note sustain during solos, and helping the guitar sit better in the mix.
What power supply does the McCaffrey Reactor use?
A standard 9V power supply with a negative center 2.1mm connector, according to Premier Guitar's coverage of the release. That is the common center-negative barrel plug used by most pedal power supplies.
Can McCaffrey Audio custom-voice the Critical Mass control?
Yes. Both Premier Guitar and Guitar Interactive reported at the 2015 release that McCaffrey Audio will custom-voice the CRITICAL MASS control to a player's liking, just for asking.
Sources (2)
- McCaffrey Audio Unveils the Reactor Boost Compressor, Premier Guitar, 2015-05-01
- McCaffrey Audio Unveils the Reactor Boost Compressor Pedal, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2015-05-06