The OKKO FX Coca Comp MKII is a compressor and clean boost pedal. The maker describes it as "a studio quality compressor and clean boost pedal", and it works as an upward compressor: it leaves the attack and strong notes unchanged while amplifying quieter notes and increasing sustain1. That makes it a different animal from most pedal compressors, which usually work by turning loud notes down. OKKO also says it does not color your tone but enhances it1.
How it works
OKKO says the CocaComp works like an "upward" compressor, leaving the attack and strong notes unchanged while amplifying quieter notes and increasing sustain1. Because quiet notes are brought up rather than loud notes squashed down, the pedal doubles as a clean boost, and the same Push knob that sets the output level serves as the boost control.
The circuit uses an optocoupler, the approach OKKO compares to expensive studio compressors, which the maker says gives smooth and natural compression1. OKKO is explicit that the CocaComp's circuit "has nothing in common with the classic grey, red or orange stompbox compressors", so players familiar with the usual optical pedal compressors should expect a different design1.
The controls: Sing, Push and Tone
The Coca Comp keeps things simple, with three knobs:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Sing | The one control for the compression. OKKO says "you won't miss any of the others"1 |
| Push | Volume/boost control; unity gain is around 10 o'clock1 |
| Tone | Passive tone control, new to the MKII. It can warm up and fatten your tone or make it bright and snappy; the middle setting is neutral1 |
The Tone knob is new to the MKII. The earlier Coca Comp did not have it, so the two versions are not identical.
With bass guitar
OKKO says the CocaComp also works well with bass guitars, and that "it just makes everything sound better balanced and easier to place in the mix"1. Players looking at compressors for bass can also browse the site's Bass Pedals and Compressor Pedals pages for other options.
About OKKO FX
OKKO FX states that since its official launch in 2003, thousands of its pedals have found their place on pedalboards1. The German maker builds the Coca Comp MKII compressor, the subject of this page, and lists it at a price of €158,82, excluding shipping1.
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Questions
What is an upward compressor?
An upward compressor works the opposite way to the usual kind. Instead of turning loud notes down, it amplifies quieter notes and increases sustain, while leaving the attack and strong notes unchanged. OKKO says the Coca Comp MKII works this way, which is why it can act as a compressor and a clean boost at the same time.
Does the Coca Comp use an optocoupler?
Yes. OKKO says the Coca Comp works with an optocoupler, the same approach used in expensive studio compressors, for smooth and natural compression. The maker also states the circuit has nothing in common with the classic grey, red or orange stompbox compressors.
Can the Coca Comp be used with bass guitar?
OKKO says the CocaComp also works well with bass guitars, and that it makes everything sound better balanced and easier to place in the mix. The pedal is marketed as a guitar pedal, but the maker describes it as suitable for bass as well.
What changed in the MKII?
The MKII adds a passive tone control. OKKO says it can warm up and fatten your tone or make it bright and snappy, with the middle setting neutral. The compression itself is still handled by the single Sing control.
Is the Coca Comp noisy?
OKKO describes the CocaComp as having a low noise design and parts choice that results in exceptionally quiet operation, with no hiss, hum or other unwanted noise. The maker also says it does not color your tone but enhances it.
Sources (1)
- COCA COMP MKII, OKKO FX
