The King Comp is a compressor pedal from Orange, released in October 2025. Orange describes it as "a super low-noise Class A VCA compressor pedal that brings studio-style dynamics to your pedalboard," and Guitar World's report on the launch called it "a 'super low noise' compression pedal with high headroom and envelope shaping controls"12.
What it does
At the heart of the pedal is a Class A VCA compression circuit. A VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) is the same kind of gain-control element found in many studio compressors, and Orange says the King Comp's version delivers "precision dynamics with a warm, natural feel." The maker describes the overall effect as smooth, musical compression that adds sustain, snap, and sparkle while preserving dynamics and feel1.
Guitar World framed the pedal's appeal in similar terms, noting its high headroom and envelope shaping controls alongside the low noise floor2.
Controls
The King Comp carries four knobs, which Guitar World describes as a quartet2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Attack | Sets how quickly the compression kicks in1 |
| Release | Shapes the notes as part of the Attack and Release double-act, dictating the speed of the compression and the shape of every note2 |
| Volume | Level control, rounding out the quartet2 |
| Compression | Sets the compression level2 |
Orange sums up the Attack and Release pair this way: "Dual attack and release knobs allow you to set how quickly the compression kicks in and shape every note accordingly"1.
Power and bypass
The King Comp needs an external 18V DC supply. Orange specifies that the pedal is powered directly with an external 18V DC supply, so plan for an 18V output on your power supply before adding it to a board.
Orange says the pedal runs at 18V for maximum headroom and dynamic response, which the maker describes as useful with high-output pickups or complex rigs1.
For bypass, the pedal uses a high-quality buffered rather than true bypass design. Orange says this ensures the signal stays strong and consistent even when the pedal is off, which matters on longer pedalboard runs where cable length can dull the top end1.
Where it sits in Orange's range
The King Comp arrived alongside a longer line of Orange compression designs. The company previously released the Orange Kongpressor, an analog Class A compressor launched at NAMM 2017, and reissued its 1970s Orange Sustain pedal in 2022. The King Comp's VCA circuit sets it apart from the Kongpressor's optical approach, and players comparing the two can read more on each product's page. For a wider look at the category, see the site's guide to Compressor Pedals.
Questions
Does the Orange King Comp run on a battery?
No. Orange specifies that the King Comp is powered directly with an external 18V DC supply. That higher voltage is deliberate: the maker says it runs at 18V for maximum headroom and dynamic response, which it describes as useful with high-output pickups or complex rigs. Players should plan for an 18V output on their power supply rather than a standard outlet or a battery.
Is the Orange King Comp true bypass?
No. Orange describes the King Comp as having a high-quality buffered bypass, which the maker says keeps the signal strong and consistent even when the pedal is switched off. A buffered bypass leaves a small active circuit in the signal path at all times, unlike true bypass, which connects the input straight to the output when the effect is off.
Is the Orange King Comp analog?
Yes. Orange states the King Comp has an all-analogue signal path. The compression itself is handled by a Class A VCA circuit, which the maker says delivers precision dynamics with a warm, natural feel. There is no digital conversion in the audio path.
How much does the Orange King Comp cost?
The Orange King Comp was available to order for $179 in the US and £159 in the UK when Guitar World reported its release on 27 October 2025. Orange's own product page also lists it at £159.00 GBP.
Sources (2)
- King Comp Compressor Pedal, Orange Music Electronic Co Ltd
- The Orange King Comp wants to level up your compression game, Guitar World, 2025-10-27
