The Pettyjohn CRUSH3 is an analog compressor pedal from Pettyjohn, built around what the maker calls a "Mastering Grade Discrete VCA at core of compression" with a custom RMS sidechain detector circuit1. A VCA (voltage controlled amplifier) is the gain-riding engine found in classic studio compressors, and Pettyjohn draws its lineage from prized studio units such as the SSL console and vintage DBX designs. The RMS detector is the part that shapes how it listens: instead of reacting to the peak of a note, it sees the average volume, which Pettyjohn says gives a more natural compression1.
The original CRUSH was, in Pettyjohn's words, "prized for its smooth, natural compression that feels organic while making your tone sound more forward, 3D and 'finished'". The CRUSH3 carries that approach into a pedal, and the maker does not hold back, calling it "the best sounding compressor we have ever heard in a pedal format"1. It began shipping on October 15th1.
How the RMS detector and VCA work together
Most pedal compressors use a simpler detector that watches the peak of the signal. An RMS (root mean square) detector watches the average level instead, which is how the famous VCA studio compressors Pettyjohn names, the SSL and API buss compressors and the DBX 160 series, have long tracked a signal1. For a player, the practical difference the maker describes is compression that responds to the overall body of a note rather than its sharpest transient, giving a more natural result1. If you want a wider view of where a pedal like this sits, see Compressor Pedals.
The controls
The CRUSH3 puts a full set of compressor controls on the top panel, including mini pots for the time-based settings1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| RATIO (mini pot) | Full range of professional ratio options: 2:1 for soft, glue compression; 4:1 for classic SSL buss comp vibes, great for adding sustain; 10:1 for near limiting, heavy compression1 |
| ATTACK (mini pot) | Fast 1mS to slow 30mS, drawn from the SSL style compressor1 |
| RELEASE (mini pot) | Dial in the perfect release time from around 50mS to 250mS; FAST is 50mS, the fastest it can go while staying clean on most sources, MED is 100 to 200mS for a nice natural balance, SLOW is 250 to 300mS1 |
| KNEE switch | Choose between hard and soft knee compression1 |
| BLEND | Mix back in your clean signal from before the compression stage (parallel compression)1 |
| MAKEUP GAIN | Sets the make up gain level after compression1 |
| TILT | Classic audiophile TILT EQ, neutral at noon; turning left adds highs and cuts lows, turning right cuts highs and boosts lows1 |
The BLEND knob is worth pausing on: because it pulls in the clean signal from before the compression stage, you can run heavy ratios and still keep the front of your notes intact underneath1. The TILT EQ is a single tone control that tilts the whole tonal balance one way or the other, and the stock version is made with Wima MKP10 caps for what Pettyjohn describes as a clean, modern character1.
Versions and mods
Pettyjohn offers the CRUSH3 in stock form and with factory options:
- Stock: features OPA Burr Brown buffers1
- Custom Wood Top: a select cosmetic option1
- Vintage Tone Mod: switches out nearly two dozen parts in the audio path to vintage flavored alternatives, including NOS Allen and Bradly resistors, Silver mica caps and Orange Drops in the Tilt EQ1
- Deluxe Discrete Opamp Mod: upgrades the input and output buffer to a custom 990 style discrete opamp1
The opamp mod fits the company's background. Pettyjohn is known for being the first, and still one of only a few, pedal companies offering discrete opamp equipped pedals1.
The stock buffers and the Deluxe Discrete Opamp Mod are different circuits: the mod replaces the input and output buffer stage, so the two versions will not behave identically. Choose based on whether you want the stock Burr Brown buffers or the custom 990 style discrete opamp1.
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Questions
Is the Pettyjohn CRUSH3 true bypass?
Yes. Pettyjohn equips the CRUSH3 with a true bypass footswitch, so when the pedal is off your guitar signal passes through without loading the input or going through the compression circuit. The jacks are mounted on the rear of the enclosure.
Does the Pettyjohn CRUSH3 have a blend knob for parallel compression?
Yes. The BLEND knob mixes your clean signal from before the compression stage back in with the compressed signal. That is parallel compression, and it lets you keep the attack and full level of the dry notes underneath whatever amount of squeeze you dial in.
Is the Pettyjohn CRUSH3 analog or digital?
The CRUSH3 is an analog compressor. Pettyjohn describes it as an analog compressor at heart, built around a mastering grade discrete VCA with a custom RMS sidechain detector circuit.
What ratio settings does the CRUSH3 offer?
The RATIO mini pot offers a full range of professional ratio options, with three settings Pettyjohn calls out: 2:1 for soft, glue style compression, 4:1 for what the maker describes as classic SSL buss comp vibes that add sustain, and 10:1 for near limiting, heavy compression.
Where is the Pettyjohn CRUSH3 made?
The CRUSH3 is hand made in Oregon, USA, by Pettyjohn Electronics.
Sources (1)
- CRUSH3 | Pettyjohn Elec, Pettyjohn Electronics
