The Providence Velvet Comp VLC-1 is a guitar compressor stompbox from the Japanese maker Providence. Providence describes it as providing "smooth, lustrous compression", and it keeps the layout simple: three knobs for level, attack and sustain, plus true bypass switching. Like most guitar compressor stompboxes, Premier Guitar's reviewer noted that the compression here is an effect and not designed to be transparent, so it is a pedal that colors the sound rather than hiding behind it.1
Controls
The VLC-1 has three controls, and each does a distinct job:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| LEVEL | Sets the output volume. Guitar Techniques found that with the volume on maximum it works as a signal boost, great for a thicker and louder clean sound.3 |
| ATTACK | An attack time control that Providence says makes it possible to match the compression to a range of playing styles, from arpeggios through long sustain to crisp chording.1 |
| SUSTAIN | Sets the amount of compression and sustain. Guitar Techniques suggested the sustain and attack dials at 9 o'clock with volume on maximum for a boost.3 |
Using it as a limiter or boost
The Velvet Comp has a couple of secondary uses beyond straight compression. Premier Guitar's review notes that it can also be used as a limiter, which means dialling the compression in to catch peaks rather than squash them evenly.4 Guitar Techniques, reviewing the pedal in 2010, described a boost setup: have the sustain and attack dials at 9 o'clock and volume on maximum for a signal boost, great for a thicker and louder clean sound.3
Power and battery monitoring
The VLC-1 can be powered with a 9V supply or battery, according to Pedal of the Day's review.2 Providence specifies power consumption of DC 9V, approximately 5 mA with the effect on, which is light enough for most pedalboard supplies.1
The LED doubles as a battery monitor. Providence states that when the battery voltage drops below 7 volts the LED will become dimmer and begin to go out, a visual cue that the battery needs changing.1
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's reviewer was impressed with the sustain when playing both distorted and clean tones, though they judged it okay as a sustainer, lacking the boost associated with dedicated sustainer pedals.4 Pedal of the Day, reviewing it in 2017, called it "This blue beauty from our friends at Providence", referring to its blue enclosure.2
Guitar Techniques' 2010 review also noted a high-profile user: the pedal was recently used live by Steve Lukather during a far east tour, and he had it on the whole gig.3
Videos
ProvidenceSoundMovie
Brett Kingman
Yuzy
Questions
Does the Providence Velvet Comp run on a battery?
Yes. The VLC-1 can be powered with a 9V supply or a battery, according to Pedal of the Day's review. Providence specifies power consumption of DC 9V, approximately 5 mA with the effect on, and the LED doubles as a battery monitor: when the battery voltage drops below 7 volts the LED becomes dimmer and begins to go out, so you can see when it is time to change it.
Can the Providence Velvet Comp work as a limiter?
Yes. Premier Guitar's review notes that the Velvet Comp can also be used as a limiter, in addition to its role as a compressor. With the attack and sustain dials set low and the volume on maximum, Guitar Techniques also found it works as a signal boost for a thicker and louder clean sound.
What does the attack knob do on the Velvet Comp?
Providence describes the ATTACK control as an attack time control that makes it possible to match the compression to a range of playing styles, from arpeggios through long sustain to crisp chording. In other words, it sets how quickly the compression responds to your picking.
How much does the Providence Velvet Comp cost?
Guitar Techniques, writing on MusicRadar in May 2010, listed the Velvet Comp at a retail price of 210 euros each, alongside the Providence Heat Blaster HBL-2 distortion. No current US list price is available.
Sources (4)
- PROVIDENCE, Providence, 2026
- Providence Velvet Comp VLC-1 Compressor, Pedal of the Day, 2017-04-10
- Providence Distortion and Compression effects utopia!, MusicRadar, 2010-05-21
- Providence Pedal Reviews: Sonic Drive & More, Premier Guitar, 2010-08-05
