The Retrospec Audio Squeeze Box is a studio-quality optical compressor/limiter that has been sized down into pedal form, built by Retrospec Audio in Weehawken, NJ1. Unlike most pedals in the compressor category, it is an all-tube design: Pedal of the Day describes a high voltage, all-tube, transformerless circuit that "ensures a super low noise floor," giving off what the review calls "beautiful, warm studio compression in a live setting"1.
The controls
The Squeeze Box carries Gain, Threshold (with switchable pads), Ratio and EQ controls, with the EQ independently activateable1. Pedal of the Day describes how they work together:
"Ratio and Threshold are usual compression suspects, and work together to form many incarnations of sounds."
The controls break down like this:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Out knob | Adjusts the signal level the Squeeze Box puts out, with up to +20dBu of gain available; usable as a front end boost or, with a line matching transformer, as a mic pre1 |
| Ratio and Threshold | The usual compression controls, working together to shape many different sounds1 |
| Pad toggle | Further adjusts the Threshold, which can also be boosted via the Out knob1 |
| EQ knob | A huge range of tones, and can be completely cut out via another toggle for a flatter type of response1 |
The buffer and bypass
The Squeeze Box's buffer is active whether or not the compression circuit is in. Pedal of the Day says this results in a particularly desirable effect on acoustic guitar and upright bass pickups, so the pedal keeps doing useful work even when the compression is switched out1. Players looking at dedicated buffering can compare it with buffer pedals.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's verdict, from its 10 May 2017 review: "The Squeeze Box is one of the finest looking and sounding compressors we have ever come across"1.
Videos
Pete Thorn
Pedal of the Day
Questions
Is the Retrospec Audio Squeeze Box a tube compressor?
Yes. Pedal of the Day describes it as a studio-quality optical compressor/limiter sized down into pedal form, built around a high voltage, all-tube, transformerless design that the review says ensures a super low noise floor. It runs on switchable 120/240VAC mains power rather than a standard 9V pedal supply, which reflects its tube circuitry.
Does the Squeeze Box have an XLR output?
Yes. Alongside a tube buffered 1/4" TS output, the Squeeze Box carries an XLR output. Pedal of the Day also notes that the Out knob's output level, with up to +20dBu of gain available, can be used with a line matching transformer as a mic pre, which pairs naturally with the XLR connection.
Is the Squeeze Box buffer on when the compressor is bypassed?
Yes. Pedal of the Day reports that the buffer is active whether or not the compression circuit is in, and says this has a particularly desirable effect on acoustic guitar and upright bass pickups. So even with the compression switched out, the pedal is still buffering your signal.
Can the Squeeze Box be used as a boost?
Yes. The Out knob adjusts the signal level the pedal puts out, with up to +20dBu of gain available, and Pedal of the Day says it can be used as a front end boost or, with a line matching transformer, as a mic pre. There is also a pad toggle switch to further adjust the Threshold, which the review says can also be boosted via the Out knob.
Sources (1)
- Retrospec Audio Squeeze Box Compressor Limiter, Pedal of the Day, 2017-05-10