The RazorComp is a VCA compressor pedal for guitar and bass from Sine Effect Electronics, a maker that designs and builds all of its pedals in Glasgow, Scotland1. VCA stands for voltage controlled amplifier, a compressor design that uses an amplifier whose gain is controlled electronically, which allows the compression behavior to be set in detail rather than fixed by the circuit. Sine Effect describes the RazorComp as "a unique and flexible VCA compressor design for guitar and bass"1.
It sits in the compressor pedals family, and the maker's page places it alongside other bass pedals uses as well as guitar. It carries a list price of £169.00 GBP1.
What the RazorComp does
The pedal's name comes from how it compresses. Sine Effect explains: "It gets its name from the sharp nature in which the compression activates once the signal crosses the threshold."1 In other words, rather than easing into compression as the signal approaches the limit, the RazorComp clamps down sharply once the signal crosses the threshold. That is a distinctive behavior for a compressor, and it gives the player direct control over when the compression engages through the threshold control.
Controls and features
The RazorComp gives the player full control over the compression envelope rather than hiding it behind one or two knobs1:
- Fully-variable controls for attack, release, ratio, threshold and volume1
- Up to +10dB of recovery gain1
- True Bypass1
The five fully variable controls cover the whole shape of the compression: attack and release set how quickly the pedal responds and lets go, ratio sets how hard the signal is squeezed, threshold sets the level at which compression begins, and volume sets the output level. The up to +10dB of recovery gain lets you bring the compressed signal back up to or above its original level, which is useful for bass, where heavy compression can otherwise leave the signal quiet1.
Power and connections
The RazorComp runs on a 9-18V DC mains adaptor and draws about 50mA1. The input impedance is 1 megaohm and the output impedance is 100 ohm1. The 1 megaohm input is a high input impedance, which suits passive bass and guitar pickups and keeps the signal's high frequencies intact.
The maker's specifications list a 9-18V DC mains adaptor as the operating power source, with no battery option listed. The pedal draws ~50mA, so check that your pedalboard supply can provide that current at the voltage you choose.
Buying from Sine Effect Electronics
The RazorComp is sold directly by the maker. Sine Effect states that "All pedals by Sine Effect Electronics are designed and built in Glasgow, Scotland"1. For US buyers, the maker states: "🇺🇸 USA tariff is paid upfront so you don't need to deal with customs. There will be NO extra brokerage fees. 🇺🇸"1 Shipping details from the maker's page:
- All orders are shipped on the next working day1
- A shipping fee will be added at checkout1
- Warranty information is available on the maker's returns page1
Questions
Is the RazorComp true bypass?
Yes. Sine Effect Electronics lists the RazorComp as true bypass, so when the pedal is off your signal passes through without going through the compression circuit. That matters on a bass pedalboard, where keeping the dry tone untouched between compressed passages is often a priority.
Can the RazorComp be used with bass and double bass?
Yes. Sine Effect describes the RazorComp as a VCA compressor design for guitar and bass, and the maker's product page carries a buyer's account of using one live with bass and double bass. The 1 megaohm input impedance is also the kind of high input that suits passive basses and upright pickups.
What power supply does the RazorComp need?
The RazorComp runs on a 9 to 18V DC mains adaptor and draws about 50mA. There is no battery option mentioned on the maker's page, so plan for a dedicated supply or a pedalboard power output that can handle the pedal's voltage and current needs.
Does the RazorComp run on a battery?
The maker's specifications list only a 9 to 18V DC mains adaptor as the operating power source. No battery operation is listed, so treat the RazorComp as a pedal that needs a DC power supply rather than something you can run from a 9V battery.
Where is the RazorComp made?
Sine Effect Electronics designs and builds all of its pedals in Glasgow, Scotland, according to the maker's product page. The RazorComp is sold directly by the maker, with orders shipped on the next working day and a shipping fee added at checkout.
Sources (1)
- RazorComp, Sine Effect Store (sineeffect.com)