The Ray Compressor V3.0 is a compressor pedal from Studio Daydream Handmade Pedals. Pedal of the Day reviewed the Rev.3.0 version in May 2022, noting that the pedal returned "with an improved internal structure and a range of added functions" over earlier versions1. The pedal is described by the same review as highly regarded for its natural compression1.
Like any compressor, it evens out the difference between loud and quiet notes: the SUSTAIN control "compresses large inputs and amplifies small inputs to align volume, thereby creating sustain," according to Pedal of the Day1.
The controls
The Ray V3.0 puts a fairly deep set of controls on its top panel, including a parametric EQ section on top of the standard compression controls1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| SUSTAIN | Main control of the compressor section. Turn clockwise to increase gain. Compresses large inputs and amplifies small inputs to align volume and create sustain |
| ATTACK | Adjusts the attack time. At the lowest setting compression is fast, beginning immediately after picking; at higher settings it is slower, leaving a larger input of picking |
| MID-FREQ | Sets the frequencies of the parametric equalizer. Turning clockwise increases the frequency |
| TREBLE / BASS | Shelving filters that boost or cut the high and low end. Set at 12 o'clock for an almost flat sound |
| PRE GAIN switch | Adjusts the input level. HI sends the highest level signal to the effect circuit |
| TREBLE-RANGE / BASS-RANGE switches | Change the range, or cut-off frequency, of the TREBLE and BASS controls |
The Pre Gain switch deserves a note for practical use: the HI setting may cause distortion depending on your pickups and the SUSTAIN setting. Pedal of the Day suggests starting at HI, then moving to MID and LO if distortion occurs1.
With hot pickups or the SUSTAIN control set high, the HI Pre Gain setting can push the circuit into distortion. Dropping to MID or LO cleans this up1.
What is new in V3.0
The Ray Compressor returned as the Rev.3.0, which Pedal of the Day described as having "an improved internal structure and a range of added functions" compared with earlier versions of the pedal1. The added functions include the parametric MID-FREQ control and the Treble-Range and Bass-Range switches, which shape the EQ section around the core compression controls1.
Videos
Pedal of the Day
BUZZBEE TV
Brett Kingman
Questions
What does the Pre Gain switch do on The Ray?
The Pre Gain switch adjusts the input level going to the effect circuit. The HI setting sends the highest level signal to the circuit and may cause distortion depending on your pickups and the SUSTAIN setting. Pedal of the Day suggests starting at HI, then moving to MID and LO if distortion occurs.
What do the Treble-Range and Bass-Range switches change?
The Treble-Range and Bass-Range switches change the range, or cut-off frequency, of the TREBLE and BASS controls. The TREBLE and BASS knobs themselves are shelving filters that boost or cut the high and low end, and are set at 12 o'clock for an almost flat sound.
What does the Attack knob do on The Ray Compressor?
The ATTACK knob adjusts the attack time of the compression. At the lowest setting, compression is fast and begins immediately after picking, while at higher settings it is slower, leaving a larger amount of the initial picking through before the compression takes hold.
Who makes The Ray Compressor?
The Ray Compressor is made by Studio Daydream Handmade Pedals. Pedal of the Day reviewed the Rev.3.0 version in May 2022, describing the pedal as highly regarded for its natural compression.
Sources (1)
- Studio Daydream The Ray Compressor V3.0, Pedal of the Day, 2022-05-05