The Summer School Electronics Half Day! Compressor is a compressor pedal built around a classic circuit. Pedal of the Day describes it as "a Ross-style compressor that boasts some modern amenities for today's player," and it was announced as a new release on 20 November 20231. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio called it "a modern, boutique take on the Ross-style compressor, an OTA-based, vintage-style compressor known for its fast yet smoo[th]" character2.
What it does
As a compressor, the Half Day! evens out a player's dynamics. Pedal of the Day says it "will level out your playing preventing any volume spikes while playing and raising any notes that are softer than the desired level for a smooth compressed sound"1. For a player, that means quieter notes come up and louder attacks sit back, so the level stays consistent.
The Guitar/Bass switch
The most notable of the modern amenities is a toggle switch that changes the pedal's input capacitance1. Delicious Audio describes the same control: "A toggle switch changes the input capacitance allowing more bass-friendly frequencies for lower-tuned instruments like bass or baritone guitar, or cutting them for regular six strings"2.
| Mode | What it does | Suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Guitar | Lower frequencies are rolled off, allowing the compressor to stand out in a band mix1 | Regular six-string guitars1 |
| Bass | More lower frequencies are allowed to pass through1 | Bass, synths, baritone and drop-tuned guitars1 |
The pedal was designed to work seamlessly with both bass and guitar2, and players comparing options can read more on the Compressor Pedals and Bass Pedals pages.
Controls and features
- Guitar/Bass toggle: changes input capacitance to suit the instrument1
- Tone control: Pedal of the Day notes it lets you "further dial in the ideal sound based on music genre"1
- Boost: an included boost allows the player to achieve the "squashed" compressor sound at higher volumes for solos1
The boost sits alongside the compression rather than replacing it, and players who use a separate clean lift on their board can see how dedicated units work on the Boost Pedals page.
Build and power
The Half Day! Compressor is hand built in Syracuse, NY by working musicians with attention to detail1. It runs on a standard 9-volt, negative center power supply1, the same polarity convention as most modern pedalboard supplies, and carries a lifetime warranty1.
Videos
Summer School Electronics
Buddy Blues
Pedal of the Day
Questions
What is the Guitar/Bass switch on the Half Day! Compressor?
It is a toggle switch that changes the pedal's input capacitance. In Guitar mode the lower frequencies are rolled off so the compression stands out in a band mix. In Bass mode more lower frequencies pass through, which Summer School Electronics says makes it ideal for bass, synths, baritone and drop-tuned guitars.
Where is the Half Day! Compressor made?
Pedal of the Day reports that the Half Day! Compressor is hand built in Syracuse, New York by working musicians with attention to detail.
What is a Ross-style compressor?
A Ross-style compressor is an OTA-based, vintage-style compressor circuit known for a fast yet smooth response. Delicious Audio describes the Half Day! as a modern, boutique take on that design, with modern amenities added for today's player.
Does the Half Day! Compressor have a warranty?
Yes. According to Pedal of the Day, the Half Day! Compressor carries a lifetime warranty.
Sources (2)
- Summer School Electronics Half Day Compressor, Pedal of the Day, 2023-11-20
- New Pedal: Summer School Half Day Compressor, Delicious Audio, 2023-11-20