The Wampler Cory Wong Compressor is a dual-footswitch compressor and boost pedal designed in collaboration with Cory Wong, the Grammy-nominated guitarist Wampler describes as renowned for laying down some of the finest grooves across all genres1. Launched in April 2023, it pairs a compressor with a boost side based on the classic MDX Strat boost style circuitry once favored by Eric Clapton, and adds a balanced XLR output so the pedal can feed a PA, mixing desk or recording interface directly12.
Designed with Cory Wong
Wampler positions the pedal as part of Wong's own direct-to-board workflow: on the artist's signature page, the company says the toolkit "shapes your tone with sparkling cleans and responsive compression either direct to your amp or straight into your recording interface"3. The XLR output is central to that. Wampler calls it "a Wampler first", a balanced output enabling the pedal to be plugged directly into a computer interface, mixing desk or PA, with the socket on the left hand side of the enclosure1.
"a Wampler first"
Two switches, two functions
The pedal carries two soft footswitches, each operating one function independently, so either side can be used alone or stacked1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Compress footswitch (left) | Operates the compressor1 |
| Boost footswitch (right) | Independent switch for the boost side1 |
| Boost rotary control | Adjusts the amount of boost activated1 |
| Balanced XLR output (left side) | Sends the signal direct to a computer interface, mixing desk or PA1 |
Delicious Audio's launch report adds a visual cue for what is engaged: "When both sides are active, the LED turns Rainbow white"2.
Where it sits in Wampler's compressor line
Guitar Pedal X counts the Wong Compressor as Wampler's third compressor, coming after the Ross-inspired original EGO and described as "the enhanced and evolved Cory Wong Compressor" in the line's history4. The same publication later noted that Wampler's compressor offering had grown to five models, with the Wong among the priciest5.
Compared with the Ego Compressor and Ego 76, the Wong stands apart in the boost side and the XLR output, and its bypass differs too16:
| Cory Wong Compressor | Ego / Ego 76 | |
|---|---|---|
| Functions | Compressor plus boost1 | Compressor1 |
| Balanced XLR out | Yes1 | No1 |
| Bypass | Relay True/Buffered Bypass, op-amp buffered1 | 3PDT true bypass6 |
| Warranty | Limited 5-year1 | Limited 5-year1 |
| Built in | U.S.A1 | U.S.A1 |
If your board relies on true bypass switching, note the difference: the Wong Compressor's buffered relay bypass is not the 3PDT true bypass used on Wampler's Ego and Ego 76 compressors6.
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Questions
Does the Wampler Cory Wong Compressor have an XLR output?
Yes. The left side of the pedal carries an XLR socket that sends a balanced signal direct to a PA system, mixing board or computer interface. Wampler describes this balanced XLR output as a first for the company, and it is the feature that lets the pedal sit at the front of a rig while feeding the front of house separately.
Is the Wong Compressor true bypass?
It uses what Wampler calls Relay True/Buffered Bypass, built around a high quality op-amp buffered bypass. That differs from Wampler's Ego and Ego 76 compressors, which use straightforward 3PDT true bypass switching.
Can the compressor and boost be switched on separately?
Yes. The pedal has two soft footswitches, one for each function. The Compress footswitch on the left operates the compressor, and the independent Boost footswitch on the right controls the boost, so either side can run on its own or together.
Where is the Wampler Cory Wong Compressor made?
Wampler builds the pedal in the USA, which the company lists alongside the premium build quality it is known for. It carries Wampler's limited 5-year warranty.
What circuit is the boost side based on?
Wampler says the boost was based on the classic MDX Strat boost style circuitry, a design once favored by Eric Clapton. A single rotary Boost control sets how much boost is activated when that side is engaged.
How long is the warranty on the Wong Compressor?
The pedal includes Wampler's limited 5-year warranty, the same coverage the company gives its Ego and Ego 76 compressors.
Sources (6)
- Cory Wong: Compressor, Wampler Pedals, 2026-09-04
- New Pedal: Wampler Cory Wong Compressor, Delicious Audio, 2023-04-25
- Cory Wong & Wampler Pedals, Wampler Pedals, 2026-08-11
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-12-19
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2025-10-20
- Ego 76 Compressor, Wampler Pedals, 2026-09-13
Cory Wong
