The Xotic AC-COMP is a compact compression and overdrive pedal from Xotic Effects USA. Xotic describes it as having "improved tonal characteristics that have been modified for tighter, yet smooth overdrive sound," combining a compression stage with a gain stage in one small box1. It sits in the same family as Xotic's other compact drives, such as the Xotic Soul Driven and Xotic SL Drive, and it belongs to the broader world of overdrive pedals and compressor pedals.
Controls and compression modes
The AC-COMP's front panel carries a Gain control knob that adjusts gain1. Behind that, the pedal offers three compression modes, and inside the box there are internal DIP switches. Xotic's manual explains the intent: "With three compression modes and internal dip switches, you can choose your level of compression, tonal character and ma"1. The internal switches cover compression level, tonal character, treble and presence adjustments1.
That layout means most of the tone shaping happens with a screwdriver rather than extra knobs, which keeps the top panel simple but rewards opening the pedal up and setting the DIP switches to taste.
Power and battery
The AC-COMP runs on 9VDC with a negative center 2.1mm x 5.5mm barrel connector, drawing 10mA at maximum1. Xotic names the Boss PSA and Ibanez AC109 as example adapters, and the AC adapter is optional1.
The manual specifies negative tips, with a regulated supply recommended. One 9VDC (006P) battery gives approximately 50 hours of continuous use with an alkaline battery, and Xotic advises unplugging the pedal when not in use for longer battery life1.
The pedal also manages its battery sensibly: "When an external power supply is used, the battery is disconnected from the circuit"1, so leaving an adapter plugged in does not slowly drain the battery.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | 500K ohm1 |
| Output impedance | 2K ohm1 |
| Power consumption | 9VDC / 10mA (max)1 |
| DC jack | 2.1mm x 5.5mm, negative center1 |
| Bypass | True Bypass Switching1 |
| Dimensions (W/D/H) | 4.39" x 2.38" x 1.98" (110mm x 60mm x 50mm)1 |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs. (270g)1 |
Connections are a single Input Jack and a single Output Jack1.
Status and where it fits in Xotic's line
Xotic's own product page now describes the AC-COMP as a legacy pedal. The page for the current AH-Booster states: "AH-booster is based on legacy AC-Comp pedal which was Allen's favorite"2. Players drawn to the AC-COMP's approach can look at the Xotic AH-Booster, which Xotic presents as built on that pedal's design.
Questions
Is the Xotic AC-COMP still made?
Xotic describes the AC-COMP as a legacy pedal. The company's current product page for the AH-Booster notes that the AH-Booster is based on the legacy AC-COMP pedal, which it calls Allen's favorite. Players looking for the AC-COMP's territory in the current Xotic line would look at the AH-Booster or the AC Booster V2 rather than the AC-COMP itself.
How long does a battery last in the AC-COMP?
Xotic's manual gives an approximate battery life of 50 hours of continuous use with an alkaline 9V battery. The manual also recommends unplugging the pedal when it is not in use to get longer battery life, since the input jack connection is what draws current.
Is the Xotic AC-COMP true bypass?
Yes. The manual lists True Bypass Switching, so the pedal passes your guitar's signal untouched when it is off.
What is the input impedance of the Xotic AC-COMP?
The input impedance is 500K ohm, and the output impedance is 2K ohm, according to the Xotic manual.
How is the AC-COMP different from the AC Booster?
The AC-COMP is a compression and overdrive pedal with three compression modes and internal DIP switches, while the AC Booster is Xotic's smooth overdrive, updated in March 2025 as the AC Booster V2 with a second footswitch, a Boost knob and four DIP switches. Xotic has also since released the AH-Booster, which it says is based on the legacy AC-COMP.
Sources (2)
- Sparker 全容, Xotic Effects USA, 2023
- AH-Booster, Xotic California
