When I first tried this thing I couldn't believe the difference. It brings out so much richness and color. If I had to pick one pedal, this would be it without a doubt.

I think this is one of the best available, certainly at the price. I've tried quite a few, and have liked none so much as I like this one.
I think it's a very musical compressor. You don't know how much you like it until you turn it off. and immediately turn it back on. It can be subtle or profound, yet always powerful and positive.

How is this different from the other stuff?

#1 this has an output transformer that electronically improves the sound of everything I've heard, whether it's bypassed or not, it's benefitting from the transformer.
#2 it's quite tweakable within a range. That gives lots of options for tone, but at the same time I can't make a bad sound with this thing.
#3 between the input and output gains, this works and sounds great on everything I've thrown at it- guitars, basses, piezo, dynamic mics, mixers.
#4 this doesn't care where it sits in the chain. It can sit first or last or anywhere in between, and it works.
#5 this is sold as a guitar compressor pedal, but it's great on any other source, too.

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The knobs give this compressor a nice API quality feel although it's not clear where this pedal is made. I like the vintage mode where the detector gets it's signal from the output. I'm also a BIG fan of the BLEND control which lets you add compressed and uncompressed signals together to produce very natural sounds.

My favorite guitar for use with this is my vintage Gibson ES-150 through a clean Marshall amplifier. The compressor helps get a big jazz tone without feedback.

I spent a few hours comparing the API to some other compressor pedals I have. I like that the compression effect can be cut back on the API to yield compression with barely any artifacts. Not all Blend or Mix knob/circuits are created equal, I really found nothing I like on the EHX Corsett, the Tonepress is also pretty dark tone wise.

Many compressor pedals have fancy LED indicators, the API does not, your ears are your guide. I'm ok with that because it sounds good in almost every instance. My only complaint about the API is the side mounted jacks, it's already a W I D E pedal and side mounted jacks make it take up even more space. If this pedal ever gets an update top mounted jacks would be a big improvement to an otherwise excellent product.

Good Music To You

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honestly, this is the best-sounding compressor I've ever heard. Truly acts and feels like a studio compressor more than a guitar-designed stomp box. Great on vocals too.

Ya perty good I just use it very conservative. Works nice with the other A.P.I.equment good bufer nice true bypass

This pedal sounds so good it's mind blowing. My amp is set on the edge of breakup and I've always felt its a compromise on my clean tone. I use this to help give a little oomph to my Tele while keeping the transients low enough to not become distorted. It makes a world of difference in a full band setting.

The clarity of my chords is just incredible. I get the thick midrange that happens when you boost or overdrive the amp, but without distortion. And this doesn't dull or brighten the signal like most other compressors. It's very hard to get a bad sound out of it and feels hifi in comparison to other guitar compressors.

I much prefer the old circuit as it's less noticeable and blends better with my guitar. Attack and release can be set any way and it all sounds great.

The main downside is the side jacks. The pedal looks smaller than I expected in real life though. I also wish they went with their classic styling like the 2500 compressor in black with colored knobs. It looks really nice in person and the presentation and packaging it top notch.

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This compressor is super clean and transparent! I dialed in my desired setting and I immediately fell in love with it! The option to choose between old and new is style compression is an added bonus! Amazing!