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Carl Martin Unveils Dual Compressor Limiter Pedal

Carl Martin launches the Dual Compressor Limiter: dual independent compression circuits, parallel blend, true bypass. €179/$199.

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Carl Martin Dual Compressor Limiter pedal top view, showing dual rotary knobs for COMP and LEVEL per channel, shared THRESHOLD control, and SELECT/BYPASS footswitches against black enclosure with purple graphic

Carl Martin has launched the Dual Compressor Limiter, a studio-grade analog dynamics pedal that offers two independently adjustable compression circuits in a single compact unit. Available for €179/$199, the pedal provides guitarists with seamless transitions from subtle volume leveling to firm peak limiting at the press of a footswitch.

Dual Independent Circuits

The pedal features two distinct compression setups, allowing players to dial in one channel for transparent rhythm control and the other for heavy lead sustain.

Each preset features dedicated COMP and LEVEL knobs, while a global THRESHOLD control featuring a 60 dB range ensures both channels respond consistently to playing dynamics. Switching between the two setups is handled instantly via the onboard SELECT footswitch or a dedicated REMOTE input.

Carl Martin Dual Compressor Limiter front-facing product shot on neutral background, displaying full control layout with illuminated blue LED indicator

Parallel Compression & Headroom

At the core of the unit is a DRY blend control that enables true parallel compression directly within the pedal. This allows guitarists to mix their uncompressed, natural transient pick attack with the processed signal, adding density and sustain without squashing the instrument's fundamental character.

To further preserve tone and clarity, the pedal operates internally at +/-12V, generated from a standard regulated 9V DC supply. This internal voltage bump provides massive headroom, ensuring the compression remains stable and artifact-free even when hit with aggressive input signals.

Key Specifications

FeatureSpecification
Compression Range1:1 up to 30:1 (Subtle leveling to hard limiting)
Circuit ControlsDual COMP and LEVEL, Shared THRESHOLD, DRY Blend
Power Requirements9V DC Input (Internally scaled to +/-12V)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio105 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion0.05% THD
Bypass & SwitchingTrue Bypass, Onboard/Remote SELECT switching
Street Price€179 / $199

Engineered to resolve uneven dynamics, choked notes, and transient spikes, the analog circuitry protects harmonic definition and low-end frequencies even at extreme 30:1 limiting ratios.

With its ultra-low distortion and high signal-to-noise ratio, the Carl Martin Dual Compressor Limiter is built to operate cleanly in both rigorous live rigs and demanding studio recording environments.

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Carl Martin

8.2
Overall Score
8.2 / 10
Pros
  • +Dual independent compression circuits for versatile setups
  • +Parallel dry blend preserves natural pick attack
  • +True bypass with remote switching option
  • +Ultra-low distortion (0.05% THD) and high SNR (105 dB)
  • +Internal +/-12V headroom for clean, stable compression
  • +Studio-grade analog design in compact pedalboard-friendly format
Compression Range1:1 to 30:1
Circuit ControlsDual COMP and LEVEL, Shared THRESHOLD, DRY Blend
Power9V DC (internally +/-12V)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio105 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion0.05% THD
BypassTrue Bypass with onboard/remote SELECT
Price€179 / $199
What makes the Carl Martin Dual Compressor Limiter different from single-channel compressors?

It features two independent compression circuits with separate COMP and LEVEL knobs per channel, a shared 60 dB THRESHOLD, and a parallel DRY blend control. This allows instant switching between two distinct setups—one for transparent leveling, another for aggressive sustain—all from a single pedal.

Can I use parallel compression with the Carl Martin pedal?

Yes. The DRY blend control enables true parallel compression, letting you mix uncompressed transients with the processed signal. This adds density and sustain while preserving pick attack and natural tone without heavy squashing.

What are the key specs and price?

Compression range: 1:1 to 30:1. Signal-to-noise: 105 dB. THD: 0.05%. True bypass, 9V DC input (internally +/-12V). Switchable via onboard SELECT or remote input. Street price: €179/$199.

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Jef Stone
Founder and editor of GuitarBomb. Jef has been writing about guitars, effects pedals, and music gear for over ten years, covering everything from breaking gear news and leaks to hands-on reviews.

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