Effectrode PC-2A tube driven optical compressor, original box and all of Effectrode's packing materials, manual, etc. This compressor has famously been used by David Gilmour in recent years and gives a fantastic tone with natural tube warmth. The limiter mode on it is also very nice.

The original power supply quit working at one point for some reason, so I ordered a replacement that works perfectly fine with it. The original nonworking power supply is marked with a piece of blue painter's tape and has the brand name Strontronics on it's label. The replacement working power supply is made by MyVolts.

I am also including a polarity reverse adapter allowing you to use this pedal with a pedal power supply as long as it can supply sufficient current/mA (I used it with a Truetone CS12 on a 12V DC port). This compressor uses center-positive power which is different from the vast majority of pedals which use center-negative. This adapter will allow center-positive power from a standard pedal power supply.

I am not responsible for any damage that occurs when using this reverse polarity adapter.

Looking for a top-notch compressor pedal? One that will really make your guitar, or bass, shine? Then look no further. The PC-2A is essentially a vintage vacuum tube studio compressor in a stompbox: it’s circuitry is based on the legendary LA-2A! The signal path is 100% analogue and built on polyester coupling capacitors, instrumentation-grade resistors, a photocell and Sylvania 6111 pencil tube.

The PC-2A tube compressor wraps your guitar signal in velvet, enhancing its tone without stamping a solid-state signature on it. Its tube circuitry delivers stacks of head-room and low noise floor for outstanding dynamics. This little compressor is great in live situations for adding “punch” or fattening up thin single coil pickups. And it’s indispensable when recording direct to add a classy sheen to the sound. The smooth release characteristic of the photocell ensures the compression is natural and pleasing to the ear.

Acoustic guitarists will appreciate the smoothness and sustain the PC-2A imparts to amplified acoustic guitar, especially those fitted with piezo pickups. Further, the A-weighted side-chain ensures that bass frequencies are compressed only lightly compared to the mids and upper mids—exactly how the human ear responds. This makes the PC-2A an indispensable tool for taming mid-frequency transients caused by slapping or pulling strings on bass guitar. You really don’t need a second dedicated “bass-friendly” compressor—the PC-2A has all the basses covered!

FEATURES

• All Tube: 100% analogue, all tube signal path operating at amp plate voltages.
• LIMIT/COMPRESS Switch: Select between two entirely different compression curves. “COMPRESS” mode is a light, subtle compression that enhances tone and evens out string dynamics. “LIMIT” mode is heavier for a punchier, “squished”, great for country guitar and peak limiting.
• Internal “ATTACK” and “KNEE” controls: Sculpt the PC-2A’s compression characteristic to perfectly suit passive and active bass, NS Stick, 12-string and acoustic guitars. Additional information on how to adjust the “KNEE” and “ATTACK” trimpots can be found here.
• A-Weighted Side-Chain: A-weighted pre-emphasis in the side-chain mimics the response of the human ear to high sound pressure sound levels. This minimises “pumping” or “sucking” when using heavy compression.
• Photo-optical gain control: The gain attenuator circuitry utilises a resistive photocell possessing a smooth release characteristic and very low distortion—much lower than VCA and FET designs.
• Works as a boost pedal: Set the “GAIN” knob fully clockwise and the “PEAK REDUCTION” knob fully anticlockwise for 15dBu if gain boost. This is enough to push a Fender “Tweed” or “Blackface” amp into breakup and overdrive.
• True Bypass Switching: With Effectrode’s unique “anti-pop” footswitching circuitry utilising a sealed, gold-contact relay.
• “Dakaware” Knobs: Authentic Bakelite Dakaware Chicago 1510 knobs custom manufactured for in the U.S.A.
• Fitted with a vintage pencil tube: Each PC-2A compressor is fitted with a hand-selected NOS Sylvania 6111 pencil tube.