SOTB Spring 2026 + Compressor recommendations
I've gotten my pedalboard to a spot that I really like—there's still a few things I'd like to adjust, but at the moment the only thing I'm actively looking for is a compressor with more features and an expression pedal compatible with the SA2. If anyone has suggestions, they'd be appreciated! For the compression, I'm mainly using it to even out dynamics and to add sustain to my signal.
Here's the current signal chain rundown—
Revstar with p90s > Polytune > SA EQ2 > Donner Ultimate Comp > Grand Orbiter > Meteore > Plumes > Octa Psi > DS-1 > BD-2 > Splinter > Diamond Vibrato > 3rd Dimension > DD-8 > Monument > Fundamental Ambient > Immerse > RC-3 > IR-2 > Scarlet 2i2 > Kali LP6 x2
A few notes on the board:
Grand Orbiter / Meteore — I love putting modulation and reverb pre-gain, and these have been great. I had actually been hunting for the Caroline Arigato instead of the Orbiter, but I had trouble finding a used Arigato the later is plenty flexible. I've fallen in-and-out of love with the Meteore, since setting it can be a little hit-or-miss, so I may eventually find a similar pedal to function in its place. Still, the Havoc button is addictive.
Plumes / Big Muff / BD-2 / RAT — A very unique choice, I know, but if it's not broken, why fix it? Eventually I'd like to try some of the EAE pedals, but they're pricey as hell. My favorite combos are the Plumes solo, the Big Muff into the BD-2, and the BD-2 into the RAT. The DS-1 is a little redundant, but I mainly use it as a boost for the BD-2 and RAT so I don't have to readjust my Plumes. I had the space on my board and it was my first pedal I got back in 2004, so it's just nostalgic. I'll bump it off eventually when I need the room. It's also nice having an easy pedal to swap out if I want to try out something new.
Diamond Vibrato / 3rd Dimension — The Diamond Vibrato has the sauce. Amazing pedal. The chorus on it is great too. Honestly I never use the 3rd Dimension, it just sits there so I can easily swap in a different modulation pedal when I'm trying out something new. Eventually it'll be a rotary chorus since I'm a sucker for that sound, but I've not really needed it as a priority.
Fundamental Ambient — Get it. It's one of the best reverb pedals on the market and it's cheap. I think I got mine on sale for $60.
What I'd like to change/add (suggestions appreciated!):
Compressor: This is what I'm currently after. Right now I'm using a cheap Donner compressor, and while it been amazing for the price and to learn about compression, I'd like something a bit more functional. In particular, I'd like to be able to control the blend and preferably also the attack and release. My current frontrunners are the Empress Compressor Mk2, the UAFX 1176, the Ego/Ego 76, and (if I find a used once since they're hella expensive) the Cali76 Stacked. Any other options I should be considering?
Looper: The RC-3 is functional and a great songwriting tool, but I'd like something a little more robust eventually. I'm really not happy with the options on the market, so fingers crossed on something new being released soon.
Gain: Eventually I'd like to mess around with the EAE pedals, like the Halberd, Longsword, and Limelight. They're pricey though, so for now these do just fine. I'm also currently shopping for a guitar with humbuckers to compliment my p90 Revstar, so it didn't make sense to me to go down the gain rabbit hole until I find what guitar I'll be using with them.
Something weird: I'm kind of looking at eventually picking up something a little glitchy and weird to add some fun textures. Chase Bliss seems like the obvious option here, and things like Parting have caught my attention.