Walrus Audio’s Highpoint Compressor Brings Bass-Friendly Control and Big Headroom
Walrus Audio has expanded its Monarch series of pedals with the Highpoint Analog Optical Compressor, which they say offers “expansive sustain, articulate transient response, and an exceptionally smooth attack and release curve.” Key for bassists is a selectable High-Pass Filter in the sidechain circuit.
“By preventing frequencies at 160Hz and below from disproportionately triggering compression, low-end clarity remains tight and controlled,” Walrus writes. “The result is articulate bass response, preserved punch, and dramatic low-frequency dynamics, ideal for both bass guitar and extended-range electric guitar applications.”
The Highpoint has a full compressor control layout with Threshold, Ratio, Attack, and Release knobs. It also features true parallel compression with a Blend control for mixing your compressed signal with your dry signal. This preserves your transients while layering in harmonic density, the company explains. A Make-Up knob “ensures seamless gain staging,” they add.
Users can see the pedal’s activity with a 10-LED meter, which can be toggled between Input, Output, and Gain Reduction monitoring. Finally, the Highpoint operates internally at ±15VDC for increased headroom and dynamic range.
Hear the pedal in action and get a better understanding of its controls in this deep dive demo:
The Walrus Audio Highpoint Analog Optical Compressor is available now for $349.99.
Walrus Audio Highpoint Analog Optical Compressor Features:
| Power Supply Not Included |
| True Bypass |
| Power Requirements: 9V DC, 500 mA, Center Negative, 2.1mm |
| Input Impedance: 1 MΩ |
| Output Impedance: 300Ω |
| Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
