Becos FX Introduces CompIQ Stella Pro Compressor MK2 Pedal
Becos Effects launched its flagship pedal, the Stella Pro analog compressor/limiter, five years ago. After settling down after relocating to Vienna, Austria, in 2023, they’ve updated the unit with the Stella Pro MK2. The update adds and removes several features.
“This version removes the saturation engine on the dry line – a feature intended to add controlled harmonic distortion – and adds Feed-Forward / Feed-Back selectable compression modes, four sound Voicing options, and a refined dual-band Side-Chain Filter with cut or boost in the control signal,” the company states. “Additionally, we offer the optional DITOS transformer balanced DI output, replaceable in the 9V battery space inside the pedal.”
The Stella Pro’s Feed Forward mode emphasizes speed and accuracy by utilizing a pre-VCA copy of the input signal. Doing so lets you get subtle compression up to brick-wall limiting based on your control settings, Becos writes. The Feed-Back compression has a smoother response for evening out playing dynamics by using a a post-VCA copy of the audio for processing.
Its new Voicing settings include Spark (enhanced highs), Tight (low-mid cuts), and Punch (warmer lows and highs). Turning the Voicing switch off gives the most transparent sound.
“The Side-Chain capabilities now include a variable Lo-cut/boost filter specifically designed for bass instruments (±12dB @ 90Hz, 12dB/octave), helping prevent premature engagement of the compressor. The matching variable Hi-cut/boost filter (±7dB @ 3kHz, 12dB/octave) further refines compression balance. These enhancements manage compression across lows, mids, and highs, delivering impactful dynamics,” Becos adds. “The optional DITOS board features a transformer-coupled balanced output in 1/4? TRS format for direct recording or signal sending. It can also serve as an unbalanced floating output to another pedal or amplifier, capturing output transformer warmth. The main output is always functional and may be used for signal routing.”
The Becos FX CompIQ Stella Pro Compressor MK2 has a street price of $369.
Becos FX CompIQ Stella Pro Compressor MK2 Pedal Features:
| Full analog circuit with true by-pass |
| True RMS-level detector |
| High-performance Blackmer® VCA |
| Optional DITOS transformer-coupled balanced output |
| Feed Forward/Feed-back compression modes |
| Ratio 1:1 to infinite:1 (limiter) |
| Threshold -45dBu to +10dBu |
| Make-up Gain -6dB to +20dB |
| Soft/Hard compression knee |
| Manual timing: attack 0.12-12 ms/dB of gain reduction, release 1.2-120 ms/dB of gain reduction |
| Fast/Slower dynamic auto attack and release timing with hold for peaks over the threshold |
| X-EQ with selectable frequency pivot 330Hz for bass instrument or 1KHz for guitar or other applications |
| Voicing: Flat, Spark, Tight, Punch (internal DIP-switch selectable) |
| Lows/Highs variable side-chain filter |
| Dry/Wet mix |
| 9-LEDs gain reduction meter |
| High-end quality FET Burr-Brown audio ICs, low tolerance parts, Panasonic & Kemet audio polyester capacitors |
| Hammond black-powdered aluminum enclosure |
| Runs on standard 9V internal battery or 9-18 V DC external power supply (not included), center negative, 12mm long barrel plug |
| 3-year warranty (direct to manufacturer, international, transferable) |
| Hand-assembled in Vienna, Austria |
