USER MANUAL

COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Table of Contents

Controls and Connections

Front Panel 3

Rear Panel 6

Power Up Modes

Bypass Mode 7

FAV/MIDI Jack Options 8

External Control

Volume Pedal 9

FAV Switch Setup and Compare Mode 10

MultiSwitch Plus Setup 11

MIDI Functionality

Configuring to Use MIDI 13

Saving MIDI Presets 17

MIDI Specifications 19

Factory Reset 20

Features 21
Specifications 22

Appendices

Power Up Modes Quick Reference 24

Signal Flow Diagram 27

Sample Settings 29

Warranty 30

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Controls and Connections – Front Panel

BOOST EQ
Selects the frequency shape for clean and dirty boost.
treble: Tightens the bottom end by boosting mid to high
frequencies.
mid: Fattens tone by pushing midrange frequencies.
flat: Full range frequency response.

COMP TYPE
Select the type of compression.
studio: Smooth compression as found in vintage rack
compressors.
squeeze: Hard compression typical of classic guitar pedals.

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Controls and Connections – Front Panel (cont.)

BOOST COMPRESSION
Adjusts the amount of boost Turning clockwise
when the boost circuit is increases compression by
active. Typical boost ~14dB in lowering the threshold.
Flat Clean boost. Fully counterclockwise, no
compression is applied.

DRY LEVEL
Adjusts the amount of dry signal Adjusts the output level of the
summed with the compressor pedal by -6dB to +6dB when the
output. compressor is engaged. Noon is
unity gain.

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Controls and Connections – Front Panel (cont.)

BOOST COMP
Engages and disengages the Engages and disengages the VCA
variable boost independent compressor independent of the
of the COMP. The boost is BOOST. RED LED ON indicates
post-compression. RED LED that the compressor is engaged.
ON indicates that the boost is
engaged.

NOTE: When both BOOST and COMP are disengaged,

the bypass is either Buffered Bypass or True Bypass
depending on the selected mode.

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Controls and Connections – Rear Panel

IN BOOST TYPE
High impedance ultra Selects between a clean or soft
low-noise discrete Class clipping boost circuit.
A JFET preamp input.
CLEAN: Boost circuit increases
output level without introducing
OUT noticeable clipping.
Low impedance DIRTY: Boost circuit increases
mono output. output level while introducing the
soft clipping characteristic of an
overdrive pedal.

9VDC
Use the included power
supply or an adapter
with the following
rating: 9VDC maximum
center negative. 150mA
minimum.

VOLUME FAV / MIDI

Connect a TRS expression pedal Connect a Strymon MiniSwitch
for full-time volume pedal for remote selection of a Favorite
functionality. setting.
(See page 11 for details on configuring
for MIDI functionality and use with
MultiSwitch Plus.)

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Power Up Modes – Bypass Mode

Setting Compadre to Buffered Bypass mode preserves the high

frequency response of your guitar signal through your pedal chain and
long cable runs.

1 Press and hold the

COMP footswitch while
connecting power to
the pedal. Once both
LEDs flash, release the
footswitch.

2 Turn the COMPRESSION knob to select one of the options below.

The COMP LED will change color to indicate the current status
as the knob is turned.
True Bypass: GREEN
Auto Bypass: AMBER (default)
True Bypass, but forces Buffered Bypass when Volume Pedal
jack is connected
Buffered Bypass: RED NOTE: Power up modes are
3 Press the COMP or BOOST saved unless they are changed
footswitch to store the again with the steps above.
bypass mode and begin using
Compadre.

NOTE: Auto and Buffered Bypass allow for the Volume Pedal jack
to operate while the pedal is bypassed.

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Power Up Modes – FAV/MIDI Jack Options

Select the mode of the FAV/MIDI jack for external control of Compadre.

1 Press and hold the

COMP footswitch while
connecting power to
the pedal. Once both
LEDs flash, release the
footswitch.

2 Turn the BOOST knob to select the function of the FAV/MIDI jack.
The BOOST LED will change from RED to BLUE to indicate the
current status as the knob is turned.
FAV Mode - RED (default) MIDI Mode - BLUE
Allows you to connect Connect MIDI EXP Cable
MiniSwitch or another or MIDI > TRS interface to
external latching footswitch access 300 presets and
with a TRS cable to store and remotely control patch
recall your Favorite setting. parameters via MIDI.
(See page 10 for more details.) (See page 13 for more details.)

3 Press the COMP or

BOOST footswitch to store NOTE: Power up modes are
the bypass mode and saved unless they are changed
begin using Compadre. again with the steps above.

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

External Control – Volume Pedal

Use a TRS Expression pedal to control the output volume.

1 Connect the Expression pedal to the VOLUME jack of

Compadre using a TRS cable.

NOTE: When Compadre is in Buffered Bypass or Auto Bypass

mode, the pedal will still function as a Volume pedal even when
both BOOST and COMP are bypassed.
(See page 7 for more details.)

We recommend using an expression pedal with a 25k Ohm

minimum potentiometer.

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

External Control – FAV Switch Setup and Compare Mode

Connect MiniSwitch or other external latching footswitch with a

TRS cable to store and recall your favorite setting.

1 Configure the FAV/MIDI

jack for FAV mode.
(See page 8 for more info.)

2 Connect an external switch

with a TRS cable to the
FAV/MIDI jack. OR

3 Dial in your desired sound.

4 To save your sound as the

FAV setting, press and
hold the BOOST footswitch
until the BOOST LED
NOTE: Along with the knobs
blinks BLUE. Press the
and toggle switches on the
BOOST footswitch again to
face of the pedal, the setting of
save the FAV setting.
the rear BOOST TYPE switch
and the bypass state of BOOST
Step on the external footswitch
and COMP are stored with the
to toggle between your FAV
FAV setting.
setting and the current knob
and toggle switch positions. NOTE: Saving presets works
differently when using MIDI.
(See page 17 for more details.)
COMPARE MODE
With the FAV engaged, as a knob NOTE: The FAV setting is
or switch is adjusted, the BOOST stored at MIDI program change
LED flashes GREEN when the number 0.
current knob or toggle switch
position matches the setting of
the saved FAV setting. pg 10
COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

External Control – MultiSwitch Plus Setup

Configure Compadre and MultiSwitch Plus for remote access to

three presets.

1 Press and hold the BOOST footswitch while connecting power to

the pedal. Hold until both LEDs stop blinking.

2 Turn the BOOST knob all the way counter-clockwise to set the MIDI
channel to Channel 1. The BOOST LED should be GREEN.

3 Turn the COMPRESSION knob all the way counter-clockwise to set

the MIDI Out mode to On. The COMP LED should be GREEN.

4 Press the BOOST or COMP footswitch to exit and store the MIDI
channel and the MIDI Output setting.

5 Configure the FAV/MIDI jack for MIDI mode. (See page 13 for details.)

6 Connect a TRS cable to the

FAV/MIDI jack on Compadre.
EXP

7 Press and hold the A footswitch on MultiSwitch Plus while

connecting the TRS cable to MultiSwitch Plus to select
Preset mode on MultiSwitch Plus.

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

External Control – MultiSwitch Plus Setup (cont.)

Selecting and saving Compadre presets using MultiSwitch plus.

Preset 1 Preset 2 Preset 3

NOTE: Footswitches A, B, and C on MultiSwitch Plus

correspond to MIDI program changes 1, 2, and 3.

1 Step on a switch that is not illuminated to recall the

corresponding preset.

2 Step on an illuminated switch to bypass Compadre.

Saving Compadre presets with MultiSwitch Plus:

1 Dial in the sound that you would like to save as your preset
on Compadre.

2 Press and hold the BOOST footswitch on Compadre until the

BOOST LED blinks BLUE.

3 Press the A, B, or C footswitch on MultiSwitch Plus to save

the current state of the pedal to the desired location.

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

MIDI Functionality - Configuring to Use MIDI

Using MIDI unlocks a set of tools that can be used to load any of
Compadre’s 300 preset locations using a suitable MIDI controller or
interface connected to Compadre’s FAV/MIDI jack. This requires a MIDI
controller/interface with at least one quarter-inch output or a Strymon
MIDI EXP cable. When using a Strymon MIDI EXP Cable, the MIDI OUT
mode must be set to OFF.

Check strymon.net/support/compadre for a list of compatible devices.

MIDI EXP cable TRS cable

OR OR

MIDI Enabled Stompbox MIDI Controller with

1/4” TRS Output

MIDI Controller with

5-pin MIDI Outputs MIDI 1/4”
TRS Interface

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

MIDI Functionality - Configuring to Use MIDI (cont.)

Step 1 – Set FAV/MIDI Jack Mode to MIDI Mode

1 Press and hold the

COMP footswitch while
connecting power to
the pedal. Once both
LEDs flash, release the
footswitch.

2 Turn the BOOST knob 3 Press the BOOST or

clockwise until the BOOST COMP footswitch again
LED is BLUE. to store the FAV/MIDI
jack mode.

NOTE: If you are only sending data to Compadre using the Strymon
MIDI EXP Cable, the MIDI Output mode must be set to OFF.
(See page 16 for details on configuring the MIDI Output Mode.)

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

MIDI Functionality - Configuring to Use MIDI (cont.)

Step 2 – Set MIDI Channel: This determines which MIDI channel

Compadre will use to send and receive MIDI data. To select channel
4-16, you will need to connect Compadre to a MIDI device.

1 Press and hold the

BOOST footswitch while
connecting power to
the pedal. Once both
LEDs flash, release the
footswitch.

2 Turn the BOOST knob to set the MIDI communication channel.

BOOST LED indicates status.
Channel 1: GREEN (default)
Channel 2: AMBER
Channel 3: RED
Channel 4 -16: BLUE (Requires 1⁄4” MIDI connection.)
Once the LED turns BLUE , it will blink until the pedal receives a
MIDI Program Change message. Once a message is received, the
pedal will be set to the MIDI channel that carried the message
and the LED will stop blinking.

3 Press the COMP or BOOST footswitch again to store the MIDI channel
and begin using Compadre.

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

MIDI Functionality - Configuring to Use MIDI (cont.)

Step 3 – Set MIDI Output Mode

Determines whether Compadre will send MIDI data out.

1 Press and hold the

BOOST footswitch while
connecting power to
the pedal. Once both
LEDs flash, release the
footswitch.

TIP: A simple way to check that

communication is working is
to send CC #27 with a value of
127 when the COMP footswitch
is OFF. This will turn the COMP
footswitch on if MIDI is properly
connected and configured.

2 Turn the COMPRESSION knob to select the MIDI OUT mode. The
COMP LED will flash momentarily to indicate status.
On: GREEN Using Compadre’s knobs and switches generates
MIDI messages that are sent out of Compadre. (Set to ON when
using MultiSwitch Plus.)
Through: AMBER Incoming MIDI messages are sent out of
Compadre without any additional MIDI messages generated by
Compadre.
Off: RED (default) No MIDI messages are sent out of Compadre.

3 Press the BOOST or COMP footswitch again to set the MIDI output
channel and begin using Compadre.
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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

MIDI Functionality - Saving Presets

When in MIDI mode, the current state of the pedal can be saved to
any of Compadre’s 300 preset locations at any time.

1 To enter SAVE mode,

press and hold the
BOOST footswitch. The
BOOST LED will blink
BLUE to indicate that it
is waiting to receive a
MIDI Program Change
message.

2 Send the unit a MIDI Program Change message from the

connected MIDI device. The BOOST LED will flash and Compadre
will save the current state of the pedal to that preset location.

OR

Press the BOOST footswitch to save the current state of the

pedal to the currently loaded preset location.

OR

Press the COMP footswitch to cancel the save operation.

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

MIDI Functionality - MIDI Specifications

MIDI PROGRAM CHANGES

Compadre contains 300 preset locations, numbered sequentially from
0-299. Because MIDI Program Change messages have a maximum
number of 128 (0-127) the presets are grouped into three MIDI patch
banks.

MIDI BANK 0 = PRESETS 0-127

MIDI BANK 1 = PRESETS 128-255

MIDI BANK 2 = PRESETS 256-299

Compadre always powers up in MIDI Patch Bank 0, so if you plan to

stay within the first 127 presets, simply send a standard MIDI Program
Change message to load a preset.

If you will be using MIDI Banks 1 and/or 2, it is advisable to send a

standard MIDI Bank Change message (MIDI CC# 0 with a value equal
to the MIDI Bank#) before each MIDI Program Change.

Selecting bank 0, patch 127 will put Compadre into Manual mode.
In this mode, the pedal will be set to the current knob and switch
settings. No preset data can be stored at this preset location.

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

MIDI Functionality - MIDI Specifications (cont.)

MIDI CC NUMBERS

PARAMETERS CC# RANGE NOTES

Bank Select 0 0-2

Compression Type 11 1-2 (1=studio, 2=squeeze)

Compression Level 12 0-127
Compression Off/On 13 0, 127 (0=bypass, 1-127=on)
Compression 14 0-127
Dry 15 0-127

Boost EQ 17 1-3 (1=flat, 2=treble, 3=mid)

Boost Type 18 1-2 (1=clean, 2=dirty)
Boost Amount 19 0-127
Boost Off/On 20 0, 127 (0=bypass, 1-127=on)

PATCH CHANGES
0 Existing FAV patch (accessible via external MiniSwitch)
1 MultiSwitch Plus footswitch 1
2 MultiSwitch Plus footswitch 2
3 MultiSwitch Plus footswitch 3
127 Manual mode (“knobs”)

NOTE: All on/off parameters are implemented with 0=off and any
other value (1-127)=on. They are documented as “0, 127” because
many MIDI controllers send out 0 and 127 for on/off switches.

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Factory Reset

Restores the pedal to factory power up modes and secondary functions

and replaces all stored presets with the factory defaults.

1 Press and hold the

COMP footswitch while
powering up the pedal.
Once both LEDs flash,
release the footswitch.

2 Sweep the DRY knob from 0-100% and back two (2) times. The
BOOST LED will change colors at the extremes of the knob
range and blink RED to indicate when the reset is taking place.
Turn 1: AMBER
Turn 2: RED
Turn 3: AMBER
Turn 4: Both LEDs flash RED, Compadre resets and restarts

FACTORY SETTINGS
FAV/MIDI Jack: Assigned to FAVORITE mode.
Bypass Mode: Auto Bypass
MIDI channel: 1
MIDI Output Mode: Off

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Features

• Analog VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) compressor

• Two voicing options: smooth studio compression and hard

pedal style compression

• Independently controlled clean or dirty boost circuit with 3 EQ

options

• Dirty boost option provides overdrive when boost is engaged

• DRY Knob lets you blend the dry signal with the compressed
signal to preserve attack transients

• Output VCA allows Compadre to function as a volume pedal

when a standard TRS expression pedal is plugged into the
dedicated Volume jack

• Selectable True or Buffered Bypass

• Compatible with MiniSwitch for remote selection of a Favorite

preset

• Compatible with MultiSwitch Plus for remote selection of 3

presets

• Full featured MIDI control. Access to 300 presets and remote

parameter control via quarter-inch TRS. (requires Strymon
MIDI EXP cable or MIDI > TRS interface)

• High impedance ultra low-noise discrete Class A JFET

preamp input

• Low impedance mono output

• Designed and built in the USA

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Specifications

Input Impedance 1 Meg Ohm

Output Impedance 100 Ohm
Max Input Level +10 dBu
Compressor Signal/Noise 109 dB typical
Bypass Switching Selectable True Bypass (electromechanical
relay switching) or ultra low-noise
Buffered Bypass
Dimensions 4.5” deep x 4” wide x 1.75” tall
(11.4 cm deep x 10.2 cm wide x 4.4 cm tall)

Power Adapter Requirements

Use an adapter with the following rating: 9VDC center negative;

150mA minimum. Voltages higher than 9V can result in damaging the
pedal.

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Appendix 1

Power Up Modes Quick Reference

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Power Up Modes Quick Reference

Below is a list that details how to access all Power Up parameters

that are adjustable from Compadre’s interface and do not have
dedicated knobs or switches. Power Up functions persist through
power cycles. Return all function defaults with factory resets.
Press and Hold the COMP footswitch while connecting power
to Compadre until BOTH LEDs start blinking to enter Power Up
mode. Release the footswitch and use the knobs as described
below.
Press COMP or BOOST to store your changes and exit.

BYPASS MODE Turn COMPRESSION knob - status shown

(See page 7 for an on COMP LED
illustrated description.)
True Bypass: GREEN
Auto Bypass: AMBER
Buffered Bypass: RED

FAV/MIDI JACK Turn BOOST knob - status shown on

MODE BOOST LED
(See page 14 for an Favorite Mode: RED
illustrated description.)
Digital Mode: BLUE

FACTORY RESET Turn DRY knob - status shown on BOTH

(See page 20 for an LEDs. Turn the DRY knob from 0% to 100%
illustrated description.) and back two (2) times.

pg 24
COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

MIDI Power Up Settings Quick Reference

Below is a list that details how to access all Power Up parameters

that are adjustable from Compadre’s interface and do not have
dedicated knobs or switches. Power Up functions persist through
power cycles. Return all function defaults with factory resets.
Press and Hold the BOOST footswitch while connecting power
to Compadre until BOTH LEDs start blinking to enter Power Up
mode. Release the footswitch and use the knobs as described
below.
Press BOOST or COMP to store your changes and exit.

MIDI CHANNEL Turn BOOST knob - status shown on

(See page 15 for an BOOST LED
illustrated description.)
1: GREEN
2: AMBER
3: RED
4-16: BLUE

MIDI OUTPUT MODE Turn COMPRESSION knob - status shown on

(See page 16 for an COMP LED
illustrated description.)
On: GREEN
Through: AMBER
Off: RED

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Appendix 2

Signal Flow Diagram

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Signal Flow Diagram

DRY

VOL
LEVEL PEDAL

IN COMPRESSOR BOOST LEVEL BOOST STAGE OUT

NOTES:
The audio processing in Compadre is completely analog, but it is
digitally controlled. This allows you to save and recall up to 300 presets
and have full MIDI control over the analog parameters.

When COMP is bypassed, the compressor is completely removed from

the signal path.

The LEVEL knob is only active when the compressor is engaged,

and it is located after the boost in the signal chain. This gives you
the flexibility to allow the DIRTY boost setting to provide significant
overdrive without requiring a jump in volume.

pg 27
COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Appendix 3

Sample Settings

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COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Sample Settings

MIDI Program Change 0 MIDI Program Change 1

MIDI Program Change 2 MIDI Program Change 3

MIDI Program Change 4 MIDI Program Change 5

pg 29
COMPADRE - Dual Voice Compressor & Boost

Strymon Non-Transferrable Limited Warranty

Warranty
Strymon warranties the product to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the original date of purchase
when bought new from an authorized dealer in the United States of America
or Canada. If the product fails within the warranty period, Strymon will repair
or, at our discretion, replace the product at no cost to the original purchaser.
Please contact your dealer for information on warranty and service outside
of the USA and Canada.

Exclusions
This warranty covers defects in manufacturing discovered while using this
product as recommended by Strymon. This warranty does not cover loss or
theft, nor does the coverage extend to damage caused by misuse, abuse,
unauthorized modification, improper storage, lightning, or natural disasters.

Limits of Liability
In the case of malfunction, the purchaser’s sole recourse shall be repair or
replacement, as described in the preceding paragraphs. Strymon will not
be held liable to any party for damages that result from the failure of this
product. Damages excluded include, but are not limited to, the following:
lost profits, lost savings, damage to other equipment, and incidental or
consequential damages arising from the use, or inability to use this product.
In no event will Strymon be liable for more than the amount of the purchase
price, not to exceed the current retail price of the product. Strymon disclaims
any other warranties, expressed or implied. By using the product, the user
accepts all terms herein.

How to Obtain Service Under this Warranty

For North American customers: Contact Strymon through our website at
strymon.net/support for Return Authorization and information. Proof of
original ownership may be required in the form of a purchase receipt.

For International Customers: Contact the Strymon dealer from which the
product was purchased from in order to arrange warranty repair service.

Strymon® is a division of Damage Control Engineering®, LLC.

REV C - 08.05.2020 pg 30