Description
EARTHQUAKER DEVICES THE WARDEN – OPTICAL COMPRESSOR PEDAL
The EarthQuaker Devices Warden is an optical compressor pedal that delivers studio-grade control and tone in a pedalboard-friendly format. Designed for players who want professional compression on stage or in the studio, The Warden provides huge headroom, flexible controls, and the signature warmth of optical circuitry.
Internally powered at 18 volts, it offers a wide dynamic range and incredible clarity, giving you everything from tight, fast compression to smooth, transparent sustain. Whether you want that “barely there” polish or a heavy, squashy feel, The Warden responds naturally and musically.
Optical compression is known for its rich character compared to VCA or FET designs, and The Warden captures that vibe perfectly. It is equally at home on electric guitar, bass, or keys and adds the touch sensitivity and dimension of a studio compressor in a single stomp.
KEY FEATURES
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Optical compression circuit with high-grade components
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Internally boosted to 18V for increased headroom and dynamic range
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Fully adjustable attack, release, sustain, ratio, tone, and level controls
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Capable of subtle transparent compression or heavy squash effects
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True bypass with electronic relay-based switching
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Works beautifully with guitar, bass, and studio setups
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Handmade in Akron, Ohio, USA
CONTROL GUIDE
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Tone: Adjusts coloration of your tone. Counter-clockwise cuts treble, clockwise boosts treble. Flat around 11 o’clock.
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Level: Controls overall output volume, affected by sustain and ratio settings. Adjust for unity to taste.
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Sustain: Sets input signal strength and the overall amount of compression. Low = light compression; high = strong compression and long sustain.
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Ratio: Determines how much the compressor reduces gain. High ratio = stronger compression.
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Attack: Controls how quickly compression begins. Left for fast attack, right for slower, more natural response.
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Release: Controls how long it takes for the signal to return to normal. Left for fast release, right for slower decay.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
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True bypass, relay-based electronic switching
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Power: 9V DC, 2.1 mm negative center barrel (pedal-specific supply recommended)
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Internal voltage: 18V operation for expanded headroom
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Current draw: 45 mA
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Input impedance: 1 MΩ
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Output impedance: <1 KΩ
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Dimensions: 4.75″ x 2.50″ x 2.25″ (with knobs)
WHY GUITARISTS LOVE IT
The Warden gives you studio-level compression right at your feet. It enhances dynamics, adds sustain, and gives your clean tones a professional sheen without killing your playing feel. Perfect for funk rhythm, fingerstyle, or high-gain solos that need extra control.
BUY IT FROM A TRUSTED AUSTRALIAN STORE
Looking to buy the EarthQuaker Devices Warden Optical Compressor Pedal? You will love Colemans Music. Visit our South Melbourne store or shop online with fast, secure Australia wide delivery. We are a proudly independent, family owned Australian music store that knows gear and backs it up with great service.
