MXR M102 Dyna Comp Compressor user reviews ( 8/10) - 19 user reviews

• 11/22/11

  Hatsubai's review "Very solid compressor"

  Characteristics

  The MXR Dyna-Comp is probably one of the more famous compressors out there. It's been around for who knows how long, and it's been part of rigs since before I was born. The ability to squish the notes works awesome for clean tones, and it can actually be used as a bit of a solo aid as well, assuming you don't plan on squishing the piss out of your tone. There are very few compressors out there as readily available as this, as well as being as musical sounding as this one.

  Utilization

  MXR pedals are put into very strong housings. You could jump on this from the balcony, and I bet it would still survive. The only real issues I ever see with these are that the switches will sometimes go, but that's after years and years of hard touring abuse. I've seen people spill beers on these without any issues at all. Using it is very easy as there are only two knobs. You simply adjust the two knobs to the amount of compression you're looking for, and you're good to go. There are a few sample settings in the manual, and if you want more info, you can look in there, but considering how easy this pedal is to use, it's really not needed.

  Sound Quality

  The sound is great. For clean tones, if you ever wanted that spanky kind of clean sound, this is the pedal you're looking for. You can squish the clean tone enough to where it sounds a lot more even and not nearly as "peaky" as clean tones tend to be. Country cleans are pretty much always heavily compressed, and this can do that kind of tone in spades. I don't really recommend using this on rhythms too much as it tends to be a bit too compressed, but on leads, it can be a pretty sweet lead boost that helps give you some extra sustain without harming the original tone too much.

  Overall Opinion

  If you're looking for a solid compressor for the price, this is probably the one you want to get. There are better ones out there such as the famous Keeley Compressor, but that's very expensive, and it's not exactly necessary for everyone. While that happens to be my main compressor, this one is great in a pinch, and I find myself using it whenever I go to a store to test out clean tones.
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• 10/01/11

  James...'s review "Best comp in its price range"

  Characteristics

  There are really two theories with pedal compressors. You either have a ton of control over your threshhold and attack, or you just get the normal two know volume and compression deal. MXR is very clearly a simple side to this coin. I remember a few years ago this was one of the few compressors out there. The mind with a lot of players was that a compressor was a compressor and that was the end of the story. So you just got a boss or an mxr and called it a day. These days you have a lot of choices and in different price ranges. This is in the lower end of the ranges and the control layour reflects that.

  Utilization

  If you can't figure this out you have no business using a comp. It's got a sustain control. That's basically it. How much do you want? Most players are going to keep it around noon. Honestly it would be nice if MXR would have one of these with a fixed at noon control and just an on off switch. EHX has been doing this kind of thing with some of their pedals and it seems like a good idea.

  Sound Quality

  Here's the thing. I've used about every comp out there. From the $300 boutique ones to the mid priced stuff to the cheaper ones like this. For the most part you get what you pay for but there are exceptions. I use this pedal in my beater rig. It's basically a Thinline tele with a Vox AC15 and some rendom pedals. I would have to say I run my knob at about 11 oclock most of the time. I don't like it to sound overbearing which can be an issue with this pedal at times. It's not as transparent as a Diamond comp which is obviously a lot more. This pedal will get you that nashville sound though, and in the sub $80 range I think this is your best choice for a comp. Yes, the script comp is a bit better. But in my opinion it's not worth the extra. If you're going to spend over $100 or so I would get a Keeley or something even nicer.

  Overall Opinion

  Like I said, great value for the sound quality. Not it's not going to sound like a Keeley or a script logo. But those are a bit pricier and not everyone wants to drop $160 on a compressor. This is a great beginner comp or just for people who aren't crazy about them. I recommend.
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• 04/08/11

  VishNuRoXoUt's review "Noisy, but does its job!"

  Characteristics

  The MXR M102 Dyna Comp is one of the most common compressors on the market. It's one of the cheaper units and can be seen on many boards. It's reliable and easy to find. It's got 2 controls a small footprint and a sturdy build that MXR enclosures are known for.

  Utilization

  The pedal has an Output knob and a Sensitivity knob. Standard 1/4" input and output. The manual explains pretty well how to make use of the knobs. But I feel like it's pretty subjective to the gear you are using. The pedal functions differently with different pickups and guitars I've used. So some good old fashioned knob tweaking will be needed. I've found that I can't yet find a setting to keep it on for everything.

  Sound Quality

  I've used this pedal with various guitars. A tele, strat and les paul. Also my ESPLTD EC-1000 and my Schecter PT. All the guitars react a little differently due to output changes and set ups. It colors your tone and seems to roll of some high and low end. It's a very noisy pedal but I have it set up to be fairly quite with my NS-2. If you're looking for some country squash or some funky pop, this is a really good pedal for that. But for the more transparent tone sweetening you get on higher end compressors, you'll need to spend a little more money.

  Overall Opinion

  I like the Dyna Comp for more squashed compression, and it's really good for the money, but you can get a much better compressor for a bit more money. With less noise and more tweakability. I've tried other compressors and I think I am going the higher end route for compression. Though this is nice for the price, I can justify a few more bucks for less noise and quality.
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• 11/02/10

  MGR/Billy's review "MXR Dyna Comp"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sound Quality

  Overall Opinion

  This is the tried and true red 2 knob MXR Dyna Comp. It's been around forever, well more accurately, I think since the 1970s.
  
  
  
  I acquired this pedal used for $40. New they run about $70.
  
  
  
  It is simple to use. It gives a great boost as well as will tighten things up if needed. Great if you want to even out your guitar\'s signal.
  
  
  
  The best sound I got out of it was using is together with a clean Fender strat into a Fender Twin Reverb. Reminded me of some of the sounds you might hear from Stevie Ray Vaughan or John Frusciante.
  
  
  
  If I had paid the new price of what these pedals go for I might feel a bit let down. The pedal is noisy on the high end. There isn\'t much else out there for the same price. I did hear that Behringer is coming out with a similar pedal. I\'m curious how that will stack up. The Behringer will probably not be as durable, but it will most likely be half the price.
  
  
  
  Quality and construction are fair for a sub $100 pedal.
  
  
  
  If you need a simple compressor for your live guitar rig, this is it. If you want a better hi-fi sounding one, look elsewhere. You will hear a little noise and that is the only reason I suggest it more for live use than in a studio setting.
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 02/09/10

  mooseherman's review

  Characteristics

  This is a pretty basic analog compression pedal for guitar. It's not a rackable unit, it's a pedal. It can't be edited through MIDI or any computer software.

  Utilization

  This pedal is very small and compact. It's only got two knobs on it, one for Output and one for Sensitivity. It's got the footswitch and the standard guitar 1/4" ins and outs. The manual explains what each knob does pretty well, though to really appreciate the sounds that you can get out of it, you need to do some knob twiddling on your own.

  Sound Quality

  I've used this with my Strat and the Les Paul, and I totally prefer it with the Les Paul without a doubt. Hands down the best thing about it is its relative lack of noise. Most pedals in this range are very noisy in comparison. However, it's not exactly the most faithful compressor to my original sound. In fact, the only time it's really useful when you're coloring your tone significantly. The best thing about it is sustain on leads. However, it tends to give it that 80s, fake-sounding sustain that I don't really prefer. Sometimes it's necessary when playing live, but I tend to prefer something a bit more natural sounding. The compressor makes clean tones sound pretty uninspired and boring, and I'm convinced that they're only good at hiding dynamics that would only make your playing sound more compelling. You might need to compress some of them while recording, but I honestly think that you'd be better off with a rackable or outboard compressor, as it's more versatile than this and won't rob your tone of its personality.

  Overall Opinion

  I was hoping that the lack of extremely precise controls would make this pedal less frustrating to use, but the tones themselves were what ended up frustrating me the most. For the price, I guess this isn't too bad, but you can do better. If noise is a huge issue for you, this might be a good purchase, but you'd be better off in the long run going for something with more control and more transparency.
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• 05/21/09

  moosers's review

  Characteristics

  The MXR M102 Dyna Comp is a guitar compression pedal that has a 1/4 inch input and a 1/4 inch output and is overall very basic in make up. It is an analog pedal and isn't a rack mountable piece of gear as it is a foot pedal.

  Utilization

  The make up of the MXR M102 Dyna Comp couldn't be any easier than it is. It simply has two knobs - one for output and one for sensitivity, which is pretty much as basic as you can get when it comes to compression pedals and compressors in general. Manipulating the tone is a really easy thing to do and getting a variety of good tones is also quite simple. I don't have the manual for the MXR M102 Dyna Comp, but it really isn't necessary as the pedal is simple on its own.

  Sound Quality

  The sound of the MXR M102 Dyna Comp is awesome and the pedal is one of my favorites because of this. The sustain you can get on this pedal will last for days and you can also get a nice crunch tone with it as well. I usually use this pedal with a Fender Stratocaster plugged into a 1976 Fender Twin Reverb amplifier and I'm always very pleased with the tones I'm able to achieve with this set up. The sound of this pedal makes it a worthy investment for any guitarist.

  Overall Opinion

  I've had my MXR M102 Dyna Comp for about three or four years and I've found it to be a great compression pedal. While it certainly doesn't sound as good as some rackable compressors, as far as compression pedals go this is one of the best ones out there. The price is very reasonable and the only other compression pedal I've used that is comparable in tone and in price is the Boss CS-3. I think every guitarist should own a compression pedal as I love adding that endless sustain to my lead parts and that crunch to my rhythm parts and the MXR M102 Dyna Comp is one of the best ones out there for doing so.
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• 12/30/03

  MGR/Anonymous's review "MXR Dyna Comp"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sound Quality

  Overall Opinion

  Paid $75 at a used place
  
  
  
  I like everything about this pedal. It is tuned and set up for the guitar and enhances all manner of signal you throw at it. Whether you want to bring out the clean tones or sustain the gritty tones, the dyna comp does the job and adds very little noise in the process. It\'s also very easy to use, unlike many compressors. I like to put the output at 3 o\'clock and the sensitivity at 8:00 o\'clock. The effect is there but is unobtrusive.
  
  
  
  I can\'t think of a bad thing to say.
  
  
  
  Excellent
  
  
  
  A must have for any analog pedal maniac. Don\'t leave home without it.
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 05/01/13

  Linn Sondek's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " The good compressor!"

  Characteristics

  Analog compression effect.
  
  Robust housing with classic MR.

  Utilization

  A knob volume level, one for the level of effect: hard to easy.
  
  Manuel useless.
  
  As always with MXR, catalog and Dunlop brand effects and other documents.

  Sound Quality

  Indeed both effective and musical: the hallmark of MXR!
  
  Used at the beginning of the chain with various Les Paul and Stratocaster.

  Overall Opinion

  This pedal has been one of the very first (Phase 90 with the Disto +, the big Muff and Small Clone: ​​in almost exactly the pedals that I had in my early youth) that I learned when I got rid of my Cyber ​​Deluxe and my multi-effects. Needless to say how much the gap is huge, in terms of musicality, between the compressor and what has a multi-purpose.
  
  What characterizes this pedal, as indeed throughout the MXR range is above all his great musicality and class. Yes, to my taste, there's class, distinction in the MXR effects!
  
  Everyone here knows what is and what a compressor, it is not necessary to return.
  
  I most often used for fluidity that provides solo and therefore sustain. Like any compressor, and of course depending on the settings, it can erase the lead attack and I particularly appreciate the fact that close violoning he is able to get, especially since we play with fingers .
  
  It allows me to get that one of the pedals that I owned and loved especially gave me the Roland Slow Gear (reprinted by Boss), alas found today. But it is of course much more versatile.
  
  This pedal is at ease with any type of distortion, overdrive or fuzz. And I love all these combinations. It provides endless sustain with a Big Muff and humbuckers.
  
  I have since acquired Vintage Reissue, even better, but carefully preserved.
  
  A great product.
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• 05/01/12

  Piedrot's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Good compressor pedal, precisely known. Ultra solid and heavy (MXR what!)
  
  is made to last.
  
  Two settings buttons (the compression rate and volume of output), but effective and with a lot of interactivity. It may take some time to fumble and refine until you find the sound you need ... but we get there!

  Utilization

  I used it mainly for funky rhythms, arpeggios and (essentially) the slide. In all these uses it is reliable and sounds great, and even surprisingly good with the slide, in clear or slightly saturated. Provided reflect the fact that he tends to "pump" and the sound to distort it a bit, especially when the compression is turned up enough, but it's the fault of just all compressors, it's part of the effect. Just know and adapt his game and its settings accordingly.
  
  While we're in the defects, we can add it produces a lot of breath. It has the charm of the old what!

  Sound Quality

  The dyna comp is not at all transparent, it has a way of coloring the sound of its own and that is precisely what is cool (even though everyone seems to seek transparency today. As well ask an amp Marshall to be transparent. And then what?)
  
  on the other hand it is not for shredders, because I think it is not made for saturation (that said, everyone's tastes). If you need a compressor to play legato and flowing solos, not clear whether this is the one for you. This is where you'll need something more "transparent".

  Overall Opinion

  I sold it because it was redundant and that I almost used it. But I rather regret that very special color, I repeat, is not at all a fault in my opinion. I'm not a very big user of the compressor, but I still regularly used some models as required (funky rhythmic "slap", slide, arpeggios ...) and this one was very properly the job.
  
  From secondhand, I think it is a good price / quality ratio.
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• 01/16/12

  AceLeppard's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Warm!"

  Characteristics

  Analog compressor pedal.
  
  A knob "output" manages the output level, a knob "sensitivity" runs the compression ratio.
  
  Mxr classical case, a switch to activate the effect, powered by 9 volt battery or AC adapter. An input and an output, while mono.
  
  Not that it really bothers me, but it's true, the power supply plug and misplaced, and YES, it's boring to just unscrew it to change the battery. After the sudden you're not embarrassed when you want to put velcro on the pedal!

  Utilization

  The general setup is super simple, like most Mxr, we find in fact that two knobs, very interactive. After a while it binds to one or more preferred settings.
  
  I did not have the manual. Editing sounds is a bit complex, because of the subtle nature of this kind of effect but it is fast!

  Sound Quality

  The pedal has a very vintage compression, warm, and then typed. It will be great for jazz / blues / rock or the slide example, but the followers of sounds funkers rights similar to those of the "Live 86" by Serge Gainsbourg is confused maybe not!
  
  This is not optimal for a booster drive, too colorful for my taste.
  
  I used it with humbuckers. Now that I've typed a vintage Start, had to be should I réinteresser this little red pedal ...

  Overall Opinion

  I used it for a while, I tried the Boss Cs3 which did not suit me, too cold and right as well as being noisier than the dyna comp.
  
  You have to push a little output for the same noise level as its base, it's a shame. The Super Comp Mxr home has an additional setting "attack level" handy ...
  
  The value for money is honest, Mxr products are excellent in their price range and beyond. With experience, I try again the models, because I am sure there are better elsewhere ...
  
  
  
  This pedal is a great introduction into the world of compressor side vintage!
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