Behringer Compressor/Limiter CL9

The Behringer CL9 is a compressor/limiter pedal that is suitable for use with any electric instrument. I've only tried the CL9 with electric guitar, which is what I would think most users would be looking at the CL9. The CL9 has got 1/4" connections for input and output and can run on either a nine volt battery or power supply. It isn't rack mountable in any way as it is stomp box.

UTILIZATION

The make up of the Behringer CL9 does make it extremely easy to use. Most compression pedals will have a similar configuration, so if you're familiar with compression and the parameters that are most often seen with them, you'll be able to use this pedal without needing to know anything further about it. The parameters that it has in the form of knobs include those for level, sustain, and attack time. No manual is necessary considering how easy this pedal is to use.

SOUND QUALITY

While it's easy to use, that's unfortunately where the good features end with the Behringer CL9. The tone quality of the CL9 makes it an unusable pedal in my opinion. While it definitely sounds like compression, it's the type of compression that although makes your sound glossy, really kills your tone more than anything. I like using compression on my guitar in many situations to give me an extra boost, but this pedal really does the exact opposite. I can't recommend using the CL9 in any situation.

OVERALL OPINION

The price of the Behringer CL9 certainly will make it an attractive option for those interested in a compression pedal, but I'd advise you to be highly wary of it. I wouldn't recommend not trying it out, but in my opinion there are a vast array of compression pedals out there to choose from that are more worthy than this one. It isn't like it will even cost you all that much more money to get a legit compression pedal either. If you are serious about your sound quality, there is no excuse to go with the Behringer CL9.