DOD FX80B Compressor/Sustainer

Flashy orange color is very remarkable, although this is not my favorite color.
The metal case is very sturdy, rather heavy. As she was not new, there are some chips in the paint, but hey, this is a point aesthetics! To give an idea of ​​the size of the case, it is a tad bigger than EHX Nano!

The switch is not true bypass, you press a switch that activates the plastic effect.
This point may seem negative to some because it is likely that the switch will wear out sooner, but the effect is on constantly with me that it did not matter.

As for knobs, we have three settings:

Level: control the level of effect.
Release: determining when the effect must be activated rather quickly or rather, some time after the onset of sound.
Compression: assess the level of compression made to the sound.


Jack plugs are solid and do not need to be tightened.
Power is supplied either by mini jack, EHX type, either by a 9v battery.
The battery access is not difficult, in fact, it's a simple clip on the back of the pedal should be removed carefully (mine is with bits of tape (inside ), tortured by the former owner.

UTILIZATION

Usage is very simple, just plug your guitar or any other audio source and turn the knobs to adjust the sound.

SOUND QUALITY

For starters, the pedal is transparent, which is a good point.
However, as all compressors, it tends to blow and accentuate the crackling end position of knobs, although it's still rather light.

The level does nothing more than a volume control, but practical "less useful" than the other two knobs.

Thus, if one plays with the combination of two others, one can obtain compression cleanly, the notes are compressed, means the strings snapping under the pick, it's quite nice I think!

There is a real change, either in clean or distorted.
I can not tell which one is thereby changed the most, but in any case it is audible.

The sound is fuller, rounder, Grain distos / fuzz is "refocused".
Setting aside, personally I like the effect is rather this, so I rule the rate of appearance at least, and compression to 3/4 of the race.

I have always placed upstream of my chaining, ever after another pedal. I love her so, in the first treatment my guitar.

OVERALL OPINION

Highlights:
Price: around thirty euros
Transparent although one should not push into the farthest corner of the knobs
Knobs progressive and useful
Battery operation

Weaknesses:
Garish orange
Supply mini jack

I recommend this pedal for those who want to experience an efficient compression at the right price in time.