DOD Compressor 280 review

A good compressor is a guitarist's best friend and this compact optical comp is the sort of pedal you might never turn off. Do the market-leading Boss and MXR comps need to be worried?

DOD Compressor 280
(Image: © Future / Olly Curtis)

Guitar World Verdict

The Compressor 280 is an excellent-sounding, intuitive optical compressor, and it could well challenge the Boss and MXR comps on the market as the go-to first compressor for many players.

Pros

  • +

    Superb compression.

  • +

    Good price.

  • +

    Compact.

  • +

    Two-knobs, simple.

Cons

  • -

    Some might want more control options.

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

When looking at simplified two-knob compressor pedals, the main competitor to the DOD 280 is the MXR Dyna Comp. In this case, the Compressor 280 is an optical compressor, meaning that the amplitude of the input signal drives a light element, which is then detected by a light-dependent resistor. 

As the optical cell detects more light, it attenuates the signal further. Obviously, this has knock-on effects for the timbre, response, and feel of the device. 

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