EARTHQUAKER DEVICES / THEWARDEN

The Warden is a recording studio-quality optical compressor. Crafted with the highest quality components, it boosts voltage to 18V internally for crystal-clear headroom and sustain. With a wide dynamic range and six control settings, it can be applied subtly or heavily to bring out the guitar's cutting edge.

■Guitar Effects
■Optical Compressor
■Controls: Tone, Attack, Release, Level, Sustain, Ratio

Because it uses an optical system, the tone is slightly colored compared to VCA or FET systems. However, this also makes it extremely effective for creating the unique tones heard on records from the 1960s and 1970s, such as the combination of a 12-string guitar and a vintage compressor.

Tone: Colors the input signal. At 11 o'clock, a nearly flat tone is achieved. Turning left from there cuts high frequencies, while turning right boosts them.

Attack: Sets how quickly the compressor begins to work. Turning fully left is the fastest, with compression beginning immediately after the signal is input. Turning it clockwise slows the time it takes to respond to the input signal.

Release: Sets the release speed of the compression effect. This adjusts how quickly the compressed signal is released. Turning it all the way to the left will release it faster, and turning it all the way to the right will slow it down.

Level: Sets the overall output level. This is also related to the Sustain and Ratio settings. Adjust to your liking.

Ratio: Sets the gain reduction according to the input signal level. This adjusts the amount of compression depending on the input signal. Turning it all the way to the right will achieve maximum compression, and turning it all the way to the left will increase the signal and reduce the sense of compression.

Sustain: Sets the signal strength. This setting is the basis of the Warden. The Warden is a feedback-style compressor, so the stronger the input signal, the stronger the compression effect. Turning down Sustain will weaken the Attack and Release, resulting in a less compressed sound. Turning it down will amplify the signal, lengthen the sustain, and make the Attack and Release effects more pronounced.