EARTHQUAKER DEVICES THE WARDEN – OPTICAL COMPRESSOR PEDAL

The EarthQuaker Devices Warden is an optical compressor pedal that delivers studio-grade control and tone in a pedalboard-friendly format. Designed for players who want professional compression on stage or in the studio, The Warden provides huge headroom, flexible controls, and the signature warmth of optical circuitry.

Internally powered at 18 volts, it offers a wide dynamic range and incredible clarity, giving you everything from tight, fast compression to smooth, transparent sustain. Whether you want that “barely there” polish or a heavy, squashy feel, The Warden responds naturally and musically.

Optical compression is known for its rich character compared to VCA or FET designs, and The Warden captures that vibe perfectly. It is equally at home on electric guitar, bass, or keys and adds the touch sensitivity and dimension of a studio compressor in a single stomp.

KEY FEATURES

Optical compression circuit with high-grade components
Internally boosted to 18V for increased headroom and dynamic range
Fully adjustable attack, release, sustain, ratio, tone, and level controls
Capable of subtle transparent compression or heavy squash effects
True bypass with electronic relay-based switching
Works beautifully with guitar, bass, and studio setups
Handmade in Akron, Ohio, USA

CONTROL GUIDE

Tone: Adjusts coloration of your tone. Counter-clockwise cuts treble, clockwise boosts treble. Flat around 11 o’clock.
Level: Controls overall output volume, affected by sustain and ratio settings. Adjust for unity to taste.
Sustain: Sets input signal strength and the overall amount of compression. Low = light compression; high = strong compression and long sustain.
Ratio: Determines how much the compressor reduces gain. High ratio = stronger compression.
Attack: Controls how quickly compression begins. Left for fast attack, right for slower, more natural response.
Release: Controls how long it takes for the signal to return to normal. Left for fast release, right for slower decay.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

True bypass, relay-based electronic switching
Power: 9V DC, 2.1 mm negative center barrel (pedal-specific supply recommended)
Internal voltage: 18V operation for expanded headroom
Current draw: 45 mA
Input impedance: 1 MΩ
Output impedance: <1 KΩ
Dimensions: 4.75″ x 2.50″ x 2.25″ (with knobs)

WHY GUITARISTS LOVE IT

The Warden gives you studio-level compression right at your feet. It enhances dynamics, adds sustain, and gives your clean tones a professional sheen without killing your playing feel. Perfect for funk rhythm, fingerstyle, or high-gain solos that need extra control.

BUY IT FROM A TRUSTED AUSTRALIAN STORE

Looking to buy the EarthQuaker Devices Warden Optical Compressor Pedal? You will love Colemans Music. Visit our South Melbourne store or shop online with fast, secure Australia wide delivery. We are a proudly independent, family owned Australian music store that knows gear and backs it up with great service.

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