Best Compressor Pedal with Sidechain (2026): 3 Picks Compared
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
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The Empress Effects Guitar Compressor MKII Pedal leads this guide for guitarists who want a sidechain HPF with gain and tone controls. The Origin Effects Cali76 Bass Compressor Pedal and the Empress Effects Bass Compressor Pedal bring the same sidechain idea to bass, with a blend control on the Cali76 and a sidechain send and return on the Empress bass pedal.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Guitarists who want gain, tone, and a sidechain HPF: Empress Effects Guitar Compressor MKII Pedal See pick 1
- Bassists who want a FET compressor with a blend control: Origin Effects Cali76 Bass Compressor Pedal See pick 2More picks: Best Fet Compressor Pedal
- Bassists who want 3 ratios and a sidechain send and return: Empress Effects Bass Compressor Pedal See pick 3
Want the full range? Best Compressor Pedal ranks the top compressor pedals for every buyer, or browse all 13 guides.
The 3 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
Empress Effects Guitar Compressor MKII Pedal
- Pedal type: Compressor
- 2-year warranty stated
- 0.8 lb, the lightest here
It earns Best Overall with a sidechain HPF, gain and tone controls, and attack and release controls for guitar.
Who it suits
- Guitarists who want gain, tone, and a sidechain HPF
- Players who want attack and release controls on a guitar pedal
Skip it if
- You play bass and want a bass compressor
- You want a warranty longer than 2 years
The Empress Effects Guitar Compressor MKII Pedal is a guitar compressor pedal with gain, ratio controls, and a tone control. Attack and release controls shape the compression, and the sidechain HPF keeps low frequencies from driving the compressor. It weighs 0.8 lb and carries a 2-year warranty.
2Runner-Up
Origin Effects Cali76 Bass Compressor Pedal
- Pedal type: Compressor
- 2-year warranty stated
It earns Runner-Up with a sidechain HPF, blend control, and attack and release controls for electric bass.
Who it suits
- Bassists who want a FET compressor with a blend control
- Players who want sidechain HPF controls for electric bass
Skip it if
- You play guitar and want a guitar compressor
- You want a pedal under 1.3 lb
The Origin Effects Cali76 Bass Compressor Pedal is a FET compressor pedal for electric bass with ratio controls. Attack and release controls shape the compression, the sidechain HPF controls keep low frequencies from driving the compressor, and the blend control adjusts the mix. It weighs 1.3 lb and carries a 2-year warranty.
3Also Great
Empress Effects Bass Compressor Pedal
- Pedal type: Compressor
- 2-year warranty stated
It earns Also Great with a sidechain highpass filter, 3 ratios, and a sidechain send and return for bass.
Who it suits
- Bassists who want 3 ratios and a sidechain send and return
- Players who want LED metering and attack release controls
Skip it if
- You play guitar and want a guitar compressor
- You want a pedal under 1.4 lb
The Empress Effects Bass Compressor Pedal is a bass compressor pedal with 3 ratios and a sidechain highpass filter. Attack release controls shape the compression, the sidechain send and return take an external signal, and LED metering shows the compression. It weighs 1.4 lb and carries a 2-year warranty.
Side by side
| Product | True bypass | Runs on batteries | Stereo in/out | Pedal type | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Empress Effects Guitar Compressor MKII Pedal | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Compressor | 0.8 lb | 2-year |
| Origin Effects Cali76 Bass Compressor Pedal | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Compressor | 1.3 lb | 2-year |
| Empress Effects Bass Compressor Pedal | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Compressor | 1.4 lb | 2-year |
How we ranked these compressor pedals
Every pick ranks in Amazon's best-seller list for its category and has a listing with real specifications. The order mixes two things: how each model compares on the specs below (higher share of the best value in this group scores more), and how widely it is bought. The spec score runs from 9.0 to 9.8 and only compares these picks with each other. A spec the listing does not state is left out and the other specs are re-weighted; a listing with fewer than 2 stated specs is scored at half. We do not test gear in person. Full method.
- True bypass weight 2
- Runs on batteries weight 1
- Stereo in/out weight 1
Buying advice: compressor pedal with sidechain
Match the pedal to your instrument
Guitar and bass pedals differ in what they are built for. The Empress Effects Guitar Compressor MKII Pedal is a guitar compressor pedal, while the Origin Effects Cali76 Bass Compressor Pedal is a FET compressor pedal for electric bass and the Empress Effects Bass Compressor Pedal is a bass compressor pedal. Pick the pedal that matches the instrument you play, then compare the controls each one gives you.
Compare the sidechain controls
Every pedal here has a sidechain control, and the three controls differ. A sidechain highpass filter keeps low frequencies from driving the compressor, and a send and return take an external signal into the sidechain. Compare the sidechain controls before the other controls.
Check weight and warranty
Weight and warranty are the same kind of check on all three pedals. Each pedal carries a 2-year warranty. Compare the weights against how much you carry, and keep the warranty term in mind when you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Which pedals here have a sidechain control?
All three pedals have one. The Empress Effects Guitar Compressor MKII Pedal has a sidechain HPF. The Origin Effects Cali76 Bass Compressor Pedal has sidechain HPF controls. The Empress Effects Bass Compressor Pedal has a sidechain highpass filter with a send and return.
What does a sidechain highpass filter do?
It keeps low frequencies from driving the compressor. The filter sits in the sidechain path that tells the compressor when to work, so low notes trigger less compression than higher notes.
How much do these pedals weigh?
The Empress Effects Guitar Compressor MKII Pedal weighs 0.8 lb. The Origin Effects Cali76 Bass Compressor Pedal weighs 1.3 lb. The Empress Effects Bass Compressor Pedal weighs 1.4 lb.
Gear that goes with it
Best PedalboardTop pick: SOYAN 18" x 11.8" Guitar Pedal Board
Best Pedal Power SupplyTop pick: Hiree Guitar Pedal Power Supply 7 DC
Best Guitar CordTop pick: JSAUX Guitar Cable 10 ft
Best TunersTop pick: KLIQ UberTuner-MAX USB Rechargeable Clip On GuitarMore compressor pedals guides
Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Nov 11, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.