MXR effects from the 1970’s are rightly regarded as “classic” effects. None of the MXR effects is more widely respected than the MXR Dyna-Comp compressor, which is widely used by in-the-know studio players and tone connoisseurs alike. What not too many know is that Michael Laiacona, of Whirlwind USA, was one of the original founders of MXR. So, the new Whirlwind Red Box Compressor is a true reproduction (with some notable improvements) of the original Dyna-Comp compressor.

Trying out the Red Box Compressor with my new Fender Deluxe Reverb combo, I was impressed with how the unit added sustain without any added noise. Maxing out the controls, I was able to get some serious funk chord action and country chicken’ pickin’ pop. Even when used with a Keeley Fuzz Box, the noise level was incredibly low. This is one classic pedal (pseudo) reissue that perhaps trumps the original.