MXR M228 Limited Dyna Comp Deluxe

A Modern Evolution of an Iconic MXR Compressor

The Dyna Comp is one of the most recognizable compressors in the guitar pedal world: much more than a simple leveling tool, it has forged a unique aesthetic with its snappy and "pop" character that immediately brings attacks to life. The MXR M228 Dyna Comp Deluxe retains the DNA of the historic model while adding a more comprehensive interface to sculpt compression according to your guitar, amp, and playing style. The goal is clear: to preserve the iconic character of the Dyna Comp while giving you the means to finely adapt it to a modern pedalboard.

For Which Guitarists and Styles?

This pedal is aimed both at intermediate guitarists who want to understand and master compression and at experienced musicians seeking a compressor with a strong character, capable of remaining musical in both studio and live settings. It excels on funk rhythms (clean attack, consistent level), country (twang and sustain), rock (solos easier to hold in the mix), and even pop/indie to smooth out a clean guitar without making it dull. On a pedalboard, it can serve as an "always-on" foundation to stabilize playing or as a more pronounced effect to achieve a '70s-style compression.

Extended Controls: From Vintage "Squish" to Modern "Light Touch"

The major advantage of the M228 is its ability to switch from very pronounced compression to a more transparent setting. The Output control adjusts the output volume to compensate for compression (or to drive an amp input), while Sensitivity determines the intensity of compression and the sustain feel. The Clean control is essential: it allows you to blend your unaffected signal with the compressed signal, useful for preserving natural attack and dynamics while benefiting from a more stable level. Finally, the Tone control refines the high end of the compressed signal, very useful to avoid a too dark sound or, conversely, to tame a bright guitar. The Attack switch lets you choose between a slower, vintage-feel attack and a faster attack for a more immediate and precise response.

The Sound

The MXR M228 Dyna Comp Deluxe stays true to the Dyna Comp character: a compression that can be snappy, with a "springy" attack feel, and sustain that brings notes forward effortlessly. At stronger settings, you get that famous pleasing pumping effect for chicken picking and tight arpeggios; at subtle settings with a good dose of Clean, the pedal becomes more transparent and provides a "finished" playing sensation, particularly effective on clean or slightly crunchy tones. It responds well to nuances: the harder you play, the more the compression is felt, allowing you to work expressiveness while keeping the guitar consistent in the mix.

Technical specifications

Effects	Compressor / Sustainer, Compressor	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Red
EQ	Tone	Power supply included	No

Potentiometers	Output, Sensitivity, Clean, Tone	Power Supply	not included
Switch	Attack (slow vintage-style attack / fast modern-style attack)	Documentation	included
Input	6.35mm Jack	Required Voltage	9 V DC
Output	6.35mm Jack	Current Draw	11 mA
Power Input	9 V DC