EGO Compressor Review [Comparison with MINI/Cory Wong]

For those who:

• Can’t get satisfaction from the MXR Dyna Comp or BOSS CS-3
• Are searching for a user-friendly compressor with great sound
• Want something versatile for both rhythm and solo playing
• I don’t know how to use the compressor
• Are curious about the differences between the standard Wampler Ego Compressor, the MINI, and the Cory Wong model

This is an honest, no-holds-barred review of the Wampler EGO Compressor, a pedal that anyone considering a compressor should try out. This review is brought to you by Yosh (@Yosh_Guitars), an ex-musical instrument employee.

Pros: Reasons to Recommend the Ego Compressor

1. Top-tier guitar compressor
2. Low noise
3. Five straightforward controls without excess or deficiency
4. Optimal sound for 16 beat funk rhythm
5. Presence in lead and arpeggio for a superior sound

Top-tier Guitar Compressor

I believe it’s one of the best pedal-type compressors for guitars. The reasons are its transparent sound without thinning or EQ coloring, its significantly low noise among compressors, and its sufficient controls that allow for various uses. It’s recognized as a standard in the U.S., and its high quality is evident in its status as a standard model of compressor pedal.

Low Noise

Compressors inherently amplify noise. However, the EGO Compressor has less noise. This is evidenced by its popularity among professional guitarists who are strict about noise. The significant difference between this and compressors under $150 is its low noise.

Five Straightforward Controls Without Excess or Deficiency

The controls are volume, sustain, attack, tone, and blend. Although there are more controls than entry models, it can be used for all purposes and you won’t struggle with sound creation. The effects are simple and easy to understand. If you have a clear purpose for using the comp (the sound you aim for), you won’t get lost. It can handle both percussive sounds ideal for 16 beat funk-rhythm and sound adjustment for single notes, such as arpeggios.

Optimal Sound for 16 beat funk rhythm

With the Ego Compressor, you can achieve the optimal sound for 16 beat funk rhythm. It balances all sounds, including chords, single notes, and mutes. This is proven by Cory Wong, a master of modern funk groove, using it (although it’s clear he has playing techniques).

Presence in Lead and Arpeggio for a Superior Sound

In addition to percussive rhythm guitar, it’s also recommended to always keep it ON at the first stage of the pedal board to adjust the sound, like pushing by the buffer/preamp further. The range and wildness are adjusted, so you won’t lose your presence in the band sound. Additionally, the effects of reverb and delay are enhanced when you use it with Ego Compressor. In arpeggios, the variation in sound for each string and the volume difference in chord playing are adjusted, and in lead, you can create a superior sound that is comfortably adjusted without losing dynamics. It might allow you to perform with ease, not only in band use but also during recording.

Cons

Cannot Visually Judge the Degree of Compression

In recent comp pedals, there are pedals where the degree of compression can be visually understood with LED lamps or meters. The LED lamp of the Ego Compressor only indicates ON/OFF of the effect, and the brightness does not change depending on the degree of compression. Trust your ears for the settings.

Not Good at Super Clear Studio Type

The sound character of the Ego Compressor is, in a word, transparent with little seasoning. It feels natural and flexible, not crisp but warm. By utilizing the tone and blend knobs, you can create a clear sound faithful to the original sound. However, it’s not suitable for those seeking a super clear hi-fi sound of the studio type. Even if you turn up the tone knob to the maximum, it won’t become a hard clarity or a hi-fi feel.

How to Use: Setting Examples

• VOLUME: After all settings are done, it’s standard to adjust so that there is no volume difference between ON and OFF, but boosting is also possible.
• SUSTAIN: Controls sustain and compression amount.
• ATTACK: Controls the time until the comp is fully applied (attack time). Turning it to the right makes the attack time faster, suppressing the attack sound.
• TONE: It works more like presence than treble. It adds sparkle rather than hardness, but it doesn’t work too much.
• BLEND: Set how much effect sound to mix with the dry sound.

Always want to be ON, just makes you better?

If you want to feel as if you’ve become better just by using a comp, and want your performance to be supported to the extent that you feel at ease, it’s recommended to set all knobs of the Ego Compressor from the noon position. At this point, you should notice that the balance is quite good. In my personal opinion, one of the conditions for an easy-to-handle comp is the blend knob. The Ego Compressor has a wonderful sense of balance that fills with the sound of the comp at the timing when the original sound decays when you set it to the noon position. Unless you swing the SUSTAIN, ATTACK, BLEND to the extreme, the feeling of “I’m using the comp” won’t come out that much. Adjust these three knobs before and after the 12 o’clock position and find the point where it’s easy to play.

For Funk-Rhythm, Finger-Style Guitar, Chicken Picking

This is a recommended setting for disco and funk rhythm, playing melody with chord progression in finger-style guitar and neo-soul style, and country chicken picking. Because it’s a natural and transparent sound, you can actively use it for sound creation while taking advantage of the character of the guitar and amp. If you set SUSTAIN and ATTACK to about 1-2 o’clock and BLEND to about 3 o’clock, the player can feel the degree of compression firmly, and the listener can find a delicious point where the unpleasantness is not transmitted.

Unembellished Superior Sound

For both rhythm and lead, if you want to apply it more clearly and naturally, the best BLEND is around 9-10 o’clock. SUSTAIN is also around 10-11 o’clock, and ATTACK should not be noticeable around 12-1 o’clock. Personally, I like the tone to be around 1 o’clock, where a little bit of tube saturation-like feeling is added.

Old School Comp Sound

On the contrary, you can create an old school sound like MXR Dyna Comp. By reducing the dry sound with the BLEND knob, suppressing the attack sound by turning the ATTACK knob to the right, and turning the TONE knob to the left, you can produce a feeling of “I’m applying the comp”.

Comparison with MINI

	Ego Compressor	MINI Ego Compressor
Market Price	$200	$150
Controls	Sustain, Tone, Attack, Volume, Blend	Blend, Sustain, Volume
Switch	None	Tone, Attack
Bypass	True Bypass	True Bypass
Connection Terminal	Input, Output, DC	Input, Output, DC
Power Supply	9V-18V Center Minus (9V Recommended), 14mA (9V), 22mA (18V)	9V-18V Center Minus (9V Recommended), 14mA (9V), 22mA (18V)
Size	64 x 120 x 52 mm	39 x 93 x 51mm
Weight	330g	170g

The differences between the two models are the size of the case and the controls. The control items are the same, but in the case of the mini, tone and attack are not knobs but only two-stage switching. The width of sound creation is somewhat narrowed. Although there is a price difference, it would be safe to choose the regular size unless there are the below reasons.

MINI Ego Compressor is recommended for those who:

• Want a high-quality comp, but want to create sound quickly
• Prefer a mini size due to space constraints on the pedal board

Comparison with Cory Wong Compressor

	Ego Compressor	Cory Wong Compressor
Market Price	$200	$270
Controls	Sustain, Tone, Attack, Volume, Blend	Sustain, Tone, Attack, Volume, Blend, Boost
Switch	None	Boost Mode, Comp On, Ground Lift
Bypass	True Bypass	Buffered Bypass
Connection Terminal	Input, Output, DC	Input, Output, DC, XLR Out
Power Supply	9V-18V Center Minus (9V Recommended), 14mA (9V), 22mA (18V)	9V Center Minus, 30mA
Size	64 x 120 x 52 mm	70 x 123 x 57 mm
Weight	330g	318g

Cory Wong is known for the long-term use of Ego Compressor. Cory Wong Compressor is his signature model. Based on the Ego Compressor, a booster and XLR output are added. The booster has a slight distortion, and flat and mid-boost (550Hz) switching is possible. It was developed based on the MDX boost installed in Eric Clapton’s signature Strat. The mid-boost is suitable for lead sounds.

The comp on switch on the side of the case always turns the comp on regardless of the foot switch. It’s a design that considers use on stage to prevent stepping mistakes during boost. The XLR output allows for balanced output, and it is assumed to be input to PA or USB audio interface, but there seem to be few users I think. It’s $70 more expensive than the regular model, so whether you need a 2in1 pedal with a booster will be the criterion for choosing.

Cory Wong Compressor is recommended for those who:

• Want a 2in1 with compressor and booster to save space on the board.
• Always use the compressor for backing and turn on the booster for solo.
• You love Cory Wong.

Wampler Ego Compressor Elevates the Quality of Performance

Just by using it, you can achieve a superior sound. Personally, it’s the

best compressor I’ve ever used. It’s a bit expensive, but it’s worth the price. It’s a must-have item for guitarists who want to improve their sound quality. It’s particularly recommended for funk/neo-soul/country guitarists and those who want to reduce their mistakes. The Ego Compressor is a pedal that can elevate the quality of your performance.

The Ego Compressor is a great choice for those who:

• Want a top-tier guitar compressor
• Are strict about noise
• Want a compressor with straightforward controls
• Want an optimal sound for cutting
• Want to improve the presence in lead and arpeggio for a superior sound

I hope this review was helpful for those considering purchasing a compressor. Happy playing!