Compadre support

Yes, the BOOST on Compadre will operate completely independently of the COMP.  This allows you to engage the BOOST side if the COMP side is bypassed.

Also, the bypass state of each side is saved per preset if you use Compadre with an external MiniSwitch to recall a favorite preset, a MultiSwitc Plus to recall 3 presets, or when using MIDI to recall up to 300 presets.

The DRY knob on Compadre is used to blend in uncompressed (dry) signal from the input along with the compressed signal when the COMP is engaged.  This allows you to preserve the attack dynamics of your playing while still enjoying the sustain provided by the compressor.  The level of the compressed signal remains consistent throughout the range of the DRY knob.

You can connect a TRS expression pedal to Compadre’s VOLUME jack to control the output volume of the pedal.  We recommend using an expression pedal with a minimum of 25k Ohm potentiometer.

• NOTE: When Compadre is set to Buffered or Auto Bypass modes, the expression pedal will still function as a volume pedal even when both the BOOST and COMP are bypassed.

Yes!  Compadre has a full frequency response that does not filter out any of the low end.  This allows you to use Compadre with bass or any other instruments that output low frequency audio signals.

Set MIDI Output Mode

The MIDI Output mode must be set to determine what kind of MIDI data is sent out by Compadre.  ***NOTE: If you are only sending MIDI data to Compadre or if you are using the Strymon MIDI EXP cable, the MIDI Output mode must be set to OFF.***

• Press and hold down the BOOST footswitch while connecting the pedal to power.
• When the LEDs stop blinking, release the footswitch and turn the COMPRESSION knob to select what kind of MIDI data is sent from Compadre to other MIDI devices.  The COMP LED will show the status:
  • GREEN – ON – Using Compadre’s knobs and switches generates MIDI messages that are sent out of Compadre.
  • AMBER – THROUGH – Incoming MIDI messages are sent out of Compadre without any additional MIDI messages generated by Compadre.
  • RED – OFF (default) – No MIDI messages are sent out of Compadre.

Saving and Recalling Presets on Compadre with MIDI

Saving Presets via MIDI

***NOTE: Saved Favorite or MIDI presets on Compadre will store the settings of all the knobs and toggle switches on the pedal as well as the individual bypass states of the BOOST and COMP sides of the pedal.***

With the FAV/MIDI jack set to MIDI mode, the currently loaded settings can be saved to any of Compadre’s 300 preset locations at any time.

• To initiate the SAVE process, press and hold the BOOST footswitch.  The BOOST LED will start blinking BLUE.
• Send a MIDI Program Change message from your connected MIDI device to Compare.  The LED will stop flashing and C0mpadre will save the settings to the preset location that corresponds with the MIDI Program Change message it received.
  • To save a preset to the currently loaded preset location, simply press the BOOST footswitch once again while the LED is flashing.

Recalling  Presets

You can perform a factory reset to wipe all custom settings and restore all factory presets and power up modes.

To perform a factory reset:

• Press and hold the COMP footswitch while connecting power to the pedal.
• Once both LEDs flash, release the footswitch.
• Sweep the DRY knob from 0% to 100% twice to RESET; status on both LEDs.
  • Turn 1 – AMBER
  • Turn 2 – RED
  • Turn 3 – AMBER
  • Turn 4 – Both LEDs blink RED, pedal resets, and power cycles
• After the pedal power cycles during the reset, it is ready to use again.

There are 2 compression types available on Compadre:

• studio: Provides a smooth and transparent compression typically found on vintage rack compressor devices.
• squeeze: A hard compression type that is typical of classic guitar pedal compressors.  Best for longer sustain and really clamping down on your playing dynamics.

To power Compadre, we recommend a power supply that provides 9VDC (center negative) at a minimum of 150mA, center-negative polarity.

Do not subject your Strymon pedal to any voltage above 9V. Doing so will damage your pedal and void your warranty.

For further information, please see our blog post on powering your effect pedals at the following link:

Gear Guide: Using the Right Power Supply for your Strymon Pedal

All Strymon pedals sold within North America (except OB.1) include a 9VDC 660mA power supply. OB.1 includes a 9V battery.

We don’t recommend using daisy chain power supplies. Ground loops are commonly caused when using a daisy chain power cable to power multiple pedals. This creates a ground loop between every pedal in the daisy chain. Ground loops allow stray magnetic fields to introduce hum into your signal path.

If the only type of effect you use is distortion you may not have (or hear) the ill effects. But, if you have modulation and delay pedals the likelihood of ground loops wreaking havoc on your signal is high.

If you don’t plan on using the included power adapter, we recommend an isolated power supply. An isolated supply works by using a transformer (or multiple transformers) to keep every power outlet completely electrically isolated. We offer two fully-isolated, high current DC power supplies, Ojai and Zuma. Click below for more info:

We always work hard to improve the experience our customers have with our products. The release notes below list the new features we’ve added to Compadre and/or issues we’ve resolved.  Download the Strymon Update software to update the firmware on your Compadre.

Current Release

Compadre Firmware REV v1.05 (Released July 2020)

What’s Fixed?

• When attempting to save in a currently loaded MIDI preset (MIDI PC#’s 1-126) by re-pressing the BOOST footswitch during the save process, the preset would save to the on-board preset location instead (MIDI PC# 0).
• MIDI OUT was always set to ON with all three modes (ON, THROUGH, and OFF).
• MIDI messages would only transmit on MIDI Channel 1.

Strymon Non-Transferrable Limited Warranty

Warranty

Strymon warranties the product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase.  The following products have a two (2) year warranty:

• Riverside, Sunset, Magneto, Volante, and Iridium

The following products have a five (5) year warranty:

• Ojai, Ojai R30, Zuma, Zuma R300

Accessories, cables, and power supplies that come with our products have a one (1) year warranty.

If the product fails within the warranty period, Strymon will repair or, at our discretion, replace the product at no cost to the original purchaser.

Exclusions

This warranty covers defects in manufacturing discovered while using this product as recommended by Strymon. This warranty does not cover loss or theft, nor does the coverage extend to damage caused by misuse, abuse, unauthorized modification, improper storage, lightning, or natural disasters. Damage caused by any of the above circumstances may result in a non-warranty repair fee.

Limits of Liability

In the case of malfunction, the purchaser’s sole recourse shall be repair or replacement, as described in the preceding paragraphs. Strymon will not be held liable to any party for damages that result from the failure of this product. Damages excluded include, but are not limited to, the following: lost profits, lost savings, damage to other equipment, and incidental or consequential damages arising from the use, or inability to use this product. In no event will Strymon be liable for more than the amount of the purchase price, not to exceed the current retail price of the product. Strymon disclaims any other warranties, express or implied. By using the product, the user accepts all terms herein.

How to Obtain Service Under this Warranty

For North American customers: Contact Strymon through our website at http://www.strymon.net/support for Return Authorization and information. Proof of original ownership may be required in the form of a purchase receipt.
For International Customers: Contact the Strymon dealer from which the product was purchased from in order to arrange warranty repair service.

To locate your nearest authorized Strymon dealer, please use the following link:

Authorized Strymon Dealers

You can also contact Strymon directly at (805) 468-8788 or (800) 980-8160 for help finding your nearest authorized Strymon dealer.

Strymon products purchased from an authorized dealer are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.  A purchase receipt from an authorized dealer is required with any request for warranty service.

Please note that any Strymon products that have been purchased from an unauthorized dealer are not eligible for coverage under the manufacturer’s warranty. If you are uncertain, please contact Strymon directly at (805) 468-8788 or (800) 980-8160 before your purchase.

***NOTE: Warranties for Strymon products are non-transferrable.  Second-hand items, including sales from websites such as craigslist, Ebay, and Reverb are not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.  Furthermore, there are no authorized dealers on Amazon, Ebay, or Reverb selling “NEW” Strymon products in the USA.***

Your warranty is valid in the region of purchase. For example, if you buy your product in Japan, any service-related issues will need to be handled in Japan. Products purchased in the United States can only be repaired in the United States.