Extensive compressor reviews and FAQ

Toadworks Mr. Squishy: This is a variation on the Orange Squeezer circuit, and you can definitely hear the typical "dip and swell" of the Squeezer. However this one gives you more control over the effect than other Squeezers, allowing much less "noticeable" compression if you want. It is closer to "transparent" than most other OS clones, and has a wider frequency range- it does not roll off the highs at all, and it doesn't lose much of the lows unless you have the Gain knob set to maximum. The noise level is about average- not the worst, but not great either. Unlike most other comps, the noise level does not change much with different compression settings.
 
The "Squish" knob reminds me of the "bias" control of other Squeezers, which changes the character of the compression as much as the amount. Depending on how you set the Squish, there can be more or less of the "dip and swell", and you can control what the note attack sounds like. Some settings will cause an artifact like a light "pop" with each note attack. This can be cool as an effect, but could also be annoying; fortunately you can dial it out as needed.
 
This comp is good at controlling moderate peaks, adding a tad more sustain, and being effect-y squishy if you like. It doesn't do "punchy" though, pick something else if you want an aggressive punch. The input Gain control is great for matching this pedal to the output of different basses. Gain at max can get you some buzzy overdrive (it doesn't actually sound good to me), and at minimum Squish levels this pedal can be used as a nice clean boost.
 
I see these guys selling used for around $80 USD, and they are an excellent buy for that kind of price. I am a little bit disappointed about the noise floor, but otherwise you get very clear, decently full-range tone, and an interesting compression action. The footswitch is true bypass, and the pedal seems ruggedly-built.