Yes, the CompIQ MINI Pro Compressor is MK2

We’ve been asked if the CompIQ MINI Pro Compressor is actually in the MK2 version and the answer is yes, it is. Originally launched seven years ago, the MINI Pro has been constantly tweaked for more control parameters and added performance. There have been several revisions, although it always retained the simple naming – The Mini – regardless of the variations.

We introduced the latest version of the MINI two years ago, but it was rather discrete, and no event took place, not even a press release. During the Pandemic we encountered some parts shortages and the MINI could not be built consistently. On top of that, we planned our moving abroad, and that took some energy as well, so we built the MINI when we could, and in small numbers, with most of the builds going to our partners in Japan and the USA.

The Mini Pro MK2 is distinguishable from the previous versions through several features:

• We added the Feed-Back compression mode to the existent Feed-Forward VCA architecture. This is the first time such a feature has been introduced, a significant achievement for a compressor of this size. To our knowledge, no other analog mini compressor pedal offers a switchable Feed-Forward / Feed-Back compression mode selection. Developing and refining this circuit modification required considerable time and effort, leading us to designate this variant as “Mark Two”.
• The variable Side-Chain Filter with cut & boost was introduced in place of the two-option switch. There are other compressors that allow external side-chain processing, but to our knowledge, there is no other analog mini compressor pedal to offer an onboard side-chain filter of this kind. This feature allows the MINI to adapt to a wide range of input signals generated by instruments that either have a large component of high-amplitude low frequencies (like bass) or, to the contrary, instruments that lack bass content and have difficulties triggering compressors (like thin-sounding single coil guitars) while squishing highs way too much. We addressed both these issues by implementing this unique side-chain processing, and we introduced the same feature with even more sophistication on CompIQ Stella MK2.
• We removed the IC sockets from previous versions and switched to an SMD form IC to accommodate the other circuit modifications. However, we also upgraded the audio IC to a high-end Burr Brown FET IC while preserving low-tolerance metal-film resistors and plastic film capacitors in SMD format. All these modifications required a rework of the entire board which still preserves the gold-plated tracing for lifetime endurance. These modifications ensure pristine sound processing, with extremely low noise and total harmonic distortions, akin to professional electronics used in the studio.
• We introduced several under-the-hood protections to avoid damages from electrical mishandling of the pedal.
• We added the red “BECOS” textile tag (to all our pedals) for a bit of brand sophistication. That doesn’t hurt anyone, although we have been asked why we did it. Because it is cool; and why not? To our knowledge, this is also a first in the pedal world, so we’re looking forward to who’s next to add a tag to their pedals.

The MINI still has the unique features introduced seven years ago:

• A Hard / Soft Knee selection switch,
• A wide range Threshold to accommodate instrument level and professional line level signals, which means it can be used as an insert in a studio environment in a loop of a professional effects processor (or a line level amp FX loop).
• A full range Ratio from 1:1 to infinite to 1 which allows usage as a limiter.
• An accurate 5-LED Gain Reduction Meter to visually display the amount of compression.
• Two automated and program-dependable settings for Attack & Release Timings.

Yes, we aimed to build the highest quality, most powerful, and feature-complete VCA mini compressor possible. At this point, the MINI Pro MK2 is here to stay. It has become very popular, especially with bassists worldwide who adopted it immediately for its high-grade dynamic controls and ultra-compact physical format.

More Info

 CompIQ MINI Manuals V2.0 | V1.4, V1.3 | V1.2, V1.1, V1.0
 CompIQ 101
 CompIQ MINI Pro vs. other minions CompIQ MINI Pro vs. others Check out our comprehensive technical comparison of top-performing mini compressor pedals on the market and see how the CompIQ MINI Pro measures up.