Fender The Bends Compressor V2

The Fender The Bends Compressor V2 is an analogue compressor and boost pedal suited to guitarists and bassists seeking natural-feeling dynamic control without colouring their tone. Built around a unique take on OTA (Operational Transconductance Amplifier) technology, the pedal reacts to playing dynamics smoothly in real time, balancing the volume of louder and quieter passages while adding sustain and thickness to notes. With its independent boost circuit, switchable true or buffered bypass modes, and multiswitch-enabled footswitches, the Bends V2 is a fully featured compressor that works equally well on guitar and bass.

The compression section is laid out with three clearly labelled controls: a three-speed Attack switch, a fine-tuned Release control, and an Input control that sets the threshold level for triggering compression. An active Tone control with a centre detent allows the player to cut or boost treble to compensate for any high-end loss, while the Blend control mixes clean signal back into the compressed signal for a natural balance of dynamics and compression. A rear-mounted Vintage switch reshapes the compression character from crisp and surgical to a smoother, more coloured response with a hint of natural saturation. The independent ultra-clean boost can be positioned before or after the compressor via the Comp Pre/Post switch — placing it before the compressor adds sustain push, while placing it after provides a clean level lift into the rest of the signal chain.

On the practical side, the Bends V2 features a Compression LED that illuminates to show when the circuit is active, giving a clear visual reference when dialling in compression amounts on stage or in the studio. The rear panel includes a multiswitch that enables both latching (tap) and momentary (press-and-hold) footswitch behaviour, as well as a relay-based auto-bypass that engages automatically when no power is present. The pedal is powered by a 9V centre-negative AC adaptor (not included) and is housed in an anodised aluminium.

Features:

• Analog compression circuit optimized for low noise performance with selectable vintage character
• Blend control injects the natural dynamics of your playing back into the mix for the perfect balance of level output and natural feel
• Independently switchable, ultra-clean boost can be placed before or after compression
• Compression LED Illuminates to visually indicate when compression is happening
• Rear panel Multiswitch enables latching (tap) and momentary (press-and-hold) footswitch action
• Rear panel true or buffered bypass switch, with relay based auto-bypass when no power is present
• Powered by 9V Center Negative AC Adaptor, Not Included

Specifications:

Inputs
One - 1/4"
Outputs
One - 1/4"
Input Impedance
1M Ohm
Output Impedance
470 ohm
Power Requirements
9-Volt Center Negative AC Adaptor (Not Included)

*Specifications subject to change without notice.