Compression and Boost, Stacked Your Way
The Monger Pedals Clover Compressor is a two-in-one compressor and boost pedal that solves an old pedalboard argument: do you compress before the boost, or after it? The Clover lets you pick. Both effects live in one enclosure with independent footswitches, running in series, and a slide switch on the side of the box flips their order. Tighten your dynamics before the push, or add the push first and let the compressor rein it back in.
At the heart of the compressor is a THAT 4315 audio engine. This is an RMS-based design, so it follows the average level of your playing rather than reacting to every transient spike, which smooths things out without flattening the life out of your signal. Level, Attack, Release, and Ratio give you the shape, with Ratio blending between a transparent 1:1 and a hard inf:1 squash. Internal trimmers open up more range than the front panel suggests: threshold from -40dBu up to 0dBu, and makeup gain covering plus or minus 20dB.
How It Fits Your Rig
The boost side is labeled Luck, and it is one knob straight to the point. It is an op-amp gain stage inspired by the gain section of the Snake Wine Fuzz, so it stays clean when you want a level lift and adds grit and edge when you push it. Clean players can run compression first with a light ratio and use Luck as a solo lift. Dirt players can put Luck first to slam the front of an overdrive, then let the compressor even out the aftermath. Country and funk players will reach for fast attack and release settings for snap and sustain, while studio and ambient players can use slow settings to let notes bloom.
Features and Specs
- Compressor: THAT 4315 RMS-based audio engine
- Boost: op-amp gain stage labeled Luck, clean to gritty
- Controls: Level, Attack, Release, Ratio, Boost
- Ratio: blends between 1:1 and inf:1
- Internal trimmers: Threshold from -40dBu to 0dBu, and compensation Gain
- Routing: two independent footswitches in series with an external order switch
- Jacks: top mounted input and output
- Power: 9V DC center negative supply, approximately 40mA draw
FAQ
What does the order switch actually change?
It swaps which effect comes first in the series chain. Compressor into boost gives you a controlled, even lift. Boost into compressor drives the compressor harder, which adds more character and squeeze.
Can I use just the boost or just the compressor?
Yes. Each side has its own footswitch, so you can run either one on its own or both together.
Do I need to open it up to get usable sounds?
No. The internal trimmers are there to extend the range if you want a very specific threshold or gain setting, but the front panel covers everyday use.
A four leaf clover does not guarantee anything, but it does not hurt to have one on your board.
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BOOM!
