Mad Professor Forest Green Compressor Fact.

Overview: Features and Controls

The Mad Professor Forest Green Compressor Fact is a pedal-format compressor priced at $193, designed for electric guitar and bass. It offers a streamlined set of controls: Level, Tone, and Compression, and is equipped with a dual-mode switch for Sustain and Compressor modes. The pedal can run on a 9V or 18V DC power supply, as well as 9V battery operation (though no adapter or battery is included). The product has been in production since December 2010, and has become recognized for its low noise performance and robust construction.

Build Quality

Feedback repeatedly emphasizes the excellent build quality. The pedal's chassis is described as solid and relatively heavy, inspiring confidence for stage use. Switches and knobs have a precise feel, with no wobble or cheapness. Multiple players report that after years of frequent use, and even accidental missteps during live performances, the pedal continued to function flawlessly. Compared to handwired Mad Professor pedals, some users mention the standard model holds up nearly as well, with no loss in tonal transparency.

Sound and Functionality

The Forest Green Compressor Fact is praised for its very low noise floor, even with high compression or sustain settings. Many owners compare it favorably against common compressors, noting an absence of the hiss or background noise typically introduced when adding compression, particularly with overdriven amp settings or in recording scenarios. This low noise design is appreciated by players who value quiet operation during both practice and performance.

Compressor and Sustain Modes

The dual-mode functionality is a central feature. In Compressor mode, the pedal applies a more classical compression curve, suitable for country "twang," funk, clean rhythm or tight blues leads, offering subtle to pronounced squash without heavy coloration. Sustainer mode blends the compressed signal in parallel with the dry input, using the Level control to determine the mix. This setup preserves note attack and adds length and fullness to the sound, ideal for solos or boosting clean tones without obliterating dynamics.

• Compressor Mode: Tighter dynamic control, good for rhythm, doesn't push the sound into "vintage" extremes but adds character.
• Sustain Mode: Emphasizes sustain without losing the attack, creates warmth and articulation, can double as a clean booster.

There is a notable volume difference between the two modes, users mention having to adjust the Level knob when switching, since Sustainer mode outputs a significantly louder signal. While some see this as a negative for on-the-fly switching in a live set, others utilize the extra volume as an intentional solo boost.

Tone and Transparency

The Tone knob provides a functional EQ, brightening or rounding off the top end as required. For setups needing extra brilliance or cut, especially in Compressor mode, this control can help avoid muddiness without introducing harshness. On clean amplifiers and with single-coil pickups, users describe the sound as full and rich, with notable clarity and no detrimental change to the instrument's character when dialed appropriately. Some experience a slight bass lift and a subtle thinning of mid frequencies, but this is often described as musical rather than sterile or clinical.

Suitability and Compatibility

The pedal functions well with a variety of guitars and pickups, from single-coils to humbuckers, and adapts across genres. It handles clean picking, fingerstyle, and even heavily saturated distortion or fuzz without losing articulation. Several players also report good results on bass, though high-output or active basses may push the circuit towards unwanted saturation.

• Performs as a transparent enhancer for clean settings
• Helps maintain presence and note separation under distortion or fuzz
• Can serve as a clean boost when placed before overdrive pedals
• Suited for both subtle thickening and strong rhythmic compression

Power and Pedalboard Integration

The Forest Green Compressor Fact accepts standard center-negative 9V power or 18V for increased headroom, though not all players notice a significant sonic difference at higher voltage. The position of the DC jack near the input jack can lead to cable congestion on crowded pedalboards, a minor gripe among otherwise satisfied users.

Caveats and Limitations

• No threshold, attack, or release controls, simplicity aids quick setup but limits deep tweaking
• Sustain/Compressor switch is a two-position toggle; some wish for a blend knob for finer control
• Significant volume jump between modes requires manual adjustment
• Not the cheapest option on the market, but build and performance justify the cost for many
• Documentation is considered weak, especially regarding advanced function explanations

Conclusion: A Workhorse Compressor for Demanding Musicians

The Mad Professor Forest Green Compressor Fact delivers expertly balanced, low-noise compression with a transparent sound and rugged construction. Its dual-mode design makes it adaptable for modern guitarists in both studio and stage settings, handling everything from subtle sustain on cleans to punchy, assertive country or funk. While it lacks the deep parameter control of some studio units, its intuitive layout and musical sound earn it a place on many permanent pedalboards. The robust hardware, nuanced performance, and absence of hiss give it a clear edge over more affordable competitors. Technical users may wish for a more comprehensive manual and a finer degree of mode blending, but for those seeking a "set and forget" pedal that quietly elevates their tone, the Forest Green Compressor Fact from Mad Professor stands out as a dependable choice.