What is it?
In addition to being recognized as a trailblazing guitarist, Tosin Abasi has established himself as a savvy entrepreneur. Abasi has cultivated a signature range of guitars and pedals that cater to his unique style and curated tones under the name Abasi Concepts, an LA-based company he co-owns with COO Ivan Chopik.
While his brand is mostly recognized for its guitar models, Abasi has decided to release his first signature compressor pedal, the Micro-Aggressor. The Micro-Aggressor stands out as a boost-style compressor with two discrete parallel compression circuits built in.
And if that sounds unusual, it is. But once you understand how both seamlessly interact to enhance your signal and infuse your attack, you may never want to live without this tone-shaping compressor on your pedalboard.
Specs
- Launch price: $249/£197
- Type: Compressor pedal
- Controls: Level, Clarity, Bloom, Smack
- Connectivity: Top-mounted 1/4" jacks, standard 9V power input
- Bypass: True bypass
- Power: 9V DC
- Options: None
- Contact: Abasi Concepts
Usability and sounds
Out of its fancy box, the Micro-Aggressor appears well-built with a compact form factor and a modern-looking faceplate (that lights up the name and blinks the incoming signal).
It’s surprisingly lightweight as a stompbox and follows in line with other desirable pedalboard features like “non-tone-sucking” relay true-bypass switching, a durable soft-touch footswitch, top-mounted I/O jacks and a 9-volt power jack.
Abasi Concepts states the pedal features a premium transformer at its core for its hi-fi compression, and I don’t dispute that. The four ridge-textured knobs with compass arrow indicators feel high-end as the controls for Level, Clarity, Bloom and Smack.
While the orientation of the knobs appears as a design consideration, they’re actually smartly arranged with Level and Smack on top and adjacent to each other as the output level controls of the primary (Level/Boost) and secondary (Smack) parallel compression circuits.
Also, Level controls the amount of signal boost with a noon setting achieving unity gain. Just below Level is Clarity, a tilt-style EQ that brings more high-end definition as you sweep up clockwise, and thickened warmth in counter-clockwise positions.
At the bottom left is Bloom, which administers the amount of compression in the primary circuit and, in essence, sets the sensitivity of how much the compression is felt.
Accordingly, Smack – the secondary parallel compression circuit – works in tandem with Bloom for added transparency and low-end content.
The Micro-Aggressor eschews typical compressor controls – like Attack, Sensitivity, Ratio and Threshold – and boils it down to two knobs for Bloom and Smack to duplicate their particular functions in parallel paths.
If I had any criticism, I’d say because of its simplified control set, the Micro-Aggressor has limited functionality compared to other stompbox compressors
Using a compressor can seem foreign to guitarists, but here, you won’t need to crack open a manual because the Micro-Aggressor compels you to use your ears to dial in the proper amount of attack and compressed coloration.
Depending upon your rig and application, a compressor can do wonders for your tone or get in the way of it – but for enhanced compression that boosts your tone, the Micro-Aggressor is wonderful. If I had any criticism, I’d say because of its simplified control set, the Micro-Aggressor has limited functionality compared to other stompbox compressors.
Still, this pedal seems more fine-tuned in its dynamic response and percussive attack for players who occupy tapping, avant-garde smacking and popping styles, and even those who need to elevate cleaner runs in the jazzy, bebop space.
I found dialing Bloom upwards best emphasizes the rich compression required for those techniques, whereas Smack increases thickened resonance as you move it clockwise or can tighten low end for transparency in the other direction.
That said, if you’re already using mid- to hi-gain from an amp, you’ll need to dial back Bloom and Smack for the proper threshold so as not to clamp down on transients. Furthermore, the pedal’s Clarity control comes in handy here to cleanly define any dense overtones or chugged riffage and articulate pick attack.
Turning on the Micro-Aggressor, you’ll quickly hear how it can fatten and boost a clean signal well over the top with minimal coloration while latching onto notes for lingering sustain.
It’s a useful and smoothly compressed polish that accentuates your playing and the sound of your guitar, and by the same token, a baritone or other down-tuned and extended-range instruments.
Whether I’m using a Les Paul or a Tele, I like setting Bloom around noon and Smack just past that for a “soft knee” compression curve, which cushions the signal and prominently lifts whatever I’m playing with plenty of sustain and body.
It’s quite pronounced, and the kind of compression that can boost or intensify your attack – so much so that you’ll never turn it off.
Verdict
Verdict: ★★★★½
The Micro-Aggressor from Abasi Concepts flips the script on traditional compressors, coming in hot as a boost-style compressor with dual parallel compression circuits that are complementary.
One path maintains thickness and clarity; the other elevates dynamics for pure sonic enhancement
One path maintains thickness and clarity; the other elevates dynamics for pure sonic enhancement.
Guitar World verdict: For those who need more attack, the Micro-Aggressor is a nouveau compressor conceptualized for metal and progressive styles.
