Skip to product information
NaN of -Infinity
BECOS FX
Accessories > Effect Pedals > Compression and Gate

BECOS FX CompIQ TWAIN Mk2 Dual Band/Stacked Compressor for Guitar and Bass

BECOS FX CompIQ TWAIN Mk2 Dual Band/Stacked Compressor for Guitar and Bass

Out of stock

Regular price $359.00
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $359.00
Outlet Sold out
 More payment options

CompIQ TWAIN is a precision tool for dynamic audio processing of bass and guitar signals, which gives tremendous control over compression parameters and then some. It features adaptive auto attack & release timing presets and independent compression controls for knee, threshold, ratio, and make-up gain – on each band. It can work as a dual-band compressor/limiter with variable crossover point, or as a stacked compressor with separate controls for each analog engine – at the flick of a switch.

NOTE: Knob design and color may differ from images.

The Twain MK2 version removes both saturation engines on the dry line, which were intended to add controlled harmonic distortion for dual-band processing on MK1. Instead, it adds a multi-function switch for Feed Forward / Feed-Back compression mode for each band, or a combination of Feed-Forward for Lows and Feed-Back for Highs. It also includes a variable Side-Chain Filter with cut or boost in the control signal for both bands, an updated input preamp with ±12dB boost or cut, and a signal peak level indicator for input and output. Additionally, we offer the optional DITOS transformer-balanced DI output to send the signal to a mixing desk, recording interface, or other processor down the line.

In Feed-Forward mode, compression is fast and accurate, utilizing a pre-VCA copy of the input signal. This mode can range from subtle compression to brick-wall limiting, depending on the control settings. The newly introduced “old-school” Feed-Back compression delivers a smoother response, ideal for transparently evening out playing dynamics, using a post-VCA copy of the audio signal for dynamic processing. A combination of the two modes is available, providing compression and up to limiting for the lows (Feed Forward) and smooth compression for the highs (Feed-Back).

With the flip of a switch, the two independent engines can be stacked in series to slow down compression further, achieving a thick & gluing or fine smoothing, optical-like compression feel. This mode benefits from the variable Side-Chain Filters on both lows and highs. The Side-Chain capabilities now include a variable Lo-cut/boost filter specifically designed for bass instruments (±12dB @ 90Hz, 12dB/octave), which helps prevent premature engagement of the lows compressor. The matching variable Hi-cut/boost filter (±7dB @ 3kHz, 12dB/octave) further smooths out the compression feel for the highs. These enhancements manage optimal compression across lows, mids, and highs, delivering professional dynamics and extending the threshold range down to -50dBu when boosting their frequencies in the side-chain.

The optional DITOS board features a transformer-coupled balanced output in 1/4″ TRS format for direct recording or signal sending. It can also serve as an unbalanced floating output to another pedal or amplifier, capturing output transformer warmth. The main output is always functional.

The Twain Pro MK2 retains the highest performance 4320 THAT Analog Engine® enhanced by Burr-Brown™ FET signal conditioning throughout the circuit, rendering tight and punchy lows, and warm-ringing highs. It provides the musical response of studio quality vintage analog circuitry processing, with full controls for professional compression and limiting in a very compact format.

  • Functions as Dual-Band compressor or Stacking compressors in series
  • Two independent 4320 THAT Analog Engines® with RMS-level sensors coupled with high-performance Blackmer® VCA’s
  • Optional DITOS transformer-coupled balanced output (10KΩ impedance; can function as floating unbalanced output as well)
  • Input Preamp with trimming for -12dB of attenuation and up to +12dB of gain
  • Peak level indicator for signals above -2dBu at input preamp and +2dBu at final output buffer
  • Variable 70Hz to 1KHz Linkwitz–Riley Crossover
  • Independent Ratio, Threshold, and Make-up Gain
  • Independent Compression Knee (Soft/Hard)
  • Independent Dynamic Auto Timing presets (Auto Fast / Auto Slower)
  • Selectable Feed Forward / Feed-Back / Combined compression mode
  • Side Chain Frequency Compensation for balancing the triggering potential of Lows & Highs – equivalent to a frequency-based progressive threshold
  • Side Chain Filters with cut & boost function on Lows and Highs engines
  • Dry / Wet Mix knob for parallel compression in either of the working modes
  • 6-LED gain reduction display on each band
  • True Bypass on/off footswitch
  • 9-18V DC external power supply (not included), center negative, 12mm long barrel plug
  • Road-ready, durable, black-powdered aluminum enclosure (Hammond)
  • 3-years warranty (direct to manufacturer, international, transferable)
  • Hand-assembled in Vienna, Austria

For more information about the CompIQ series of compressors, please see Becos FX's CompIQ 101

View full details

Customer Reviews

Based on 1 review
100%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
M
MarcusM
Best Becos Yet

I have had my Twain Mk2 for a couple of weeks. I played my jazz bass through the Twain Mk2 for many, many hours and I love it. I had the original version when it first came out, but never really clicked with the saturation part of it and moved it along (I have since learned a fair amount about compressors). The Twain Mk2 is like the Mini Pro Mk2 in that it has all you need, no more, no less. You can get a wide variety of compression styles with a flip of a switch or a push of a button (it is incredible).

I got the new Twain because I wanted to run it at 18v for the more headroom option, it sounds great at 18v, It also sounds great at 12v with the treble side gain around 10:30 with the bass side noon at nine, not as sparkly as 18v, but it sounds good too (read the manual). The other reason (along with the dual/stack ) was the F/B setting where the bass side is in feed forward mode and the treble side is feed back mode. I really like the Stacked mode + Feed-Forward + Hard Knee/Fast Timing and the DB mode with the F/B selected with everything else Hard Knee/Fast Timing. I get a lot of flavor with very little fiddling! It really is like having a couple of compressors in one pedal with the Stacked/DB option.

I played around with the SCF dials, but so far noon on both works just fine. The cross-over is a thing of beauty, but I am happy with it at noon for most things, but I have grown to like setting the cross-over at around 11:00 and 1:00 depending on whether I have in Stacked or DB.

There is a lot of variety to be had with this compressor. I still need to explore the soft knee/slow timing combination, plus all of the other combinations that can be had with the hard/soft knee + fast/slow + F/FB/B switches. I am still fascinated with both sides being set to hard knee/fast timing!

I do like the aluminum knobs a lot, way better than the plastic ones that usually come on their pedals (they are cleaner). My Twain is the non-DITOS version, but has the markings for the DITOS, weird.

The Twain Mk2 has me thinking I might let go of the Mini Pro Mk2, but I will need to think about it. I love the Mini Pro Mk2, but the new Twain (is awesome) does a similar thing + so much more. Both are very well designed, incredible stuff from Becos FX!

The Becos FX Twain Mk2 is as advertised. I recommend the Twain Mk2 and all Becos FX products to anyone interested in compression!