The Proxima Optical Compressor is a budget-friendly option that delivers impressive results on both bass and guitar. It is an enhanced version of the original Flatline Compressor, which was created by John Hollis in 2001. Over the years, the DIY community has made various modifications and improvements to the design, resulting in the Proxima.

One notable addition to the Proxima is a JFET input buffer that splits the signal, ensuring optimal performance. It also features a sensitivity or threshold knob, allowing you to fine-tune the compression effect to your liking. The Proxima offers a clean blend option through separate Effect Volume and Clean Volume controls, giving you the ability to mix your dry and compressed signals. Additionally, an output buffer corrects any phase issues that may arise during the mixing stage.

If you appreciate the simplicity and effectiveness of the Flatline Compressor but desire more versatility, the Proxima is the perfect choice. It builds upon the original design while incorporating ideas from Madbean and Stompville, two influential contributors to the DIY community. The hope is that the Proxima will inspire others to further innovate and improve upon its design.

Summary created by AI from the original source.