The Electro-Harmonix Pico Platform is the mini, mono version of its big brother/father, the Platform.
The much-shrunken footprint doesn’t leave space for a lot of the fine-tuning controls of that original design, with only four knobs controlling Attack, Sustain, Volume and Blend – the latter being particularly welcome by those guitarists who like to leave some of the dry signal under the compressed one to increase the human touch component (aka, parallel compression).
However, there was enough space to include a 2 Compression Mode button on the top of the pedal, offering Hard and Soft knee options, for smoother or more dramatic compression styles.
The Pico Platform works as well on guitar and bass, check it out in the video below. We added it to our guide about the best mini compressor pedals.
Electro-Harmonix Pico Platform, Builder’s Notes
The EHX Pico Platform Compressor / Limiter is a powerful and versatile studio-style compressor enclosed in a pico-sized package. Borrowing from the original, the Pico Platform condenses the comp section of the full-sized Stereo Platform for those looking to fit smooth studio compression onto any pedalboard. Packed with 2 modes and Hard/Sort Knee compression options, it is a perfect fit for sculpting your dynamics with professional precision.
Use the Pico Platform compressor / limiter on any instrument for precise and powerful control of your signal’s volume and of course, extended sustain on leads. Add subtle dynamic control to level out peaks and valleys in your signal or give your sound a real squeeze for extra sustain and pop. The Pico Platform is extremely transparent with no tonal coloring, making it extremely versatile and easy to work into your existing set up.
The Pico Platform’s control set is simple yet comprehensive. Use the Sustain control to adjust the compressor ratio or limiter threshold for a subtle or extreme effect. The addition of a Blend knob allows for adding seamless sustain while preserving attack and tone. Adjust the Attack control to set when the compressor activates after a transient. Use the Mode button to choose between Compressor and Limiter modes and Soft Knee or Hard Knee compression curves for smoother or more dramatic compression styles.
Features
- Studio-style compressor / limiter to precisely tune dynamics
- Compressor and Limiter modes for a wide range or compression styles
- Selectable Hard Knee / Soft Knee compression curves
- Sustain adjusts Compressor ratio or Limiter threshold
- Attacks adjusts attack time
- Blend adjusts dry/wet ratio
- Volume control overall output level
- Power adapter included
