What is the primary function of the Behringer CS400?

The CS400 is a compression and sustain pedal that balances the volume levels of your instrument. It boosts quiet signals and attenuates loud peaks to create a more consistent sound.

How does the 'Sustain' control work on this pedal?

The Sustain knob increases the amount of compression applied to the signal. As it is turned up, the pedal holds onto the note longer by boosting the tail end of the sound as it decays.

What does the 'Attack' knob do?

The Attack control determines the speed at which the compressor begins to reduce the volume. A slower attack allows more of the initial pick transient through, while a faster attack levels the sound immediately.

Can the CS400 be used with bass guitars?

Yes, while primarily marketed for guitar, the CS400 can be used with bass guitars to smooth out fingerstyle playing or slapping techniques. Its four-knob interface allows for the necessary adjustments to handle lower frequencies.

Does this pedal require a specific power supply?

The CS400 typically runs on a standard 9V battery or a 9V DC power adapter. It is compatible with most standard 'boss-style' centre-negative power bricks.

How do I know if the pedal is turned on?

The unit features a bright active status LED located on the face of the pedal. This lights up when the effect is engaged and remains off when the pedal is in bypass mode.

What is the benefit of the 'Tone' control on a compressor?

Compression can sometimes make a signal sound 'darker' or muffled. The Tone control allows the user to add high-frequency clarity back into the signal to ensure it cuts through the mix.

Is the CS400 a digital or analogue-style pedal?

The CS400 is designed as an analogue-style dynamics processor. It focuses on traditional signal manipulation rather than digital modelling or time-based processing.

Where should the CS400 be placed in a signal chain?

Typically, compressors like the CS400 are placed at the beginning of the signal chain. This allows it to even out the raw guitar signal before it reaches drive, modulation, or delay pedals.

How does the price of the CS400 compare to other pedals?

The CS400 is positioned as an entry-level pedal, usually retailing for around £25. This makes it significantly more affordable than boutique compressors or higher-end units like the Boss NS-2.

Can the CS400 be used to boost volume for solos?

Yes, by increasing the 'Level' control and maintaining moderate 'Sustain' settings, the pedal can act as a clean boost that also adds sustain to lead lines.

Does the CS400 add distortion to the sound?

The CS400 is intended for clean dynamics processing and does not intentionally add distortion. However, very high sustain settings may introduce a small amount of circuit noise or 'squish' depending on the input signal.

Gear article

Behringer CS400 Compressor & Sustain Pedal

The Behringer CS400 Compression and Sustain is a dedicated dynamics effect pedal designed for electric guitar and bass. It functions by narrowing the dynamic range of an instrument's signal, boosting quieter notes for increased sustain while limiting the peak volume of harder strikes.

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Overview

The Behringer CS400 is an 'Ultimate Dynamics' effects pedal intended to provide professional-grade signal levelling for guitarists. By balancing the volume between soft and loud playing, it ensures a consistent output level. This is particularly useful for achieving long, ringing notes (sustain) without the need for high-gain distortion, as well as smoothing out percussive playing styles.

Key Features and Operation

The device features four primary control knobs that allow for precise tone shaping:

Level: Adjusts the overall output volume of the pedal when engaged.
Tone: Modifies the frequency response, allowing the user to add brightness or warmth to the compressed signal.
Attack: Determines how quickly the compressor responds to the initial strike of a note.
Sustain: Controls the threshold and duration of the compression effect, extending the decay of notes.

The pedal includes a high-visibility active status LED to indicate when the effect is engaged and can be powered by a 9V battery or a DC power supply.

Sound Character

The CS400 is designed to provide a transparent to noticeably squeezed sound depending on the Sustain settings. It is engineered to reduce harsh loud tones that can peak an amplifier's input, while simultaneously lifting quieter strikes to ensure they ring with resonance. The addition of the Tone control allows users to compensate for any perceived loss in high-end frequencies that can sometimes occur during heavy compression.

Target Audience

This pedal suits musicians seeking a budget-friendly solution for dynamic control. It is effective for clean funk rhythms where consistent 'spank' is required, as well as for lead guitarists who need extra sustain for melodic passages. Its low price point makes it an accessible entry point for players exploring dynamics for the first time.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Behringer ecosystem, the CS400 serves a specific utility compared to modulation or time-based effects like the UC200 Ultra Chorus or the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay. While it lacks the extreme harmonic saturation of pedals like the Electro Harmonix Big Muff, it provides a cleaner method of achieving sustain. It is often used in conjunction with utility pedals such as the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor to maintain a polished, professional signal chain.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the Behringer CS400?: The CS400 is a compression and sustain pedal that balances the volume levels of your instrument. It boosts quiet signals and attenuates loud peaks to create a more consistent sound.
How does the 'Sustain' control work on this pedal?: The Sustain knob increases the amount of compression applied to the signal. As it is turned up, the pedal holds onto the note longer by boosting the tail end of the sound as it decays.
What does the 'Attack' knob do?: The Attack control determines the speed at which the compressor begins to reduce the volume. A slower attack allows more of the initial pick transient through, while a faster attack levels the sound immediately.
Can the CS400 be used with bass guitars?: Yes, while primarily marketed for guitar, the CS400 can be used with bass guitars to smooth out fingerstyle playing or slapping techniques. Its four-knob interface allows for the necessary adjustments to handle lower frequencies.
Does this pedal require a specific power supply?: The CS400 typically runs on a standard 9V battery or a 9V DC power adapter. It is compatible with most standard 'boss-style' centre-negative power bricks.
How do I know if the pedal is turned on?: The unit features a bright active status LED located on the face of the pedal. This lights up when the effect is engaged and remains off when the pedal is in bypass mode.
What is the benefit of the 'Tone' control on a compressor?: Compression can sometimes make a signal sound 'darker' or muffled. The Tone control allows the user to add high-frequency clarity back into the signal to ensure it cuts through the mix.
Is the CS400 a digital or analogue-style pedal?: The CS400 is designed as an analogue-style dynamics processor. It focuses on traditional signal manipulation rather than digital modelling or time-based processing.
Where should the CS400 be placed in a signal chain?: Typically, compressors like the CS400 are placed at the beginning of the signal chain. This allows it to even out the raw guitar signal before it reaches drive, modulation, or delay pedals.
How does the price of the CS400 compare to other pedals?: The CS400 is positioned as an entry-level pedal, usually retailing for around £25. This makes it significantly more affordable than boutique compressors or higher-end units like the Boss NS-2.
Can the CS400 be used to boost volume for solos?: Yes, by increasing the 'Level' control and maintaining moderate 'Sustain' settings, the pedal can act as a clean boost that also adds sustain to lead lines.
Does the CS400 add distortion to the sound?: The CS400 is intended for clean dynamics processing and does not intentionally add distortion. However, very high sustain settings may introduce a small amount of circuit noise or 'squish' depending on the input signal.