Keeley Compressor Plus vs MXR Dyna Comp
The Keeley wins for modern performance — quieter, with a blend control that preserves natural pick attack while adding sustain. The Dyna Comp wins for players who want the classic vintage squish character that defines country and funk rhythm.
Keeley Compressor Plus
Robert Keeley's boutique take on the Ross/MXR circuit with added blend and tone controls — giving the classic squash character of the Dyna Comp with modern flexibility. Widely regarded as one of the best pedalboard compressors at any price.
Players who love the Dyna Comp character but need a blend control and lower noise — the upgrade path from MXR to boutique quality
MXR Dyna Comp
The classic Ross-circuit compressor that defined country and funk tone in the 1970s. Smooth, colourful compression with a pronounced squash character — the output level drop is real, but so is the squashed attack that makes chicken picking pop.
Country, funk, and vintage rock players who want the classic squashed attack character rather than transparent studio compression
Tone Character
Keeley Compressor Plus
- ✓ Classic Ross-style squash with modern blend/tone controls
- ✓ Very low noise floor
- ✓ Blend control for parallel compression
- ✓ Excellent build quality
- ✗ More expensive than the Dyna Comp it improves upon
- ✗ Two-LED gain-reduction meter is simple vs Empress's metering
MXR Dyna Comp
- ✓ Classic squashed compression character
- ✓ Extremely simple (Output + Sensitivity)
- ✓ The reference tone for country compression
- ✓ Affordable and road-proven
- ✗ No blend control — full wet signal only
- ✗ Output level drop when engaged
- ✗ Less transparent than modern compressors
When To Choose Each
Players who need quiet, controllable compression with blend — the Keeley suits studio recording and clean hi-fi rigs.
Country and funk players who want the traditional vintage squish tone — the Dyna Comp character is part of the genre.
Final Verdict — Keeley Compressor Plus vs MXR Dyna Comp
Best for beginners
Keeley Compressor Plus
Keeley Compressor Plus scores higher on versatility (72/100) and lower on gain (5/100) — a more forgiving starting point than MXR Dyna Comp.
Best for metal tones
Keeley Compressor Plus
Keeley Compressor Plus leads on gain (5/100) and bass response (50/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
MXR Dyna Comp
At £79 vs £149, MXR Dyna Comp delivers 47% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is meaningful.
Specification Summary
| Keeley Compressor Plus | MXR Dyna Comp | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £149 | £79 |
| Category | Compressor | Compressor |
| Gain | 5/100 | 5/100 |
| Warmth | 60/100 | 62/100 |
| Treble | 55/100 | 52/100 |
| Bass | 50/100 | 48/100 |
| Versatility | 72/100 | 50/100 |
| Best for | Players who love the Dyna Comp character but need a blend control and lower noise | Country, funk, and vintage rock players who want the classic squashed attack character rather than transparent studio compression |
Not sure which to choose?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Keeley — its ratio and blend controls let you dial in long sustain without pumping.
Both are compact. Keeley is slightly larger but adds blend which is essential for preserving attack.
Mixes compressed and dry signal — lets you keep natural attack transients while adding sustain. Essential on single notes.
Keeley — its modern design is significantly quieter than the vintage Dyna Comp circuit.