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The CS-3 compresses high-input signals while boosting low-input signals, giving you smooth sustain without degrading the quality of the original sound. A range of effects from gentle compression to squeezed sounds is at your command. Designed for outstanding low-noise performance, the CS-3 also provides EQ for precise sonic control.
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Technical Details
- Compact compression & sustainer pedal with high-quality circuitry- Compresses loud signals and boosts softer signals for a smooth overall sound
- Onboard Level, Tone, Attack and Sustain controls for precise tonal shaping
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By Bradley P. Voris (Houston, Texas)
This is a decent pedal, I wouldn't say one of the best that Boss has made but is pretty decent on sustain/compression. Great for thin leads and improving sustain. My recommendation is to read up on this pedal before you buy, its not for everyone. It does have a hiss to it that will drive you nuts and most people recommend getting an NS-2 (noise gate) if you use this pedal. Recommendations for this pedal is to have this as the first in line (I have my at the end of the line sometimes and its still a little noisy), I try to find a good middle ground on my gear to eliminate the majority of the hiss then play the rest by ear. This will take a little time to find out what works for you because everyone's gear is different and everyone wants to achieve a different sound ;o)
Good: Great sustain, can add a few more seconds on with the right equipment and setup
Bad: Hiss is terrible but manageable
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
If you want to have better sustain and decent compression its not a bad pedal to pickup used, if Boss redesigns the pedal then they should find a way to eliminate the hiss and slightly improve the compression.
By Steve Bates (Albany, NY United States)
I love many Boss pedals, but this pedal lacks subtlety (transparency) and bass response. It was very difficult to find settings in which the signal did not sound like it was being (over-)compressed. And the bass was very lacking. The only Tone setting in which the bass was present sounds muddy.
If you can get one for a decent price, I say go for it and mod it. I have played through a Monte Allums'-modded CS-3 and the problems I mentioned above were absent.
Different people like different sounds, so at the very least, I do not recommend buying a CS-3 without trying it first.
By Dennis (Raleigh, NC United States)
This compressor DOES compress, but it isn't transparent. There is such an audible tone sucking that when you take it OUT of your signal chain, or turn it off, you really notice the difference (I use Elixir cables, might not be able to tell on a 10 dollar cable)
For that, this is at best "average". What KEEPS it an average pedal, no not a GREAT pedal like their Blues Driver, is that the extreme ranges are NOT pleasing, they're harsh. You don't get a nice squish compression, it's just an unusable setting.
I guess the point is, you can't get GOOD compression at this price range. Sorry, but if you're not dropping at least 2 clams, your compression will never be truly transparent and any more than average.
By Richard M. Green (Avenel, NJ USA)
Over the years, I have owned several of these units. While they may be noisy, they serve their purpose in terms of punching up the sound when I play lead. I find the noise is basically inaudible when I am soloing.
My pedal came yesterday from Harmon Music and their customer service was great as usual. The pedal came withing 2 days of being billed and it fit in my mail box so I didn't have to wait for UPS and I didn't have to worry about the pedal being stolen from me as it could have been left outside my door. Thanks for everything.
By J. Rich
The Boss CS-3 is one of the most noisy pedals I've ever heard. If you enjoy hissing, then this may be the pedal for you. No matter what knob you choose to turn it is noisy.
If you want a real compression pedal, that has ZERO noise, then check out TC Electronic's Vintage Compression. You might have to shell out some extra cash, but there's NO substitute for a good compression and you might as well go with one of the best out there: TC Electronic.
I've been generally happy with Boss products, but this pedal is something that just sounds awful.
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