Review: PJB X2C Multifunctional Dual Band Compressor

New from Phil Jones Bass, the PJB X2C Multifunctional Dual Band Compressor offers a distinctive approach to bass compression, with several unique and inventive options for players seeking more control and versatility from their compression device. Rather than a standard set of controls expected of a compressor pedal, the crossover in the X2C splits the signal into high and low bands, each with its own dedicated row of controls for Ratio, Release, Attack, and Threshold, specific to that frequency band. This gives bassists control over two different compression responses for low and high-frequency sounds.   The two compressors are independently controlled with separate footswitches, meaning that you can use one or both of the bands, blended to the output with a LO/HI Mix knob, which functions as something of a tone control. Turn the knob towards LO or HI, and those frequencies become more prominent in the output signal.  

Additionally, there is an X/O (crossover) frequency knob to fine-tune where the dividing line is between signals sent to top and bottom. Rotate towards Lo and more of the total signal is routed into that compressor band, and vice versa.   And finally, a Wet/Dry knob allows you to blend in as much as desired of the compressed signal to your clean signal.   All this adds up to a whole lot of control and variability that most compressors simply do not offer.  

To take it one step further, each band has FX Send and Return jacks, which can either function as an FX loop affecting those specific frequency bands or as a crossover for the unit’s output. You can plug in a distortion pedal in the low-frequency loop and a chorus in the high-frequency loop, and those effects will only be applied to those specific bands and then blended into the main output. In this example, you’d have chorus on the highs and distortion on the lows, which you could tweak and blend to taste.   However, If you take the outputs of the Hi and Lo send and don’t return them into the pedal, you functionally have crossover outputs for each band that you can do any number of cool things with. The sky quickly becomes the limit when you consider the numerous ways one can use the X2C.

Any downsides? Well, a few things about the X2C are worth pointing out. It has a fairly large footprint, which, to be fair, isn’t shocking given all that it does. Some, however, may find it a little big for their pedalboard arrangements. I always prefer top-mounted jacks for ease of wiring and maximum pedalboard real estate, but with six total jacks, I can see how that would be a tall order.   Lastly, The X2C requires a 9V power supply delivering 1000mA (1A), which means that no commercial pedalboard power supply I’m aware of can power it with one channel. One workaround would be a “2 to 1” cable from a power supply, combining two 500 mA outputs (common on more high-end pedalboard power supplies) to reach the required 1000 mA. The only drawbacks here would be requiring a special  “2 to 1” 9v cable, and effectively lowering the total number or pedals you can power by 1. You can also, of course, use a wall wart power supply with the necessary ratings. 

Like most Phil Jones products, the X2C sounds great. Super clean and clear, with musical compression. The pedal feels well-designed and robust. Clear lettering, intuitive control layout, and excellent LED metering are pluses, especially for a pedal that requires a little more attention than the average compressor.  

Retail pricing is $359. For more info, check out the X2C online at /www.pjbworld.com/cms/x2c/