General
With the Maxon RTC600, you're basically getting the very best studio-grade valve compression, but in a more convenient, pedal-style box. This seemingly humble model is home to Maxon's own patented DBX compression circuit: the very same circuit found inside the Maxon CP9 Pro compressor, so you're guaranteed transparent compression and extremely low noise - even when you dial up the settings to the extreme. Jack into the RTC600 and your guitar or bass still sounds like your guitar or bass, just tighter, more focussed and more present. The real, built-in valve has been placed before the compression circuit, so you'll get that sweet tube-style warmth without having to push up the volume. Meanwhile, the detailed and independent attack and release controls grant access to a wide spectrum of compression types and, since plenty of headroom is supplied, this pedal can be integrated into your rig any which way: just before your amp; in the effects loop; or even as a stand-alone compressor as part of your home studio setup.
Maxon
First born in the '60s, Maxon was initially busy producing pickups, but by the end of that defining decade, had already started dipping into the dynamic world of effects pedal development. Since they were mostly making pedals for other brands, when the '70s arrived, Maxon were building stompboxes almost exclusively for Ibanez. As such, many legendary Ibanez pedals are actually Maxon designed and made. The most renowned pedal from this period has to be the Ibanez Tube Screamer (also known as the Maxon 808 Overdrive). This partnership carried on well into 2002 when Ibanez and Maxon finally parted ways. Ever since, Maxon have been producing their own gear, under their own name, and some of their fresh pedals include versions of older Ibanez stompboxes - reissued, and re-stamped with the now-independent Maxon name.
