The BOSS CP-1X Multiband Compressor uses MDP processing to analyze your guitar signal in real time, adapting compression to frequency, dynamics, note register, and whether you are playing single notes or chords. This helps control volume changes while retaining playing detail, making it useful for everything from clean arpeggios and rhythm parts to fast solos, country-style picking, and acoustic fingerpicking or strumming.

Four controls shape the effect: COMP sets when compression begins, RATIO adjusts its amount, ATTACK controls the picked attack, and LEVEL sets the output. Raising ATTACK can help individual notes cut through during fast passages. A 16-segment gain-reduction display shows how much compression is being applied as you adjust the sound. The pedal supports electric and acoustic-electric guitars, including seven- and eight-string instruments, and has quarter-inch input and output jacks with buffered bypass. It runs on a 9 V battery or a separately sold PSA-series adapter.