CS-3 Compression Sustainer

In continuous production since 1986, it uses a VCA circuit with Level, Tone, Attack, and Sustain controls. Attack sets how quickly the circuit responds to peaks; Sustain raises compression amount for longer note hold and tighter level control.

Tone shapes the high-frequency response of the compressed signal, so players can add bite for cutting parts or roll highs back for a softer edge. Buffered bypass keeps the chain consistent when the pedal is off.

The CS-3 sits in the standard BOSS compact footprint and remains a long-running staple for rhythm and lead dynamics control across many playing styles and signal chains.