The Blossom is a simple, and easy to use, optical compressor based on the green channel of the Bloom (country mode) and features the exact same compression circuitry. It features an optical limiting circuit that takes its inspiration from compressors designed during the golden age of vacuum tube circuits. Optical compressors as they are called, are known for their transparency and subtlety. While the Blossom can provide a very aggressive response at more extreme compression settings, its real strength lies in its ability to add a gentle sweetening and roundness to the tone as the optical circuit works to polish off any rough edges in the sound. The frequency response of the compressor section is flat as a board and does not boost or cut any of your highs or lows. The Blossom can safely run from 9V-18V DC (center negative). Running it at 18V will give increased headroom and dynamic response. Do NOT exceed 18V! Controls - Volume This control acts as a master volume. Changes to the Comp and Mix knob will typically necessitate a change to the Volume control to keep the overall level the same. - EQ Known as a tilt" EQ, when set at the center position the tone of the Blossom is totally flat. Rotated clockwise, the treble frequencies are increased and the bass frequencies are decreased. Conversely, when rotated counter-clockwise the treble frequencies are decreased and the bass frequencies are increased. This type of EQ is very effective when trying to adjust your tone to "fit in the mix", as when adjusting the EQ to a brighter setting, not only will your guitars tone stick out more in the mix, but your low end will trim up and add clarity to your tone. - Comp Turn clockwise for more compression. Balance this with the Mix and volume controls. - Mix Allows you to blend in your clean uncompressed signal with the compressed signal. Try running your Comp knob full up and use the Mix control to adjust the intensity of the compression. Doing this will allow the attack of your note to feel normal while adding sustain to the back end of the note."