Behringer CS400 Compressor Sustainer, (Used)

The Behringer CS400 Compressor Sustainer is a compact dynamics pedal designed to smooth out uneven playing, add sustain and help guitar parts feel more controlled in a mix. It is a great choice for players who want an affordable compressor for clean picking, funk rhythm, country-style snap, lead sustain, pop rhythm parts, home recording or pedalboard experimentation. This used example is in Excellent Condition and is supplied without its original box.

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At A Glance

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Condition Overview

Excellent Condition – Very light signs of use.

This used Behringer CS400 is in Excellent Condition, making it a strong option for players looking for a clean, practical used compressor pedal at a lower price than buying brand new.

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What’s Included?

✔ Behringer CS400 Compressor Sustainer Pedal
✘ No Box Included

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Condition Notes

This pedal is in Excellent Condition with only very light signs of previous use.

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Fair Deal Inspection & Assessment

Before leaving Fair Deal Music, this used pedal will be checked to ensure it is ready for its next owner. Our assessment includes:

• Input checked
• Output checked
• Footswitch tested
• Controls tested
• Bypass checked
• Power operation checked
• General functionality assessed

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Service / Testing Work

This Behringer CS400 has been tested as part of our used pedal inspection process. The footswitch, control knobs, input/output operation and power operation are checked so the pedal can be used with confidence in a pedalboard, practice setup, studio rig or live environment.

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Why Choose The Behringer CS400 Compressor Sustainer?

Smooths Out Your Playing Dynamics

Compression helps reduce sudden volume spikes while bringing quieter notes forward. This can make clean rhythm parts sound more even, help picked lines feel smoother and give lead notes more controlled sustain.

Behringer describes the CS400 as being designed to smooth out volume peaks and provide sustain, with dedicated Sustain, Level and Attack controls for shaping the effect.

Four Simple Controls

The CS400 keeps the layout straightforward with Level, Tone, Attack and Sustain controls. This gives you useful control over the amount of compression, brightness, note attack and output level without making the pedal difficult to use. Thomann also lists the pedal with Level, Tone, Attack and Sustain controls.

Great For Clean Rhythm And Funk

A compressor can help clean chords, muted rhythm parts and single-note lines sound more consistent. For funk-style playing, pop rhythm guitar or clean indie parts, the CS400 can add extra control and definition.

Adds Sustain For Lead Playing

The sustain control helps notes ring out for longer, which can be useful for solos, melodic lines and smoother lead parts. This is especially helpful when using cleaner amp settings where natural sustain may be more limited.

Affordable Pedalboard Utility

The CS400 is a practical way to add compression to a pedalboard without spending heavily. It is useful as an always-on dynamics tool, a clean boost-style enhancer or a more noticeable sustain effect depending on the settings.

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Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Behringer CS400 vs Boss CS-3

The Boss CS-3 is one of the best-known compact compressor pedals and sits at a higher price point. The Behringer CS400 offers a similar style of four-control compressor layout at a more budget-friendly used price, making it ideal for players who want to explore compression before investing more heavily.

Behringer CS400 vs MXR Dyna Comp

The MXR Dyna Comp is a classic two-knob compressor with a distinctive squashy character. The CS400 gives more control over tone and attack, which may suit players who want more adjustment options.

Behringer CS400 vs TC Electronic Forcefield Compressor

The TC Forcefield is another affordable compressor option with a simple control layout. The Behringer CS400 is particularly useful for players who want an inexpensive compressor with dedicated attack and tone controls.

Behringer CS400 vs Multi-Effects Compression

Multi-effects units often include compressor models, but a standalone pedal like the CS400 gives quick hands-on access and can sit exactly where you want it in your signal chain.

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Who Is It For?

Beginner Players

A great first compressor pedal for beginners who want to learn how compression affects clean tone, sustain and picking dynamics without committing to a more expensive pedal.

Intermediate Players

Ideal for players building a pedalboard and wanting a simple dynamics pedal for clean rhythm, lead sustain and more polished guitar tones.

Professional Players

A useful budget backup, rehearsal pedal or simple utility compressor for players who want a compact pedal that gets the job done without taking up much space.

Suitable Genres And Uses

• Funk
• Pop
• Country
• Indie
• Blues
• Clean rhythm guitar
• Lead sustain
• Home recording
• Practice rigs
• Budget pedalboards
• Bass experimentation
• Studio layering

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Why Choose A Compressor Pedal?

A compressor pedal is designed to control dynamics. It can make loud notes less sharp, lift quieter notes and help your playing sound more even. Used subtly, it can make clean guitar parts feel more polished. Used more strongly, it can create a noticeable “squash” that works well for funk, country picking and tight rhythm work.

Compression is also useful for sustain. By controlling the way the note decays, a compressor can help lead lines ring out more smoothly and make single-note phrases feel more connected.

Looking for advice on choosing the right compressor pedal? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

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Story & Context

Behringer pedals are popular with players who want accessible ways to expand their sound without paying premium prices. The CS400 follows that idea by offering a compact compressor/sustainer with familiar controls and simple operation.

For players new to compression, it is a practical entry point. For experienced players, it can work as a low-cost pedalboard tool, spare compressor or rehearsal pedal.

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Technical Specifications

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Power Requirements

The Behringer CS400 operates using a 9V battery or an optional 9V DC power supply. Thomann lists operation by 9V battery or optional power supply, and Behringer’s manual notes that the pedal begins operating once a jack is inserted into the input.

For pedalboard use, connect it to a suitable regulated 9V DC pedal power supply.

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Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Behringer CS400 Compressor Sustainer is a smart used buy for players who want to try compression, add sustain or tighten up clean guitar parts without spending heavily. Its simple control layout makes it easy to understand, while the dedicated Tone and Attack controls give it more flexibility than many basic budget compressors. In Excellent Condition, this is a strong value choice for beginners, pedalboard builders and players looking for an affordable dynamics pedal.

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Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
Competitive prices on leading music brands
Secure UK-wide delivery
Flexible finance options available subject to status
Friendly support before and after your purchase
A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

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FAQ

What does the Behringer CS400 do?

It compresses your guitar signal by smoothing out volume peaks and helping quieter notes feel more present. It can also add sustain for lead playing and make clean rhythm parts sound more consistent.

Is the CS400 good for beginners?

Yes. It is a very approachable first compressor because the controls are simple and the pedal is affordable, making it easy to learn how compression affects your sound.

Where should I place a compressor in my pedal chain?

Most players place a compressor near the start of the signal chain, often after the tuner and before overdrive, modulation, delay and reverb. This helps it respond directly to your playing dynamics.

Can I use the CS400 for bass?

Yes, it can be used with bass for evening out dynamics and adding sustain. Bass players may want to use subtle settings to keep the low end natural and controlled.

Is it good for country and funk?

Yes. Compression is especially useful for country picking, clean funk rhythm and tight pop parts because it helps keep the attack and volume more consistent.

Can it be used as an always-on pedal?

Yes. With moderate Sustain and balanced Level settings, the CS400 can work as an always-on dynamics enhancer for cleaner, more even playing.

Does it need a power supply?

It can run from a 9V battery or a suitable 9V DC pedal power supply. For regular pedalboard use, a power supply is usually the most practical option.

Is this a good value used pedal?

Yes. In Excellent Condition, the CS400 is a very cost-effective way to add compression and sustain to a guitar or bass setup.