Behringer CS400 Compressor Sustainer, (Used)

The Behringer CS400 Compressor Sustainer is a compact dynamics pedal designed to smooth out volume peaks, add sustain and help guitar or bass parts feel more controlled and consistent. It is a practical used option for players who want compression for clean picking, funk rhythm, country-style attack, lead sustain, bass levelling or general pedalboard dynamics without spending heavily.

This example is in Very Good Condition and includes the pedal only, with no box included.

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At A Glance

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Condition Overview

Very Good Condition – Some cosmetic wear consistent with careful ownership.

This used Behringer CS400 is in Very Good Condition, making it a strong choice for players who want a clean, functional compressor pedal at excellent value.

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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 Very Good Condition, with only light signs of previous use expected for a pre-owned effects pedal. No faults or operational issues have been supplied.

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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 pedal 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 input, output, switching, control response and power operation are checked so the pedal can be used with confidence in a practice setup, recording rig or live pedalboard.

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Why Choose The Behringer CS400 Compressor Sustainer?

Smooth Out Peaks And Add Sustain

The CS400 is designed to reduce sudden volume spikes while helping quieter notes stay present for longer. Behringer describes the pedal as smoothing out volume peaks and providing extended sustain using dedicated Sustain, Level and Attack controls.

This makes it useful for players who want more even dynamics, especially when switching between picking strengths, chord work and lead lines.

Four Simple Controls

The CS400 gives you Level, Tone, Attack and Sustain controls, making it easy to shape both the amount of compression and how the pedal responds to your playing. The Level control balances output volume, Tone adjusts brightness, Attack affects how quickly compression reacts, and Sustain increases the held character of notes.

For a player new to compressors, this layout is straightforward enough to learn quickly while still giving more control than a one-knob compressor.

Great For Clean Picking And Funk Rhythm

Compression is especially useful for clean rhythm playing. It can tighten up picked notes, even out chord stabs and give funk or pop parts a more consistent feel. The CS400 is a good choice for players who want that controlled, polished response without needing a larger studio-style compressor.

Useful For Lead Guitar Sustain

For lead playing, the CS400 can help notes hold on for longer and feel more even across the fretboard. Used before an overdrive pedal, it can push the drive more consistently. Used after a drive pedal, it can smooth the overall level.

Strong Value For Pedalboards

Behringer pedals are well known for offering accessible ways into useful effects. The CS400 gives players a low-cost route into compression, making it ideal as a first compressor or as a practical spare for rehearsals and home use.

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Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Behringer CS400 vs Boss CS-3

The Boss CS-3 is the more established industry-standard compact compressor, with a tougher enclosure and long-standing professional reputation. The Behringer CS400 offers a similar style of control layout at a lower used price, making it attractive for budget-conscious players.

Choose the CS400 if value is the main priority. Choose the Boss CS-3 if you want a more rugged pro-level pedal for heavy gigging.

Behringer CS400 vs MXR Dyna Comp

The MXR Dyna Comp is simpler and more vintage-style, with a very recognisable squashed compressor sound. The CS400 gives more control over attack and tone, making it more adjustable for players still learning how compression fits into their sound.

Behringer CS400 vs TC Electronic Forcefield Compressor

The TC Electronic Forcefield is another affordable compressor option with a different control layout and enclosure style. The CS400 is especially appealing if you want individual Level, Tone, Attack and Sustain controls in a compact Behringer format.

Behringer CS400 vs No Compressor

Without a compressor, your picking dynamics are more natural and exposed. With the CS400, you can make parts sound more controlled, polished and even. It is especially useful for clean players, country-style picking, funk rhythm, bass and sustained lead lines.

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Who Is It For?

Beginner Players

A great first compressor for beginners who want to learn how compression affects tone, sustain and dynamics without a large investment.

Intermediate Players

Ideal for players building a pedalboard who want more consistent clean tones, better sustain and smoother level control.

Professional Players

A practical backup, home-studio tool or budget-friendly utility pedal for players who understand compression and want a simple compact option.

Suitable Genres And Uses

• Funk rhythm guitar
• Country picking
• Clean pop guitar
• Indie rhythm parts
• Blues lead lines
• Rock solos
• Bass levelling
• Home recording
• Practice setups
• Pedalboard dynamics
• Worship guitar
• Studio layering

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Why Choose A Compressor Pedal?

A compressor pedal helps control the dynamic range of your instrument. In simple terms, it can reduce loud peaks and bring quieter notes forward, giving your playing a more even and polished sound.

For guitarists, compression is useful for clean arpeggios, funk rhythm, country picking, lead sustain and smooth chord work. For bass players, it can help keep notes more consistent across strings and playing positions. It can also make pedalboards feel more controlled by feeding overdrive, modulation and delay pedals with a steadier signal.

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

The Behringer CS400 is part of Behringer’s compact effects pedal range, created to give players affordable access to classic pedalboard sounds. The CS400 focuses on compression and sustain, making it useful as a tone-shaping utility pedal rather than a dramatic special effect.

Compressors are often overlooked by newer players because they can be more subtle than distortion, delay or modulation pedals. However, once dialled in properly, a compressor can become one of the most useful always-on pedals in a setup.

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Technical Specifications

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Power Requirements

The Behringer CS400 can be powered by a 9V battery or a suitable 9V DC pedal power supply. For pedalboard use, a regulated 9V DC centre-negative supply is recommended.

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Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★ 4/5

The Behringer CS400 Compressor Sustainer is a strong used choice for players who want to add compression and sustain to their setup without spending heavily. It is especially useful for beginners exploring dynamics, intermediate players building a pedalboard, and anyone who wants smoother clean tones or more controlled lead sustain. In Very Good Condition, this CS400 offers excellent value as a practical, easy-to-use compressor 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

Is the Behringer CS400 good for beginners?

Yes. The CS400 is a good beginner compressor because it is affordable, compact and easy to understand. It gives players a practical way to learn how compression affects sustain, attack and overall playing dynamics.

Can the CS400 be used with bass?

Yes. The CS400 can be used with bass to help smooth out volume differences between strings and playing styles. Bass players may want to use moderate settings to keep the low end natural.

Where should the CS400 go in a pedal chain?

Many players place a compressor near the start of the chain, after the tuner and before overdrive or modulation. This helps even out the signal before it reaches the rest of the pedals.

Is a compressor good for clean guitar?

Yes. Compression is very useful for clean guitar because it helps arpeggios, funk parts, country picking and chord work sound more even and polished.

Can it add more sustain for solos?

Yes. Increasing the Sustain control can help lead notes hold for longer, especially when combined with overdrive or distortion.

Is the CS400 subtle or obvious?

It can be either. Lower Sustain settings can make it feel like a subtle always-on dynamics tool, while higher settings create a more noticeable compressed effect.

Can I use it for recording?

Yes. The CS400 can be useful for home recording when you want a more controlled guitar or bass signal before it reaches an amp, modeller or audio interface.

Is this a good value used pedal?

Yes. In Very Good Condition, the CS400 is a cost-effective way to add compression and sustain to a pedalboard, especially for players who want to experiment with dynamics before moving to a higher-end compressor.