PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor

PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor – analogue optical compressor pedal with boost and true bypass

The PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor is an analogue compressor pedal for electric guitar and bass, inspired by the legendary LA-2A studio compressor. Designed to control signal peaks, extend sustain and add fullness without sacrificing the natural character of the instrument, Mary Cries offers an intuitive approach to dynamic control. Its optical compression circuit and two straightforward controls make it suitable for everything from subtle compression to more pronounced dynamic shaping and additional output gain.

The Compression control determines how much the signal's dynamics are processed, while Output Gain adjusts the overall level of the compressed signal. A dedicated LED indicator provides visual feedback on the compressor's operation, making it easier to tailor the settings to different instruments and playing techniques. With analogue circuitry, true bypass and the option of battery or external 9 V DC power, Mary Cries is a versatile addition to a guitar or bass pedalboard.

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Features and benefits

Optical compression inspired by the LA-2A

Mary Cries takes inspiration from the classic LA-2A compressor, using optical compression to manage the dynamic range of an instrument signal. This approach helps even out differences between louder and quieter notes while providing a smooth, musical response. The result is a more consistent sound that works well for chord playing, melodic phrases and dynamic lead performances.

Extended sustain without sacrificing clarity

One of the main benefits of Mary Cries is its ability to extend sustain. By controlling prominent signal peaks and reducing level differences, notes can remain audible for longer and feel more consistent. This is particularly useful for clean guitar sounds, melodic lead playing and other applications where controlled dynamics can help the instrument sit more evenly in a mix.

Compression control for straightforward dynamic shaping

The Compression knob determines the amount of compression applied to the signal. Turning it anticlockwise reduces compression, while turning it clockwise increases the effect. Lower settings are suitable for preserving more of the instrument's natural dynamics, while higher settings can create a more even response and pronounced sustain. The simple control layout makes it easy to adapt the pedal to different instruments and playing styles.

Output Gain for level adjustment and boost

Output Gain controls the overall level of the processed signal. It can be used to compensate for level changes caused by compression or to increase the signal feeding subsequent effects and amplifiers. With a low Compression setting, Mary Cries can also serve as a boost pedal, providing additional output level without requiring heavy compression.

LED indicator provides visual compression feedback

Mary Cries features an LED indicator that provides visual feedback on the compressor's behaviour. When the indicator is unlit, compression is at its lower operating level, while increasing brightness indicates that the signal is approaching the upper part of the compressor's operating range. This makes it easier to observe how the pedal responds to playing dynamics and adjust Compression accordingly.

Suitable for electric guitar and bass

Mary Cries can be used with both electric guitar and bass. On guitar, it can help even out clean chords, extend lead sustain and add output level before an amplifier. On bass, it can help manage stronger attacks and produce a more consistent signal, including for slap playing. The straightforward controls allow the amount of compression to be adapted to different instruments and techniques.

True bypass and analogue signal processing

The pedal uses analogue circuitry and true bypass switching. When disengaged, the instrument signal bypasses the effect circuit, preventing the compressor from altering the sound. A dedicated footswitch activates and deactivates the effect, allowing straightforward switching between compressed and unaffected signals during performance.

Simple connections and flexible power options

Mary Cries features a 6.3 mm mono instrument input and a 6.3 mm mono output for connecting to another pedal or directly to an amplifier. It operates from a 9 V battery or a regulated or isolated 9 V DC power supply with centre-negative polarity. Current consumption is just 8 mA. PRS recommends placing the pedal towards the beginning of the effects chain, although other positions can be explored to achieve different results.

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Specifications

• Product type: Optical compressor pedal for electric guitar and bass
• Brand: PRS Guitars
• Model: Mary Cries Optical Compressor
• Effect type: Optical compression and boost
• Signal processing: Analogue
• Compressor design: Optical, inspired by the LA-2A
• Controls: Compression, Output Gain
• Compression: Adjusts the amount of compression
• Output Gain: Adjusts the overall processed output level
• Compression indicator: Variable-brightness LED
• Bypass: True bypass
• Footswitch: Effect on/off
• Input: 1 × 6.3 mm mono jack
• Output: 1 × 6.3 mm mono jack
• Power supply: 9 V battery or 9 V DC power adapter
• DC polarity: Centre-negative
• Current draw: 8 mA
• Power adapter: Regulated or isolated 9 V DC, not included
• Battery: 1 × 9 V, not included
• Colour: Black/gold
• Design: PRS Guitars, Stevensville, Maryland, USA
• Manufacturing: USA

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Frequently asked questions about PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor