Mo Says...

Compression is a curious art: making the quiet louder and the loud quieter, without anyone noticing. The Mary Cries handles this delicate business with admirable restraint. A little more sustain, a little more polish, and no unnecessary fuss.

Notable Particulars

• Analogue optical compression inspired by the legendary LA-2A studio compressor, delivering smooth, musical dynamics.
• Compression and Output Gain controls allow everything from subtle tone enhancement to pronounced sustain and clean boosting.
• LED compression indicator provides visual feedback on how the circuit responds to your playing.
• True bypass switching preserves your instrument's unprocessed signal when disengaged.
• Made in the USA, with through-hole circuit construction and 9V battery or DC power operation.

The Details

The PRS Mary Cries is an analogue optical compressor pedal designed to enhance sustain, smooth out dynamics and add body to your guitar tone without sacrificing clarity or definition. Inspired by the legendary LA-2A studio compressor, it delivers natural, responsive compression that works equally well for subtle tonal refinement and more pronounced dynamic control.

Its straightforward two-knob layout makes dialling in your sound refreshingly simple. The Compression control determines how much your signal is compressed, while Output Gain adjusts the overall level, allowing the pedal to double as a clean boost. Whether you're looking to even out clean rhythm playing, add sustain to lead lines or give your sound a little extra presence, the Mary Cries offers plenty of flexibility without a complicated control panel.

Designed and manufactured in the USA, the Mary Cries features true bypass switching, a compression activity indicator and a sturdy metal enclosure with distinctive black and gold graphics. This example shows some minor cosmetic wear around the edges, but retains its smart appearance. A thoughtfully designed compressor for guitarists who want greater control over their dynamics while retaining the character of their instrument.