Mysterious Stranger- optical compression that just does something special

The Mysterious Stranger is always creeping around... waiting to strangle your signal until it is squashed.

A mysterious presence that seems to come and go as it pleases, the nature of the mysterious stranger (if you get the reference) has manifested itself into this circuit.

The compression does what you need it to when you need it, however there is sometimes a strange and unpredicted squash moment that really adds a beautiful musical depth to your instruments dynamics.

In other words- literally this circuit feels like sometimes it consciously decides when to squash and bloom, I have been in the middle of progressive, long, droney, slowcore-esque songs where it has just seemingly randomly added a wonderful squash and release in moments where it felt perfect, and almost magic.

I have tested and experimented with countless compressor circuits while also using this one- one that has been quite a twilight staple, being around since about 2024 I believe.

I tried fancy, audiophile/studio grade compressors, classic circuits, modern boutique guitar compressors, yet none really gave me the same magic feeling this one does.

THIS RUN IS currently considered the "V2"

this circuit has been tweaked to embue its user with the magic qualities of optical compression.

The knobs have been adjusted for a more linear adjustment sweep, and a larger range of control.

Some other rather indescribable in words changes have been made, however I have sat on this circuit for about a year tweaking it back and forth. It is ready and at what I believe to be its highest potential.

THE KNOBS

level- so self explanatory...

ratio- basically the blend control, CCW will give you a transparent, yet lightly colored clean boost, that can really add some sparkle and chime to your guitar signal. It feels on the cold and darker side (not dark in a high cut way though). CW adds the compression to your signal.

tone- go from bass forward, hi cut at CCW, to neutral at center knob position, to bright, chimey, with high end bite at CW

release- this sets how long the compression is held for, but also simultaneously feels like it works as an attack control. CW is a longer sustained compression, and when set far forward can actually feel like it sets your signal into forever compression. CCW is a shorter sustained compression, but it does not get snappy or extremely poppy,

sustain- changes function depending on where the ratio knob is set. when the ratio is CCW, is basically functions as a gain control. when ratio is set CW, it basically sets the amount of compression and sustain

attack- this control sets the sensitivity for the activation of the compression. counter clockwise feels like it activates the compression with lighter pick attack, and compresses deep with heavy pick attack, while CW feels like it is not as sensitive.

features/notes

9v only, this circuit has an onboard 9v to 18v boost to give the op amps more clean headroom before clipping.

Mechanical 3pdt true bypass- I sort of toggle back and forth between soft touch relay switching and mechanical. They are both amazing in their own ways, and I have come to find, to my surprise, that many people actually enjoy the thick click of a mechanical switch.

COLORS-

At the moment I am not doing built to order for this model.

Please note that the raw aluminum finish option is built fresh to order, and may feature different components as I use what I have in stock and each build uses hand selected components.

The circuit will be built in a raw aluminum case with no paint, but will get lightly sand polished.

It may take up to 10 days for me to build the pedal, but typically it will be anywhere from 3-5 days.

Please note the knobs will be dealers choice and I will use what I have in stock.