The Walrus Audio Mira is the latest pedal by what is undeniable the most prolific – and diversified in its releases – pedal company of the ’20s. It’s a studio-grade optical compressor with all the controls found in classic analog studio units – such as the revered Urei 1176 – but with an optical circuit that makes it as smooth as another studio classic, the Teletronix LA-2A.
The latter was a fantastic sounding two-knob unit with a “take-it-or-leave-it” approach as far as attack and release. The Mira corrects that by providing those controls, which are extremely useful for clean guitar tones.
As an added extra, the company included a High Pass Filter in the side-chain activated through a push button that prevents bass frequencies 120Hz or below from engaging the compressor, preventing it from overworking on lower notes and keeping low-frequency dynamics intact.
Have a listen to it in the videos below.
Walrus Audio Mira, Builder’s Notes
The Mira is a true bypass optical compressor offering studio-grade sound sculpting and sustain packed with controls you’d normally find on studio units.
In the Spanish language, Mira is a command that translates to look, see, and call attention to. With the Mira Optical Compressor, you’re creating and shaping a studio-grade timbre that demands to be seen, heard, and above all, felt. The Mira delivers warm, analog optical compression with mountains of sustain and a smooth attack and release that can be blended in to taste. Dynamically engage the senses with the Mira.
The Mira is a true bypass optical compressor offering studio-grade sound sculpting and sustain packed with controls you’d normally only find on studio units. Use the Blend knob to mix in your compressed sound with your clean tone to maintain note clarity while offering increased sustain. Mira also offers in-depth control over Attack, Release, Ratio, and a Make-Up knob to help maintain unity levels after your signal has been compressed. For higher headroom, Mira runs internally at ±15VDC.
Adding to the bonus features, Walrus decided to also provide a push-button High Pass Filter in the side-chain (the part of the circuit that controls the optical element in the compressor). This is great for preventing bass frequencies 120Hz or below from engaging the compressor as much as higher frequencies. The keen result of this keeps the compressor from overworking on lower notes and is great for bass guitar or keeping low-frequency dynamics dramatic for guitar players.
Look to the Mira as your new always-on pedal. Even at low settings, not only will you hear rich, full clarity in your notes, but you’ll feel the difference in its response too.
