Walrus AudioMira Optical Compressor

I acquired the Walrus Audio Mira compressor for $100, a price point that made it a compelling purchase. A five star review that'd I'd recommend. In this range, it outperformed most compressors priced under $200.However, at its regular price of $279, I found it lacking. It seems Walrus may have recognized this at some point, as they had that sale bringing it down to $100 where it's a great purchase, but sadly most retailers are back at the $279 price point, Amazon included. I can't recommend it at $279, $200, or $150, and here's why.In my view, there are only a few compressors truly worth considering in 2024:Origin Effects: Cali76 (or its variants such as SlideRIG or Stacked)Wampler: EgoEarthQuaker Devices: WardenDSM Humboldt Electronics: ClearCompEmpress Effects: Compressor Mk IIThere are also some other options that I personally don't favor as much but others will die for. Preferences in this area can be quite subjective and brand loyalty often plays a significant role.Keeley: Compressor Plus (or Pro)JHS: Pulp N' PeelMXR: Dyna CompJackson Audio: Blossom/BloomUA: (Teletronix, 1176, or Max)Regarding the Walrus Audio Mira, it's undeniably a great-sounding compressor with impressive versatility. It can deliver both subtle and more aggressive compression, like a compressor should. It has top mounted jacks, a good power draw (for Walrus), and it's built well. However, during my time with it on my pedalboard, I couldn't shake the feeling that I've simply just used better compressors. It sits in the Keeley, JHS, UA, Jackson, group for me. Good, just not for me, and not my cup o tea. It's probably for someone out there just not for me. Brand loyalty with Walrus for an all Walrus board, or for someone who really loves the art work.It can do the funk thing well, and it even works well on bass guitar. It's also interesting for the djenty sweep picking, tapping, and bendy bois. I think it shines way more on clean then it does on leads or sustain though and while it can do the djenty stuff and metal leads, i'd say there is the peak of the compressor. Other stuff just does it so much better. Play anything lead oriented like Polyphia or Dream Theater on a Wampler Ego and then tell me how much better it feels.As a studio owner with high-end 1176s, LA-2As, and a diverse range of compressors, I believe that compression should ideally occur within the signal chain of the guitar's effects, enhancing its interaction with a live amp setup. Rather than after the fact. Using a rack 76 in the signal chain of a pedalboard just doesn't sit right, and while you can have all your effects in the guitar signal, and then mic the cab up with a nice pre going into the 76 or la-2a in your rack before it hits the daw, the compression change is vividly different and to me I really only like to do that as a DI thing/amp sim type tracking.Selecting the right compressor depends heavily on personal preference and intended use. I want the compressor to react to my playing in the way the sag sits in tubes or how a speaker moves air. Saturation of tubes, and a guitar eq that really makes the guitar come to life is where I need my compressor to be working at. While I do split my signal and do a DI for re-amping later. I like trying to get the ideal tone of a guitar track on the first take ready for mastering. Basically, hit record and that's it, all the work is done.For me, the ideal compressor alters the way I attack and play the guitar strings, akin to an "auto-tune" effect. Only two compressors have provided this feeling: the Empress Compressor Mk2 and the Origin Effects Cali76. These pedals have changed my approach to playing, offering a unique and guitar changing experience. So when i'm playing, the notes and performance are song ready, mixed and felt in a way that in my session they need basicaly 2-3% of work if anything at all, and the track/stem is ready for mastering.While the Walrus Audio Mira is a decent option, especially at the $100 price point, it falls short of the more exceptional compressors like the Empress or Origin Effects offerings and getting you that polished performance. If you're considering a purchase in the $100-300 range, I recommend exploring the used market for an Ego or Warden priced around $150, or even a used Empress for under $279. Both of these options offer a superior performance compared to the Mira, especially considering its current price point.If you can swing the Cali76 its by far the best compressor i've ever used and is a game change for your board. It seriously is the industry standard I feel now for a reason and while it's expensive just for a feel thing, it's absolutely worth it. High grade parts and sound that no one can touch.

Definitely a compression that doesn't change the tone, it's fully transparent and it feels great.

It does what it should do, but in an amazing way!

Excellent product. Gives me the sound and sustain i was looking for

Surf's up

I was sent a used defective pedal! Worked wonderfully for a few minutes and then volume and gain dropped. Returned. No wonder these are 50% of!