Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (29)
$119.00
Reverb
5.0 (35)
$116.48 New
$59.00 Used
Thomann
4.6 (51)
$109.00

Average Price: $101

Standard/Professional

$50

$201+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro Compressor / Sustain - the compact powerhouse that brings unparalleled sustain and clarity to your guitar's voice. This pedal proves that size does not define power. With its ability to blend clean tones and compress without sacrificing the bite of your pick attack, it's the perfect tool for those who crave both subtlety and strength in their sound. Whether you're looking to add a gentle touch or a full-blown sustain to your solos, the Philosopher's Tone Micro stands ready to elevate your playing with precision and ease.

Key Features:

  • Parallel Blend control to mix your dry signal with the compressed output for maximum tonal clarity
  • Treble EQ knob allows for fine-tuning of the high-end response, ensuring your guitar cuts through any mix
  • Compact design that fits comfortably on any pedalboard
  • Standard volume and sustain controls for straightforward, effective adjustments
  • Ideal for achieving subtle compression or a pronounced sustain effect in your playing

Product specs

Pedal Type Compression, Sustain
Analog/Digital Analog
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 1 x 1/4"
True Bypass Yes
Power Source 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Height 1.5"
Width 1.75"
Depth 3.75"

FAQs

What type of compression does the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro pedal offer?

The Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro provides noiseless clean sustain with an analog compression circuit, ideal for enhancing your guitar's tone without unwanted noise.

How does the blend control on the Philosopher's Tone Micro work?

The blend control allows you to mix your dry signal with the compressed signal, offering parallel compression for more natural-sounding sustain.

Can the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro be powered with a standard 9V power supply?

Yes, the Philosopher's Tone Micro runs on a standard 9V DC external power supply, but it internally converts to 18V for maximum headroom.

Is the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro true bypass?

Yes, the Philosopher's Tone Micro features true bypass switching, ensuring your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.

Does the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro pedal include EQ controls?

Yes, the pedal includes a treble EQ control, allowing you to boost or cut frequencies at 2kHz for added tonal flexibility.

Guitar World

Guitar World

Paul Gilbert Official Demo of the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro!

Video thumbnail for Paul Gilbert Official Demo of the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro! by Guitar World

Paul Gilbert Official Demo of the Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro!

Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro Compressor by ProGuitarShopDemos

Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro Compressor

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro by Mike Hermans

Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro

Mike Hermans

Mike Hermans

Video thumbnail for Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro Pedal Review by Sweetwater

Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro Pedal Review

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Pigtronix Philosophers Tone Micro Pedal | Review by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Pigtronix Philosophers Tone Micro Pedal | Review

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro - Quick and Painless Pedal Demos by MTJ Guitars

Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro - Quick and Painless Pedal Demos

MTJ Guitars

MTJ Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Optical design with clever Blend option for subtle to pronounced compression

  • Useful Treble control enhances tonal flexibility

  • Provides noiseless sustain, a notable achievement

  • Compact size fits easily on pedalboards

  • Internal 18v power rails from standard 9v input for improved headroom

  • Transparent compression, maintains core guitar tone

  • Enhances clarity and strength of clean tone

  • Versatile, with settings ranging from minimal to heavy compression

  • Construction is sturdy, promising longevity

  • Competitively priced, offering good value

CONS

  • Lacks the extreme compression capabilities of some OTA/VCA compressors

  • Missing grit control compared to the original Philosopher's Tone

  • Customer service issues reported with manufacturer response

  • Does not include an attack control, limiting some dynamic shaping options

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro.

Features and functionality

  • The Philosopher's Tone Micro can add grit without altering the EQ, providing versatility in sound shaping.

    Source
  • The pedal offers a clean signal blend option, allowing for dynamic compression adjustments without losing clarity.

    Source
  • The Philosopher's Tone Micro offers 18v headroom, providing more dynamic range and reducing the likelihood of clipping under high compression settings.

    Source
  • The PT Micro includes a treble cut/boost option, allowing for additional tonal shaping, which is absent in some other mini compressors.

    Source
  • The blend knob on the Philosopher's Tone Micro functions as a dirt blend rather than a clean blend, offering unique tonal possibilities.

    Source

User experience

  • Engaging the pedal may produce a popping noise, noted by some users, distinguishing it from other mini pedals like the MXR Sugar Drive.

    Source
  • Owners mention the PT Micro's inability to adjust the attack profile, with the compression gradually "washing in" for a sustained, buttery tone.

    Source
  • Some users report the pedal as noisy, which could impact its use in quieter settings or recordings.

    Source
  • Some users were unable to purchase during a sale due to stock issues, indicating high demand or limited availability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Philosopher's Tone Micro is reported to work well with humbuckers, maintaining clarity even under high compression settings.

    Source
  • The pedal excels at adding subtle uniformity to the signal rather than being used for styles like chicken pickin'.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Philosopher's Tone Micro is often compared to its full-size counterpart, with users seeking guidance on which suits their needs better.

    Source
  • Users note the Philosopher's Tone Micro's smooth compression and low noise compared to the DynaComp mini, highlighting the PT's unique blend and treble options.

    Source
  • The PT Micro is praised for its features, offering as much or more control than most other mini compressors.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Pigtronix Philosopher’s Tone Micro review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro is a compact powerhouse, offering versatile compression and EQ options that make it more than just a simple compressor. While it lacks the original's Grit knob, it compensates with a Blend knob for customizable compression alongside a Treble control to tweak EQ without compression. It's ideal for clean sustain and offers ample headroom to push your amp or provide a boost for solos. This pedal is a must-have for musicians seeking to optimize pedalboard space without sacrificing sound quality. With minimal drawbacks, it's a commendable addition to any setup.

positive

Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro Pedal

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

Pigtronix's Philosopher's Tone Micro pedal delivers boutique-quality compression in a compact form. It excels with its low noise floor, even at high compression, and the blend control for parallel compression is a standout feature. The pedal is sturdy and well-built, offering great sustain without unwanted noise, making it ideal for clean and driven tones alike. While it loses the grit control of its larger predecessor, this omission allows for easier adjustments. Overall, it's a powerful and reliable compressor that won't clutter your pedalboard, though it lacks any notable drawbacks.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
dorgsan

Cool

Small. Analog. Lots of sustain. Can add treble, Can blend in dry signal. Would be perfect, but lacks attack control.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alana Haim uses Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro

Alana Haim

Singer, Guitarist

HAIM

...
Verified via Imgur

In a recent Instagram story by Alana Haim, her pedal board is shown featuring a Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro. It is the only small pedal on the board and despite some blurriness, the artwork matches as seen in the screenshot provided on Imgur.

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Community setups

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slubtle

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Gear IQ 733

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