Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (11)
$219.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (6)
$219.00
Amazon
4.2 (25)
$219.00
Reverb
4.0 (8)
$162.06 New
$95.00 Used
Thomann
4.5 (4)
$135.00 $134.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $186

Standard/Professional

$50

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor Effects Pedal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unlock the full potential of your guitar with the PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor Effects Pedal, a beacon of musicality in the realm of compression. This pedal is a tribute to the timeless optical compressors that have graced countless recordings, offering a level of smoothness and musical compression that can only be achieved through optical technology. With its straightforward control layout featuring Output Gain and Compression knobs, the Mary Cries allows for effortless adjustments, delivering everything from subtle dynamic shaping to more pronounced, sustain-enhancing compression. Whether you're looking to thicken your tone, control signal peaks, or simply add a layer of organic warmth to your sound, this pedal does it all while preserving the innate clarity and definition of your instrument. Proudly crafted in the USA with top-notch components, the PRS Mary Cries stands ready to inspire with its studio-grade performance and road-ready durability. If you're seeking that elusive studio-quality compression in a pedal format, your search ends here.

Key Features:

  • Based on iconic optical compressor designs for smooth, musical compression
  • Simple, intuitive two-knob control layout for easy on-the-fly adjustments
  • Versatile performance, ideal for thickening tone, controlling peaks, and boosting sustain
  • Premium build quality and components, ensuring reliability and durability
  • Proudly made in the USA, showcasing PRS's commitment to quality and craftsmanship

Product specs

Pedal Type Optical Compressor
Analog/Digital Analog
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 1 x 1/4"
True Bypass Yes
Power Source 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Batteries 1 x 9V
Power Usage 8mA
Height 1.5"
Width 3.7"
Depth 4.7"
Weight 1.1 lbs.

FAQs

What type of compression does the PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor Effects Pedal use?

The PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor uses optical compression, which is known for providing smooth, musical compression ideal for dynamic musical phrases.

Does the PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor have true bypass?

Yes, the PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor is equipped with true bypass, ensuring that your signal remains unaltered when the pedal is not in use.

What power source does the PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor require?

The PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately, or it can be powered by a 9V battery.

Is the PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor suitable for both live performances and studio recording?

Yes, the PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor is suitable for both live and studio settings, offering consistent and warm compression that enhances guitar tone in various environments.

How does the PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor affect my guitar tone?

The PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor adds warmth and thickness to your guitar tone, helping to even out dynamics and produce a polished sound that sits well in a mix.

PRS Guitars

PRS Guitars

Mary Cries | Analog Compressor Pedal | PRS Guitars

Video thumbnail for Mary Cries | Analog Compressor Pedal | PRS Guitars by PRS Guitars

Mary Cries | Analog Compressor Pedal | PRS Guitars

PRS Guitars

PRS Guitars

Video thumbnail for PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor Effects Pedal Demo by Sweetwater

PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor Effects Pedal Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for PRS Mary Cries Compressor pedal by R.J. Ronquillo

PRS Mary Cries Compressor pedal

R.J. Ronquillo

R.J. Ronquillo

Video thumbnail for NEW PRS "Mary Cries" Pedal HONEST DEMO by Palen Music Center

NEW PRS "Mary Cries" Pedal HONEST DEMO

Palen Music Center

Palen Music Center

Video thumbnail for Enhance Your Tone with the PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor - Demo & Review by Tarpley Music

Enhance Your Tone with the PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor - Demo & Review

Tarpley Music

Tarpley Music

Video thumbnail for PRS Mary Cries - Push your tone without losing definition or clarity - AmericanMusical.com by American Musical Supply

PRS Mary Cries - Push your tone without losing definition or clarity - AmericanMusical.com

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Reviews

PROS

  • Adds a beautiful portion of fullness to the tone

  • Features versatile clean boost and compression

  • Enhances tone with lushness without squashing the signal

  • Offers perfect analog sustain squeeze

  • Boosts solos effectively

  • Easy to use and not overpowering

  • High-quality, well-built unit

  • Can function as a pure boost

  • Complements amps well for amazing tone

CONS

  • May produce significant noise, especially when knobs are turned up

  • Some users find the sustain enhancement insufficient

  • Noise issues at zero knob settings for some users

  • Might require adjusting output gain to manage noise

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor Effects Pedal.

Features and functionality

  • The Mary Cries compressor has substantial gain available, often achieving unity gain with minimal volume adjustment.

    Source
  • The pedal's high-end roll-off can be mitigated by adjusting the amp EQ or using a buffer between the pedal and amp to maintain clarity.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners note a slight high-end roll-off, possibly related to compression or the absence of a buffer.

    Source
  • Although slightly noisy, the pedal remains acceptable for users prioritizing its tonal qualities.

    Source
  • Users report the pedal may be slightly noisy, but the tonal benefits outweigh this drawback for many.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The pedal is based on the LA2A optical compressor, contrasting with the more common 1176 or FET-based designs.

    Source
  • The Mary Cries, as an optical compressor, is preferred by some for bass applications over OTA compressors like the Keeley Compressor Plus.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal is effectively used in a setup with a PCE THE FUZZ and a plexi amp, noted for its clean tones even at high volumes.

    Source
  • Owners use the Mary Cries as an always-on pedal with light compression, alongside PCE THE FUZZ, into a Plexi amp for clean tones at high volumes.

    Source
  • Running the compressor directly into the amp without additional pedal interference can help identify if the pedal itself is causing high-end loss.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Experimenting with a Boss EQ to introduce a buffer after the compressor can help restore high-end frequencies rolled off by compression.

    Source

Critic Reviews

PRS Pedal Review: Horsemeat, Mary Cries & Wind Through - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor is a standout, elegantly boosting and balancing your tone with minimal fuss. It impressively adds body and clarity, enhancing low-mids while maintaining a bell-like sustain on the highs. However, at $219, its price may deter budget-conscious players. Still, its high build quality and performance justify the investment, making it a worthy addition for those seeking to elevate their sound.

positive

PRS Horsemeat, Mary Cries and Wind Through the Trees pedals review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

PRS's Mary Cries Optical Compressor delivers a refined, transparent compression that enhances sustain and clarity without the harshness typical of many pedals. Its simple controls make it user-friendly, while its high-quality components ensure durability. However, the pedal's larger enclosure may not suit all pedalboards, making it a bit cumbersome for some players. Overall, it's a compelling option for those seeking professional-grade sound with a focus on nuance and balance.

positive

PRS Horsemeat, Mary Cries, and Wind Through The Trees review

guitar.com

Paul Reed Smith's Mary Cries Optical Compressor is a standout in their new effects pedal line, delivering studio-quality sustain and tonal clarity in a stompbox format. The pedal excels in both compression and boosting, making it versatile for various playing styles. However, while the premium build and thoughtful design impress, some may find its price point steep compared to competitors. Overall, despite its quirky name and the absence of some common effects like reverb, the Mary Cries proves to be a solid choice for musicians seeking quality in their effects arsenal.

positive

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Tim Pierce uses PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor Effects Pedal

Tim Pierce

Guitarist

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video he says it is is always on pedal

See how Andra Ramadhan uses PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor Effects Pedal

Andra Ramadhan

Guitarist

Dewa 19

...
Verified via Photo

In his Instagram, he playing PRS Fiore Sunflower with Mary Cries written in description

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use PRS Mary Cries Optical Compressor Effects Pedal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Line 6 HX One
Line 6 HX One Multi Effects Pedals
1

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