Strymon OB.1 Optical Compressor & Clean Boost Pedal - Used  From Strymon

The Front End to Your Dream Tone.

OB.1 combines studio quality, beautifully transparent analog optical compression with a Clean Boost with EQ curves designed to super-charge your favorite amp and reveal its true character. Featuring an all-analog signal path with premium components throughout, a high-impedance input, and very low noise circuitry, OB.1 is perfect for the number one spot in your signal chain. It’s the missing piece you’ve been searching for.

OB.1 provides greater than 20dB of gain-compensated compression, and with the integrated Clean Boost, an extra 10dB of full-frequency, mid or treble boost is available. Use the mid or treble boost together with a bit of transparent compression, and your amp will sound like it was just modified by a world-class boutique amp designer.

The first stage of a high gain amplifier channel doesn’t just boost gain, it also boosts high-end in such a way so that the distorted signal can cut through without getting bogged down by too much low-end. When you use OB.1 first in your signal chain and engage the mid or treble boost, that’s exactly what you’re achieving. Even if you’ve tried boost pedals before, you’ll be surprised by the transformation of your tone. Try the treble boost with humbuckers for biting solos or the mid boost to fatten up single coil pickups. There is also a flat setting for full-frequency Clean Boost.

Arpeggios, sweep-picking, hammer-ons, and other blazing techniques benefit when each note is played at a consistent level. OB.1’s optical compression preserves your attacks while smoothing out the overall signal, bringing out the softer notes. You can also enjoy the sustain of high gain without too much of the fizzy stuff. And OB.1’s extremely quiet analog signal path with its high-quality, low noise op amp and high-impedance input is perfect in front of your high-gain setup.