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OB.1 Compressor & Clean Boost was the first effects pedal that we ever released under the Strymon banner, way back in July 2009. The beautifully transparent analog optical compression and clean boost, designed to super-charge your favorite amp, has been embraced by our customers and made its way onto pedalboards around the world. Some of the very first Strymon customers were musicians that purchased OB.1.
Recently, production of OB.1 has become increasingly difficult, as we have been unable to maintain a consistent supply of Light Dependent Resistors, the optical element within OB.1. Due to these supply issues, we have not been able to build OB.1 pedals in regular quantities.
After much consideration, we have made the decision to discontinue the production of OB.1. We’re quite sad to see builds of our first ever pedal come to an end. However, we’re very appreciative of all OB.1 customers, and all the incredible music that has been made with this pedal throughout the years.
We no longer have any quantity of OB.1 available in our online store. If you’re interested in purchasing an OB.1, you may reach out to your local authorized Strymon dealer to see if they have any left in stock.
Thanks again to all our OB.1 customers and fans out there for helping make our first ever pedal a success, and helping put Strymon on the map.
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Ethan Tufts
Ethan Tufts left Strymon in early 2021.
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3 Responses
I love my OB1 for its transparent boost, and occassionally for mid boost. However, I’m getting no noticeable compression. Could it be that the light dependent resistor is faulty?
Hi! Please email [email protected] and we’d be happy to help out 🙂
Optical Compressors are VERY transparent and don’t “squish” until maximum settings. That’s what makes them so desired, they work but don’t kill dynamics like most compressors do. I have one and I don’t get “squish” / “chicken picken” until I’m past 3 o’clock on the compression dial. You should still hear a difference between on and off. Play clean and pluck a string hard. Cycle between off and on. You should hear a difference in the peak transients.