The Miura M2 Compressor/Limiter is a hand-made analog compressor/limiter pedal from Miura Guitars USA, the company's first effects pedal. It was unveiled at Winter NAMM 2017 and announced as "now releasing" in September 2017, retailing at $280 as of the April 2017 review in Bass Musician Magazine12. Instead of the optical cells or VCA chips found in many pedals, the M2 uses an analog photo-coupler as its compression element, a component Miura says is used in the medical field, paired with high speed operational amplifier gain motion control. The maker says this makes it possible to create a "crispy compression sound"1.
How the compression works
The photo-coupler is the heart of the circuit. Miura's press release explains the design choice directly1:
"By using an analog photo-coupler for the compression element, which is used in the medical field, the M2 Compressor gain"
The release is cut off in the published text, but the maker's stated aim is a "crispy compression sound" from that element1. For a player, the practical difference is that the M2 behaves like a studio-style compressor/limiter rather than a simple squash pedal: it has a threshold, a ratio and an adjustable attack, so you decide when compression starts and how hard it bites.
Controls
The M2 has four controls, described by Bass Musician Magazine's reviewers John Kuhlman and Derek Jones2:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Threshold | Sets the volume level for when the compression effect is engaged; all the way left compresses the weakest inputs, all the way right affects only stronger signals2 |
| Ratio | Determines how much compression is applied above the threshold; starts at 1:1 all the way left, about 5:1 at noon, maxes out at 9:1 all the way right2 |
| Attack | Ranges from 220 microseconds to 100 milliseconds, adjusting the attack time to match your instrument and playing style for even and smooth compression12 |
| Level | Sets the output level; the reviewers' recommended starting point is noon2 |
The reviewers suggested starting with Threshold at 9:00, Ratio at noon, and Level at noon, then adjusting from there2.
The release time is fixed at 22 milliseconds and cannot be adjusted2. The Attack control covers how quickly compression engages, not how quickly it lets go.
Bypass, power and size
The M2 is not a true bypass pedal. Miura states that "True bypass is not used for the bypass circuit," and that the bypass method used instead matches the input/output impedance and the on/off circuit control to hold down switching noise1. It runs on a DC 9V supply, and the power supply is not included, so plan for a 9V adapter or a pedalboard power outlet2. The enclosure measures 3.75" x 4.75" x 1.375", and the reviewers described it as "just a sturdy stomp box ready for today's working bassist"2. Input and output impedance are both 1Mohm2.
What reviewers said
Bass Musician Magazine's review was favorable on the pedal's effect on a bass signal2:
"I've used several compression pedals over the years and the M2 really brings out some nice qualities of the bass to the"
The reviewers called it a musical piece of equipment overall and found it brought out nice qualities of the bass in the mix2.
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Questions
Is the Miura M2 true bypass?
No. Miura states that true bypass is not used for the bypass circuit. Instead, the bypass method matches the input and output impedance and controls the on/off circuit in a way the maker says holds down switching noise while keeping sound quality high when the pedal is off.
Does the Miura M2 include a power supply?
No. The pedal runs on a DC 9V supply, and the power supply is not included, so you will need your own 9V adapter or an outlet on a pedalboard power supply.
Can you adjust the release time on the Miura M2?
No. Bass Musician Magazine's reviewers found the release time is fixed at 22 milliseconds. The adjustable controls are Attack, Threshold, Ratio and Level, with the Attack control covering 220 microseconds to 100 milliseconds.
Where is the Miura M2 made?
The M2 is handmade in the USA by Miura Guitars USA, which announced the pedal as its own original compressor/limiter design.
How big is the Miura M2 pedal?
Bass Musician Magazine measured the enclosure at 3.75 inches by 4.75 inches by 1.375 inches, a standard stompbox footprint that fits a pedalboard without taking up much room.
Sources (2)
- Miura Guitars Announces the M2 Compressor/Limiter, Premier Guitar, 2017-09-11
- REVIEW - Miura Guitars U.S.A. M2 Compressor/Limiter Pedal - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass, Bass Musician Magazine, 2017-04-01