The Philosopher’s Tone 2 elevates the original's optical compression to new heights, offering a world-class compressor/sustainer with footswitchable Grit for enhanced versatility. This iteration introduces a refined overdrive circuit, delivering smooth top end and rich midrange response thanks to its unique germanium distortion, perfectly matched to the optical sustainer. Alongside Volume and Sustain controls, it features a parallel clean Blend knob to mix original tone with the compressor/sustainer effect when Grit is bypassed, maintaining dynamic and musical qualities. Engaging the Grit circuit bypasses the Blend knob, offering colorful distortion in Germanium and Silicon modes, ranging from subtle overdrive to overflowing distortion without feedback. A Treble control provides 6dB of cut or boost at 2kHz for precise frequency response adjustment. True-bypass switching and internal 18V power rails ensure maximum clean headroom, suitable for various instruments and line-level sources. Compatible with 9VDC power.