The black one is likely the old style version with the sheet metal box, the “Classic” Micro-Synthesizer. It’s no longer in production so your best bet is ebay or some other forum.

There are actually several versions of the Micro Synthesizer since about 1978, even without including the Bass Micro Synthesizer.

But all that aside, it is true that there isn’t much sustain in them. It’s inherent in the design – the trigger sets the threshold for the signal. You might be able to maximize the sustain a bit more if you use the trimpot to tweak the input gain, but it’s a tricky balance because you also don’t want to set off false triggers.

The Micro Synthesizer is really amazing effect pedal – one of a kind – but it’s one that forces you to work with it on its own terms.

To add sustain to the MicroSynth add a compressor pedal like the Soul Preacher.
It adds tons of sustain and evens out your picking to give it a more even keyboard attack.
Almost all the Effectology videos featuring a MicroSynth use a compressor in front of it.

I just want to add that it is almost an given that you have to use a COMP before the MicroSynth. This gadget is very dependednt on what it gets, very much like the HOG. The COMP gives both these pedals much more to work with. Also, since both have envelope & attack adjustments, it’s a requirement that you have a signal that can be modified, i.e. you can’t get a shorter/longer attack or decay than the source signal itself.

That’s a new job for Bill right there :thumb: