Jackson Audio Amp Mode

From PRISM (2016) to a dedicated pedal: Jackson Audio DNA in a compact version

Since the release of the Jackson Audio PRISM preamp in 2016, one observation has repeatedly come up among users: the AMP MODE is often the one left activated the longest, as it adds an immediate "amp" feel under the fingers. Responding to demand for this circuit in a standalone version, Jackson Audio designed the Amp Mode as a dedicated pedal, intended to integrate into any pedalboard without sacrificing signal quality.

The idea is not to offer just a simple volume increase: it is a boost with a musical character, with a response reminiscent of how an amp's input stage reacts when pushed. The result: a seemingly simple pedal but incredibly effective when playing in a band, recording, or wanting to "finish" your tone before hitting the rest of the chain.

Who it's for and which styles: from always-on boost to a "speaking" clean tone

The Jackson Audio Amp Mode is aimed both at the beginner guitarist seeking a solid, personal sound foundation and the experienced musician looking for a reliable tool to manage levels, dynamics, and presence. It is particularly suited for those who like to control their tone with pick attack and guitar volume without relying on an additional gain pedal.

In terms of styles, it excels in blues, rock, pop, country, funk, and more broadly in any genres where attack and clarity are desired. Live, it is an excellent way to cut through the mix for a chorus or solo. In the studio, it can serve as a compact preamp to stabilize input level, enrich the signal, and feed the effects chain with a more robust foundation.

Controls and design: one control, multiple key roles

The philosophy of the Amp Mode is clear: a single boost potentiometer, calibrated to focus on essentials. You adjust the overall level, and the pedal handles the rest: the sense of "headroom," response to playing dynamics, and how it drives the next stage (overdrive, distortion, fuzz, or even an amp input).

An important point for daily use: when the boost control is turned all the way down, the pedal does not try to increase the level. It behaves as a unity gain buffer, useful for preserving clarity with long cables or a crowded pedalboard, and for maintaining a tight attack without losing definition.

Regarding power, the pedal accepts an operating range of 9V to 18V DC (center negative). Using it at 18V increases the headroom (more saturation margin) and provides a more open and dynamic feel. Switching is done via a mechanical true bypass, and the top-mounted jacks facilitate integration on compact pedalboards.

Sound

The Jackson Audio Amp Mode delivers a harmonic-rich boost with a response that evokes a preamp stage: more depth, a more "forward" presence, and a firm attack feel. The MOSFET adds a lively and slightly textured character when the level is increased, while remaining clean enough to serve as an "always-on" base if you like a muscular clean tone.

Placed before an overdrive, it helps thicken the input signal and achieve more sustain and saturation, often with better articulation. Placed after a gain pedal, it acts as a volume/perception enhancer for solos and can help clarify presence in the mix. Finally, used alone, it enhances the sense of dynamics and responsiveness, highlighting playing nuances from light picking to strong attacks.

Technical specifications

Effects	Boost, Preamp	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Grey

Circuit	MOSFET transistor boost (based on the PRISM's AMP MODE)	Do not exceed	18V
Bypass	mechanical true bypass	Connectors	top-mounted jacks
Input impedance	1M	Dimensions	1.8" x 4" (approximately 45.7 mm x 101.6 mm )
Output impedance	100k	Maximum current consumption	10 mA
Required power	9V to 18V DC (center negative)	Required voltage	9V to 18V DC (center negative)