Jackson Audio Bloom MIDI

Bloom v2 - MIDI: the "pro pedalboard" evolution of a modern Jackson Audio classic

The Bloom has established itself as a dynamic pedal designed for guitarists seeking a "mixed" and consistent sound without obvious compression. The Bloom v2 - MIDI version takes the original concept and modernizes it with MIDI integration to control presets and activate different stages from a switcher, controller, or stage setup. On the sonic DNA side, it features an optical limiting circuit inspired by the aesthetics of compressors from the golden age of tube circuits, along with a wide-band Baxandall -style equalization, ideal for refining a compressed sound without making it harsh.

For which guitarists and styles?

The Jackson Audio Bloom v2 - MIDI is aimed at both studio musicians and stage guitarists who want to secure their dynamics and maintain a consistent level from one song to another. The presets cover very musical territories: country (fast and snappy attack), funk/R&B (clean and articulated rhythms), ballads (slower attack and softer compression), and of course slide, where the Bloom can stack two compression stages for long, clear, and stable sustain. On a pedalboard, it can serve as a "foundation" (always on) or as a highlight pedal via the boost and Bloom function.

Controls, presets, and MIDI functions: an ultra-controllable dynamic pedal

The Bloom v2 - MIDI combines immediate controls with advanced functions. The Volume, Blend, and Comp knobs allow adjustment of output level, mixing dry and compressed signals (perfect for retaining a natural attack), and increasing compression intensity. The Bass, Middle, and Treble equalization (neutral at noon) sculpts the spectrum after compression, while Bloom sets the boost level and also participates in programming the attack/release time. On the floor, the COMP switch activates compression and allows cycling through the 6 presets (long press to enter/exit selection mode, short presses to scroll). The BLOOM switch manages an instant boost (short press) or a progressive fade-in (long press) with programmable duration. Via MIDI, the pedal accepts Program Change messages to recall presets and Control Change messages to toggle sections and control the boost, including in "expression" mode.

Sound

The Bloom v2 - MIDI aims for musical, transparent, and touch-responsive compression : you "feel" the dynamics stabilizing more than you hear them compressing. The optical character provides roundness and a "polished" sound sensation, without cutting lows or harshening highs, making it an excellent foundation for clean tones, light crunch, and clean rhythmic parts. The Blend helps preserve pick attack and micro-dynamics even with heavy compression. Finally, the Bloom function adds a clean and progressive boost that can extend a note, highlight a theme, or simply even out levels between two guitars without changing the tone.

Technical specifications

Effects	EQ, Boost, Compressor	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	White
EQ	3 channels

Effects pedal for guitar and bass	optical compressor, equalization, boost/sustain	Footswitches	COMP, BLOOM
Design	analog	EQ activation	simultaneous press on COMP + BLOOM
Preset 1	limiter mode, ultra-fast attack (2.5 ms)	Preset selection on the pedal	hold COMP footswitch (program mode) then short presses to scroll
Preset 2	Country mode, fast attack (7.5 ms)	MIDI control	selection of 6 presets, ON/OFF of sections (Comp, EQ, Boost/Bloom)
Preset 3	R&B mode, medium attack (50 ms)	Programmable bypass	True Bypass or Buffered Bypass
Preset 4	Ballad mode, slow attack (120 ms)	Input impedance	1 MOhm
Preset 5	Slide "Joey" mode (double compression in series, very long sustain)	Output impedance	100 kOhm
Preset 6	Aux Compressor (auxiliary compression stage, internal settings via trimmers)	Audio input	6.35mm Jack (mono)
Boost/Cut per band	+/- 12 dB	Audio output	6.35mm Jack (mono)
Boost	0 to 20 dB (short press on the Bloom footswitch)	Dimensions (footprint)	2.7" x 4.875" (approx. 68.6 x 123.8 mm)
Bloom	0 to 20 dB (long press, progressive rise)	Required power supply	9 V DC (center negative)
Programmable rise/fall time	from 1 to 5 seconds	Minimum current required	300 mA
Knobs	Volume, Blend, Comp, Bass, Middle, Treble, Bloom	Power adapter	not included