Jackson Audio Hour Glass

A dual compressor in the lineage of "vintage" Ross-style compressors

The Hour Glass continues Jackson Audio's "studio on pedalboard" approach, with the simple (and highly effective) idea of having two ready-to-use compressions in one place. Inspired by the famous Ross compressor, it features the much-loved signature in country, funk, or slide styles: a stretched sustain, emphasized picking, and that "held" note sensation that immediately inspires confidence under the fingers. It takes the concept further by offering two completely separate circuits : you can prepare one setting for single coils and another for humbuckers, or combine both to achieve near-infinite sustain.

Who is the Hour Glass for, and in which styles does it make a difference?

The Jackson Audio Hour Glass is aimed at both the demanding guitarist and the stage musician looking to save time: one footswitch, a "ready-to-play" sound. It excels in country (chicken picking, twang), funk (tight, consistent strumming), blues (singing sustain), as well as pop and rock whenever a consistent rhythm or a lead that stands out in the mix is desired.

In the studio, it's an ally for stabilizing dynamics before modulation/delay effects, and live it helps maintain a constant level when switching guitars and picking styles (fingers/pick). On a pedalboard, its format and top-mounted jacks facilitate integration, especially if you prefer clean and compact signal chains.

Settings, switching, and features: control without complexity

Each compressor has three main controls: Comp (amount of compression and sustain), Blend (mix between compressed and dry signal), and Vol (output volume, useful for a slight boost). The Blend control is particularly useful for achieving a "pro" compression: it enhances body and sustain while preserving attack and playing dynamics.

To tailor the feel under the fingers, Jackson Audio adds a 3-position Attack selector on each circuit (fast 100 ms, medium 400 ms, slow 1600 ms): fast to tame aggressive peaks, medium for balance, slow to let the attack breathe. A Treble selector completes the setup (flat, medium, high) to adjust presence in the highs, very practical depending on the guitar, cable, amp, or the compressor's position in the chain.

On stage, the Hour Glass offers two footswitches (Comp 1 and Comp 2) and clear visual indication: Comp 1, Comp 2, or both simultaneously. The idea is simple: you prepare two different compressions, then instantly switch "channels" with your foot, no compromises.

Sound

The Hour Glass delivers compression with a vintage, dense, and very musical character: it can remain transparent at light settings (just enough to smooth and "glue" the mix) or become more pronounced, with the sustain and leveling effect typical of Ross-inspired compressors. The pedal responds well to nuances: playing softer retains airiness; playing harder yields a "controlled" feel that highlights notes and smooths fast passages.

The Attack + Blend duo is key: you can keep clear transients (ideal for funk) while adding sustain, or conversely soften the attack for more "singing" leads. The Treble selector helps prevent a compressed setting from becoming too dark, or conversely tames a very bright guitar.

To date, no artist is specifically listed on Equipboard for this model, but its philosophy of "two stage-ready compressions" clearly appeals to guitarists who switch instruments and styles within the same set.

Technical specifications

Effects	Compressor	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Grey
EQ	Treble

Comp 1	compression level and sustain	Status indicator	Comp 1, Comp 2, or both
Blend 1	mix between dry and compressed signal	Dimensions	11.3 x 7.5 x 5.6 cm
Vol 1	output volume (can serve as a boost)	Weight	290 g
Comp 2	compression level and sustain	Designed in	USA
Blend 2	mix between dry and compressed signal	Manufactured in	USA
Vol 2	output volume (can serve as a boost)	Required power supply	9 V to 18 V DC
Attack selector (per compressor)	fast 100 ms, medium 400 ms, slow 1600 ms	Polarity	center negative
Treble selector (per compressor)	flat, medium, high	Current draw	60 mA