Jhs Pedals Colour Box V2
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Jhs Pedals
https://www.rosselectronics.com
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A "studio console" in pedal format: the Colour Box spirit
The Colour Box has established itself as a unique pedal: more than just an overdrive, it's a true console channel designed to recreate the famous "direct-to-console" sounds heard on countless rock and pop productions. Its dual gain stage architecture and very musical EQ allow you to sculpt the signal as in a mixing desk, with that blend of clarity, density, and harmonic character associated with legendary preamps (notably inspired by Neve 1073 topologies). With this Colour Box V2, JHS takes the concept further: more control, more headroom in clean tones, and an even more natural integration into a modern setup (pedalboard, studio, stage).
Who is the Colour Box V2 for?
The Colour Box V2 targets musicians who want to instantly improve the perceived quality of their sound, whether live or in recording. On a pedalboard, it can serve as the main preamp, an "always-on" to add dimension, or a characterful boost/drive before an already warm amp. In the studio, it becomes a creative DI for guitar, bass, synths and a formidable solution to thicken takes (or add a controlled lo-fi vibe). Thanks to the XLR input and pad, it can also be inserted into a mic chain, useful for vocals, a room mic, or percussion depending on the context.
Controls, modes, and connectivity: a console channel at your feet
The Gain section (in red) combines three very complementary controls: Master (overall output level), Pre-Vol (the amount of drive between the two internal stages, from subtle grit to more aggressive distortion), and Step (a stepped gain selector). Step increases gain in five increments: +18 dB, +23 dB, +28 dB, +33 dB, +39 dB. Added to this is the Hi/Lo switch: in Lo, you get massive clean headroom and a very stable clean tone (ideal for shaping tone without saturation, including on acoustic guitar); in Hi, the pedal saturates faster and opens a wide spectrum of overdrive, distortion, and fuzz.
The EQ section (in blue) features a 3-band equalizer (Treble, Middle, Bass) with +/- 17 dB cut/boost, enhanced by three Shift controls that move the frequency range affected by each band. The "reference" frequencies for the Shifts are 10 kHz (Treble Shift), 1 kHz (Mid Shift), and 120 Hz (Bass Shift): this lets you go from a simple musical EQ to a surgical tool to place your instrument exactly in the mix. Finally, the Hi-Pass filter is activated via a toggle and adjusted with a potentiometer: it sweeps from 60 Hz to 800 Hz with a 6 dB per octave slope, perfect for cleaning up muddy lows, refining an acoustic, or creating radio/garage tones.
On the practical side: a INST/XLR selector chooses the source on the combo input, a -20 dB pad (active in XLR mode) helps manage high-level microphones, and the V2 integrates an output transformer that enhances the sense of depth and "weight." The pedal can also pass 48V phantom power to a condenser mic, while remaining designed for simple foot operation thanks to silent switching.
The sound
The Colour Box V2 delivers what studio preamp enthusiasts seek: a denser, more present sound with a harmonic texture that responds very well to the attack and volume of the instrument. In Lo mode, you get a "finished" clean, ideal for thickening a tame guitar, adding body to a bass, or making a piezo sound more natural. In Hi mode, the gain becomes a palette of tones: organic crunch, muscular distortion, up to near-fuzz textures when pushing Pre-Vol and Step. Artists like Matthew Bellamy (Muse), The Edge (U2), Mac DeMarco, and Danielle Haim (HAIM) have been associated with the Colour Box spirit, precisely for that "console" sound that sits in a mix without forcing.
Technical specifications
| Effects | Distortion / Overdrive / Fuzz, Boost, Preamp, Bass Preamp / DI Box | Type | sector |
| Technology | Analog | Use | electric guitar |
| Format | Pedal | Color | White |
| EQ | 3 channels | ||
| Gain | Master, Pre-Vol, Step (5 steps: +18 dB, +23 dB, +28 dB, +33 dB, +39 dB) | Combo input | XLR / 6.35mm Jack |
| 3-band EQ | Treble, Middle, Bass (+/- 17 dB) | Input selector | INST / XLR |
| EQ Shift | Treble Shift (10 kHz), Mid Shift (1 kHz), Bass Shift (120 Hz) | Required power supply | 9 V DC center negative |
| Hi-Pass filter | 60 Hz to 800 Hz, 6 dB per octave slope, toggle activation | Current draw | 193 mA |
Questions frequently asked
Can the JHS Pedals Colour Box V2 be used with an XLR microphone?
The combo XLR/6.35 mm jack input features an INST/XLR selector and an active -20 dB pad in XLR mode. A 48 V phantom power supply can be sent to a condenser microphone. This setup allows insertion into a vocal chain, room mic, or percussion setup.
What gain levels does this pedal offer?
The Step selector provides five gain steps: +18, +23, +28, +33, and +39 dB, while the Pre-Vol controls the drive between the two internal stages.
Can it stay clean for an acoustic guitar or bass?
In Lo mode, the high headroom allows tone shaping with a stable clean, especially on acoustic guitar. Hi mode saturates the circuit faster to access overdrive, distortion, and fuzz textures.
How does the Colour Box V2 equalization work?
The 3-band EQ offers a boost or cut of +/- 17 dB on bass, mids, and treble. The Shift controls move the center frequencies around 120 Hz, 1 kHz, and 10 kHz. The Hi-Pass filter is adjustable from 60 to 800 Hz with a 6 dB per octave slope.
What power supply is required for the Colour Box V2?
This pedal requires a 9 V DC power supply with a negative center and consumes 193 mA.
