Jhs Pedals Switchback

A JHS "workshop tool" turned pedalboard weapon

Originally, the Switchback was designed as an internal tool at JHS Pedals to quickly test, compare, and "shoot" pedals. The idea is simple: provide a compact box capable of cleanly switching between two signal paths, without cable gymnastics and without having to re-patch the pedalboard for each test. Available since February 2019 at several retailers, it has established itself as a modern routing solution for musicians who want to keep a clear, scalable, and fast-to-control setup.

Who is the Switchback for? The missing link between your ideas and your rig

The JHS Switchback is aimed at both guitarists and bassists, from musicians building their first "clean" pedalboard to pros needing to secure a show. In concert, it allows switching from one effects chain to another (or from one amp to another depending on use) without losing time between songs. In the studio, it becomes formidable for comparing two overdrives, two delays, or two complete chains at equal levels, to decide by ear and playing feel.

Regarding styles, it fits perfectly wherever textures alternate: blues/rock (clean vs drive), metal (rhythm vs lead), pop (two modulation colors), or ambient (two delay/reverb architectures). If you like experimenting (effect order, dedicated loops, conceptual parallel paths), the Switchback brings immediate flexibility without weighing down the pedalboard.

Features and routing: 2 loops, one selector, countless scenarios

The Switchback offers 1 input, 1 output, and 2 distinct effects loops (Loop 1 and Loop 2) in Send/Return format. An A/B selector chooses which loop is active, and the footswitch handles activation/deactivation in true bypass. The clever point: if a loop is not wired, the Switchback automatically ignores it to simplify daily use and avoid "dummy" patches.

Practically, you can use it as a true bypass A/B looper (two different chains), as a simple looper (one chain on/off), as an A/B box to route to two destinations, as an amp input selector (handy on some vintage amps with multiple inputs), or as an A/B effects switcher in the amp loop (to toggle between two post-preamp treatments). And if your setup requires remote control, the pedal accepts control via Red Remote, perfect for placing the box under the pedalboard and keeping control accessible.

Sound

Here, no overdrive "grit" or delay color: the Switchback has a clear mission, not to be heard. Thanks to true bypass, your tone remains intact when the pedal is off, making it an excellent choice to preserve attack, dynamics, and pickup response, even in the middle of a loaded pedalboard. Its musical value lies elsewhere: it enables clean transitions, instant comparisons, and a smarter rig architecture without sacrificing playing feel.

On stage, it appears in rigs focused on performance and organization: musicians like Justin Chancellor, Brandon Ellis, and Marty Stuart have been seen with a Switchback in their setup, proof that this kind of discreet tool can become central as soon as you want to secure and speed up sound management.

Technical specifications

Effects	Looper, Selector	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Black

Switching	footswitch true bypass	Enclosure	metal, designed for intensive use (studio/tour)
Routing	2 selectable loops (Loop 1 and Loop 2) with Send/Return	Dimensions	115 x 65 x 45 mm
Possible functions	true bypass A/B looper, simple looper, A/B box, amp input selector, A/B for effects loop	Weight	300 g
Remote control	compatible with JHS Red Remote system	Made in	USA
Status indication	status LEDs	Power supply	not included
Audio inputs/outputs	mono jacks 6.35mm Jack	Required power	9V DC center negative
Loop connections	2 x Send (6.35mm Jack) and 2 x Return (6.35mm Jack)	Connector	2.1 x 5.5 mm barrel plug
Main inputs/outputs	2 inputs on 6.35mm Jack and 1 output	Consumption	up to 100 mA
Remote input	REMOTE IN	Battery operation	no