Jhs Pedals Unicorn V2

A Modern Vibe, True to the Spirit of the Classics

The photocell "vibe" sound has been part of electric guitar vocabulary since the late 60s: from the soaring textures of "Breathe" (Pink Floyd) to Jimi Hendrix's expressive swirls at Woodstock, not to mention Robin Trower's thick pads on "Bridge of Sighs." The JHS Unicorn V2 follows this lineage with a clear approach: reproduce the feel of the original circuits (warmth, depth, pulse) rather than offering a simple digital emulation.

Within the Unicorn range, the V2 carries the spirit of the V1 (analog vibe + tap tempo) while adopting a more compact format, easier to integrate on a modern pedalboard.

For Which Guitarist and Styles?

The JHS Unicorn V2 targets guitarists who want an expressive modulation pedal capable of everything from subtle "liquid" movement to hypnotic swirl, without losing connection to the guitar's attack and volume. It suits both intermediate players (simple controls, immediate results) and advanced users who need precise tempo control and a vibe that reacts like a classic analog effect.

In practice, it shines in blues, rock, psychedelic, funk, and ambient. In the studio, it adds a "living" modulation to arpeggios, open chords, or singing leads. On stage, the tap tempo and external control options help maintain a consistent pulse from song to song, even when the tempo shifts.

Controls, Modes, and Control Options

The Unicorn V2 emphasizes straightforward ergonomics: four potentiometers and a toggle switch cover a wide range of textures. The Speed knob sets the modulation rate, which can also be foot-controlled via the tap tempo footswitch. The Ratio knob selects rhythmic subdivisions (e.g., to create a more "pointed" or triplet feel), useful for syncing the effect to a specific groove.

A Dry/Wet toggle switches between Uni-Vibe mode (blend of modulated and dry signal, more "chorused/rotary" feel) and Vibrato mode (more pronounced modulated signal with greater perceived pitch wobble). The LED indicates tempo and remains active even when the effect is bypassed, facilitating adjustments between takes.

For further control, the pedal features a side Tap/Exp input in TRS format (6.35mm Jack) and an internal mini-toggle switch dedicated to Tap/Expression mode. In Expression mode, an optional expression pedal allows real-time speed control, a nod to vintage setup feel. In Tap mode, you can remote the tempo control to integrate the Unicorn into a more complex pedalboard and maintain a common tempo logic.

Sound Character

The JHS Unicorn V2 delivers a thick, creamy, and "washy" modulation with the typical three-dimensional quality of photocell circuits: the movement seems to breathe, as if slightly "elastic," rather than ultra-linear. The dynamics remain very musical: playing lighter blends the pulse into the sound; playing harder makes the effect more present, adding depth to riffs and sustained notes.

In Uni-Vibe mode, expect swirling textures close to a mix of phaser, chorus, and rotary speaker sensation, ideal for Hendrix-style licks, Floyd-like chords, and Robin Trower leads. In Vibrato mode, the modulation is more upfront, perfect for thickening a clean tone, creating a subtle "tape" effect, or accentuating a psychedelic wobble depending on your settings.

Technical specifications

Effects	Chorus / Flanger / Phaser, Vibe	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Blue

Circuit	100% analog	Mini-toggle Tap/Expression	assigns function to Tap/Exp input
Controls	4 potentiometers	Dimensions	2.2" x 4.8" x 1.6" (approximately 55.9 x 121.9 x 40.6 mm)
Dedicated settings	Speed (rate), Ratio (rhythmic subdivisions)	Version	V2 (more compact format than V1)
Switch	Dry/Wet toggle (Uni-Vibe / Vibrato)	Pedal	JHS Unicorn V2
Tap tempo	dedicated footswitch	Power supply	sold separately (9V DC center negative)
Indicator	tempo LED (active even when effect is bypassed)	Required power	9V DC center negative
Tap/Exp input	6.35mm TRS Jack (Tap/Expression)	Consumption	100 mA