JHS Pedals Colour Box V2 10 Year Anniversary Preamp Pedal

Retailing in the region of £449.99

On the menu for January 2026 are the JHS Guitar Pedals, freshly added and carefully selected. These New units are available to order online with fast, secure delivery from trusted UK retailers. Read on for full details, specifications, demos, videos, reviews, and the best places to buy the JHS Guitar Pedals today.


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On the menu for January 2026 are the JHS Guitar Pedals, freshly added and carefully selected. These New units are available to order online with fast, secure delivery from trusted UK retailers. Read on for full details, specifications, demos, videos, reviews, and the best places to buy the JHS Guitar Pedals today.

The Colour Box V2 has all the same functionality of the V1 with many new and improved additions like expanded EQ controls, a Hi/Lo switch for massive clean headroom, and the ability to pass phantom power to your condenser mics.

The Most Significant Improvements!

  • Addition of an Output transformer
  • Safely Passes 48V Phantom Power
  • EQ Shift Knobs for precision EQ control
  • Hi/Lo Switch for ultra-clean headroom
  • 100% available clean signal even on acoustic guitar
  • Silent switching, aka no “switch-pop”
  • Runs on standard 9V DC Neg power

Gain Section

The Gain section in red has three controls: Master, Pre-Vol, and Step. The Master volume controls the overall volume of the unit. The Pre-Vol controls the amount of gain between the two internal gain stages. This acts as a “drive” or “gain” control, adding more grit, distortion, and even fuzz as you increase the gain.

Step Control

The Step control increases the gain of each preamp stage in five stages. Rotating the Step knob from left to right will increase the gain by the following: 1st is +18 dB, 2nd is +23 dB, 3rd is +28 dB, 4th is +33 dB, 5th is +39 dB

Hi/Lo Switch

The Colour Box V2 has a new Hi / Lo switch to control the amount of clean headroom you have available. In the Lo mode, you will easily be able to get ultra-clean sounds without breakup. Lo Mode is excellent for tone shaping when distortion is not needed. In the Hi mode, the Colour Box V2 will distort much more readily, giving you a broad spectrum of overdrive, distortion, and fuzz sounds.

In addition to the Hi / Lo gain switch, there is a -20dB pad switch on the right side of the Colour Box V2. This function only works when in XLR input mode and can help tame the volume for high-output microphones.

Most Powerful EQ Yet

The EQ section in blue has three new Shift controls correlating to its standard Treble, Middle and Bass controls. The classically labelled EQ knobs adjust the number of frequencies that get boosted and cut, while the Shift knobs adjust the range of frequencies that the Treble, Middle, and Bass knobs control.

EQ Functions

  • Treble Knob – Cut/Boost Control +/-15dB  flat at noon.  CCW cuts, CW boosts.
  • Middle Knob – Cut/Boost Control +/- 10dB  flat at noon.  CCW cuts, CW boosts.
  • Bass Knob – Cut/Boost Control   +/-15dB  flat at noon.  CCW cuts, CW boosts.
  • Frequencies controlled by EQ Shift Knobs:
  • Treble Shift – 2kHz to 30kHz – CCW lowers the center Freq, CW raises the center Freq.
  • Middle Shift – 150Hz to 2.4kHz – CCW lowers the center Freq, CW raises the center Freq.
  • Bass Shift – 20Hz to 440Hz – CCW lowers the center Freq, CW raises the center Freq.

The Hi-Pass section is enabled by the toggle switch below the Hi-Pass knob. Just flip it up to engage the Hi-Pass knob. The HPF is a 2nd order 12dB per octave high pass filter. The -3dB cutoff freq (the frequency at which the filter starts to act) can be adjusted from 160Hz to 650Hz.

XLR and Output

The Colour Box V2 has a combination XLR and 1/4″ input jack to use either an instrument or microphone. Select your input with the input selector switch on the right side of the pedal labeled INST/XLR.

Version History

  • V1 = Smaller enclosure; no “shift” EQ knobs; seven knobs total.
  • V2 = Larger enclosure; ten knobs total; added Hi/Lo Toggle; passes phantom power. Output transformer addition.

Specifications

The Colour Box V2 Runs Only on Standard 9v Dc Negative Power (Do Not Plug In Anything Greater Than 9v) And Measures 5.7” X 3.75” X 1.85″

 

Additional information

Weight 1 kg

Brand

JHS

JHS Pedals is a prominent manufacturer of guitar effects pedals, known for their high-quality craftsmanship, innovative designs, and commitment to tone. Founded in 2007 by Josh Scott in Kansas City, Missouri, JHS Pedals has quickly gained a reputation for producing boutique-quality pedals that cater to a wide range of musical styles and preferences.

JHS offers a diverse lineup of effects pedals, including overdrive, distortion, fuzz, modulation, delay, reverb, and more. The company is known for its meticulous attention to detail and dedication to producing pedals that deliver exceptional tone and versatility. Many of their pedals are designed to capture the tones of classic vintage effects while incorporating modern features and improvements.

In addition to their standard pedal lineup, JHS Pedals also offers a range of signature pedals in collaboration with renowned artists and musicians. These pedals are designed to meet the specific needs and preferences of the artists, providing them with unique tones and features for their playing style.

With a commitment to innovation and a passion for tone, JHS Pedals continues to be a trusted name in the guitar effects industry, providing musicians with inspiring tools to shape their sound and creativity.

Category

Guitar Pedals

Tags

Boost

Distortion

Distortion pedals take your clean guitar signal and transform it into something bigger, bolder, and full of attitude. By clipping the waveform, they add sustain, bite, and aggression, creating that thick, compressed tone that’s powered rock music for decades. From the growling crunch of classic hard rock to the tight, saturated roar of modern metal, distortion is all about energy and presence. It gives every note weight and authority, pushing your amp to its limits and beyond.

There are countless flavours of distortion, each with its own texture and edge. Some sound smooth and creamy, others raw and gnarly like tearing fabric. It’s the sonic equivalent of turning up the heat until the sound cooks — rich, sizzling, and perfectly seasoned to taste. Whether used for rhythm muscle or soaring leads, a good distortion pedal doesn’t just add volume; it adds personality, grit, and that unmistakable sense of power under your fingers.

EQ

While Ed Sheeran primarily relies on the natural sound of his acoustic guitar and vocals, he occasionally uses EQ (Equalization) to shape and enhance his tone during live performances or in the studio. EQ pedals or onboard preamps can allow him to adjust the frequency response of his guitar signal to suit the acoustics of different venues or to achieve specific tonal characteristics. Here’s how EQ might be utilized in Ed Sheeran’s setup:

1. **Tonal Shaping**: EQ can be used to adjust the balance of frequencies in the guitar signal, allowing Ed Sheeran to shape his tone to his liking. For example, he might boost the midrange frequencies to bring out the warmth and presence of his acoustic guitar, or cut certain frequencies to reduce any harshness or mud in the sound.

2. **Feedback Control**: In a live setting, EQ can help control feedback by notching out problematic frequencies that might cause the guitar signal to feed back through the amplification system. This can be particularly useful when performing in venues with challenging acoustics or high volume levels.

3. **Room Correction**: In situations where the venue’s acoustics are less than ideal, EQ can be used to compensate for any deficiencies in the sound. By adjusting the EQ settings, Ed Sheeran can tailor the guitar tone to sound more balanced and natural, regardless of the room’s acoustic properties.

4. **Matching Gear**: EQ can also be used to match the tone of Ed Sheeran’s guitar to the sound of other instruments or equipment in his setup. For example, he might adjust the EQ to complement the tonal characteristics of his vocal microphone or to blend seamlessly with backing tracks or other instruments.

Overall, while EQ may not be a central component of Ed Sheeran’s guitar effects setup, it can still play a valuable role in shaping his tone and ensuring that he achieves the desired sound in different performance environments. Whether used subtly for tonal shaping or more aggressively for feedback control, EQ allows Ed Sheeran to tailor his guitar tone to suit his musical vision and performance needs.

Filter

Fuzz

A fuzz pedal is one of the earliest and most aggressive forms of distortion, turning your clean guitar signal into a thick, saturated wall of sound. It works by clipping the waveform almost flat, creating a compressed, gritty tone full of harmonic overtones. The result is raw, unruly, and unmistakable — from the sputtering breakup of vintage germanium circuits to the searing sustain of modern silicon designs. Fuzz pedals react strongly to your guitar’s volume and pickup choice, making them dynamic tools for expressive players.

Whether you’re chasing the classic tones of Hendrix and the Smashing Pumpkins or exploring heavy, experimental textures, fuzz remains a favourite for its personality and unpredictability. It can sound smooth and sustaining, or wild and velcro-like, depending on how it’s set up. A good fuzz pedal cuts through the mix while adding thickness and attitude, turning any riff or lead line into something bold and unmistakably alive.

New

This is brand new, fresh in, and a UK warranty is included. New Gear always comes from trusted UK music retailers.

Octave

An octave pedal shifts your guitar signal up or down by one or more octaves, blending the altered pitch with your original sound to create a fuller, more complex tone. It can add a deep, bass-like layer underneath your playing or a shimmering high octave on top for lead lines and solos. Classic analogue octave pedals often produce slightly gritty, organic sounds, while modern digital versions track more precisely and can offer multiple octave ranges.

Octave pedals are great for thickening single-note riffs, creating synth-style textures, or even mimicking bass parts when playing alone. They pair well with fuzz or overdrive pedals for massive, harmonically rich tones. Whether you’re after vintage Hendrix-style octave fuzz or a modern polyphonic sound that tracks chords cleanly, an octave pedal opens up a world of creative possibilities and adds real weight and character to your tone.

Overdrive

Like a golden layer of melted cheese — warm, gooey, and just put it all over. It adds just the right amount of richness and grit, turning a clean signal into something smooth and savoury. Designed to mimic the natural breakup of a tube amp pushed to its sweet spot, overdrive delivers the flavour of classic rock and blues in every bite. From creamy mid-gain warmth to crisp edge-of-breakup sparkle, it’s the comfort food of guitar tone — simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile. Whether it’s a mild crunch or a full-bodied roar, overdrive is where good taste begins.

Preamp

A preamp pedal shapes and boosts your guitar’s signal before it reaches your amp or recording interface, giving you control over tone, gain, and headroom. It acts as the first stage of amplification, adding warmth, clarity, and character while preparing your signal for the next part of the chain. Some preamps emulate the response of classic valve circuits, while others offer clean, transparent tone shaping ideal for acoustic instruments or direct recording setups.

Used on its own, a preamp pedal can serve as the foundation of your tone, providing a consistent core sound wherever you play. When combined with other effects, it enhances dynamics and helps each pedal sound more defined and natural. Whether you’re looking to push your amp harder, bring life to a dull signal, or refine your sound for the studio, a good preamp pedal adds presence, punch, and musicality to any rig.

Volume

Volume pedals control the output level of a guitar signal using a foot-operated treadle. They allow smooth volume swells, dynamic control during playing, and easy muting between songs. Volume pedals can be placed at different points in the signal chain to either control overall loudness or adjust gain and drive behaviour when positioned before distortion or overdrive pedals.