A Studio Console In A Pedalboard-Friendly Sized Stompbox!
It’s 2024. Studio time costs a fortune, and for musicians who aren’t under the umbrella of a snug record deal, professional studio time just isn’t an option anymore. Almost every band is recording in their garages or whatever space they can find to record themselves, albeit without some vital tools and essential gear that more professional studios can offer. In the realm of music, there exists a timeless pursuit for the perfect tone—a sonic signature that not only captures the essence of an era but also inspires creativity and transports listeners to another dimension. The JHS Colour Box V2 stands as a testament to this quest, a bridge between the two worlds, offering musicians a gateway to the lush, vintage tones of yesteryears with modern versatility and precision. It does exactly what they claim it does - produces a clean, studio-grade sound in the style of a Neve console, of which you might find at Abbey Road Studios and other famous recording locations. And at a little over €400, well, it’s a mighty lesson in clever spending.
Unraveling the Mystique
At first glance, the JHS Colour Box V2 may appear as a humble stompbox, but it’s capabilities far exceed its compact footprint. Drawing inspiration from the legendary studio gear of the 1960s and 1970s, this pedal emulates the warmth, character, and saturation of classic preamps and consoles, enabling musicians to infuse their sound with an unmistakable vintage charm, be it on synths, vocals, guitar/bass - whatever your instrument.. We’ve even put it on the Master Channel of a full track and instantly, it sounded like the track had 100% more dimension. The first time we heard it, we thought it was pure audio sorcery. Now, we wonder how we ever went without it - it’s that good. In our video we road test it on a whole track, on synthesizer, on a drum loop, on guitar and on bass, and you can really hear how much it enhances each and every instrument/sound. Also, in the traditional style of “going directly into the console” - we didn’t use a single amp to create the audio, it’s just directly into the Colour Box, then directly into the recording interface. Even calling it a game changer is selling it short, this is more of a “before it arrived” and “after it arrived” type of deal - we’ll never record again without it!
Enhanced Features
Building upon the success of its predecessor, the Colour Box V2 introduces several enhancements tailored to meet the demands of today's discerning musicians. With expanded EQ options, including a powerful midrange control, users can sculpt their tone with precision, whether seeking creamy overdrive or articulate saturation.
Additionally, the inclusion of a high-pass filter offers further sonic flexibility, allowing players to tailor the low-end response to suit their instruments and playing styles. Furthermore, the improved gain staging ensures optimal performance across a wide range of input sources, from guitars and basses to synthesizers and drum machines. Plus it now boasts XLR/Jack input/output options, so you can decide whether it belongs on your board or in the studio.
Endless Possibilities
One of the most compelling aspects of the JHS Colour Box V2 is its versatility. Whether employed as a standalone overdrive pedal, a preamp for direct recording, or an essential component in a pedalboard setup, its transformative capabilities are boundless. From subtle colouration to full-throttle saturation, this pedal empowers musicians to explore new sonic frontiers and unlock a world of creative potential. The Colour Box has a 100% clean signal to accommodate all instruments, as well as that XLR slot and 48v phantom power for microphones. The pad switch adjusts the level for XLR to help tame high output mics. They really thought this one through, between it’s affordable price and it’s usability, the Colour Box could easily be found upon the shelf of any high end studio for enhancing the already high end outboard gear, or just as easily, it could be found on the shelf of your home-made studio, the saving grace between your recordings also sounding home-made, …or made in that fancy studio!
Applications Beyond the Stage
While the Colour Box V2 excels in live performance settings, its utility extends far beyond the stage. As a studio tool, it serves as a secret weapon for producers and engineers, imparting vintage warmth and character to recordings. Whether tracking guitars, vocals, or even synthesizers, its ability to emulate the sonic signature of classic studio equipment adds depth and dimension to any production. But the dirt is there should you want it - experimenting with the 5 Gain Stages can blow the pedal into a full on saturated fuzz box! But be careful, the feedback off this bad boy is REAL. I almost took the beard off my face within the first couple of minutes of pushing it. It took a couple of seconds to master, but I like the real time reaction, and the snarl of the pedal instantly let me know that I’m dealing with something way more sophisticated than just a really fancy stompbox.
In a world inundated with digital simulations and emulations, the JHS Colour Box V2 stands apart as a tangible embodiment of vintage tone and craftsmanship. With its enhanced features, unparalleled versatility, and timeless appeal, this pedal redefines the boundaries of possibility for musicians and producers alike. Whether seeking to evoke the spirit of bygone eras or charting new sonic territories, the Colour Box V2 serves as a faithful companion on the journey towards sonic excellence. …Just be careful of those Gain Stages!
