Description
The JAM Pedals Rattler Mk2 is a premium, dual-footswitch evolution of the definitive early-1980s black-box distortion circuit. Handcrafted in Athens, Greece, the Mk2 expands upon the fat, creamy, and hard-clipping saturation of its predecessor while introducing sophisticated routing and tone-shaping enhancements. Engineered for players who demand the visceral punch of a vintage "rodent" circuit without losing the touch-sensitive dynamics of a pushed tube amplifier, the Rattler Mk2 delivers uncompromising gain architecture to modern pedalboards.
Because original vintage LM308 operational amplifier chips are long discontinued and increasingly unstable, JAM Pedals developed a proprietary, custom-designed discrete component op-amp. This specialized engineering feat ensures absolute consistency while completely preserving the open, three-dimensional headroom, raw harmonic response, and high-gain clarity that made the original circuit a studio standard.
Dual-Clipping Profiles & Pre-Circuit Mid Boost
The Rattler Mk2 moves beyond single-flavor distortion by integrating an exceptionally interactive control layout and a dual-footswitch configuration:
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Asymmetrical Clipping (Top Toggle): Engages the original Rattler clipping architecture. This mode yields an uneven clipping threshold that accurately mirrors the sag, compression, and touch-responsive texture of an overdriven tube amplifier power section.
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Symmetrical Clipping (Bottom Toggle): Introduces a highly balanced, focused, and modern compression profile. This setting provides a tighter low-end tracking and an aggressive, even grain structure perfect for precise rhythm riffs and cutting lead work.
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Independent Mid Boost Footswitch: The secondary footswitch activates a custom-voiced mid-range frequency boost positioned before the distortion circuit. Rather than acting as a simple post-volume jump, it operates as a specialized tone enhancer, pushing the front end of the pedal for a thicker, more saturated, and harmonically complex lead voice.
Advanced Internal Customization
To ensure perfect integration with various guitar pickups and amplifier platforms, the Rattler Mk2 features accessible internal tuning controls:
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Internal Trimmer: Allows you to precisely dial in the overall output level of the Mid Boost side (factory set to maximum).
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Internal Bass Dip Switch: Toggles the low-frequency behavior of the boost stage. Leaving the switch down applies a tailored low-cut to tighten your transients and eliminate low-end mud, while flipping it up allows full-range bass frequencies to pass through completely unaltered.
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Selectable Power-Up Memory: A programmable startup state feature allows you to choose whether the pedal automatically engages or remains safely in true bypass whenever your pedalboard power supply is switched on.
Tech Specs
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Pedal Type: Vintage-Style Distortion / Dual-Footswitch Boost
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Core Componentry: Proprietary JAM Pedals Discrete Component Op-Amp
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External Controls: Level (L), Gain (G), Tone (T), 2-Way Clipping Toggle
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Footswitches: Effect Bypass (Right), Mid Boost Engage (Left)
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Input Impedance: 500 kΩ
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Output Impedance: Less than 5 kΩ
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Power Requirement: 9V DC (Center Negative, ~95mA current draw)
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Dimensions: 2.9" x 4.7" x 2.2" (7.5cm x 12.0cm x 5.6cm)
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Origin: Handbuilt and Hand-Painted in Athens, Greece
