DESCRIPTION
Our versatile all-in-one pedal preamp: ready to breathe new life into your guitar amp, pedalboard or recording rig
The V4 The Jack is an all-in-one, two-channel pedal preamp that delivers genuine valve overdrive. Use it directly into the front of your amp or recording interface, or use it in conjunction with your amp’s effects loop to bypass your existing amp's front-end entirely for a whole new sonic experience. This is definitely not an "ordinary" overdrive pedal!
The Jack changed from the Countess in late 2020 to better represent the amplifier's versatility; it is still the same amplifier inside and the changes made are purely visual and nomenclature-based.
All-in-one signal path
1 x EC900 and 3 x CV4014 valves running at high plate voltage. These are the first pedal-format guitar preamps to feature four valves and an all-in-one signal path. This is not an "ordinary" overdrive pedal!
Two channels
Channel 1 is clean and slightly gritty, ideal for boosting your existing clean sound or cleaning up a crunchy amp if you are using it in amp-through mode. Channel 2 is glorious, unbridled overdrive!
Remote switching
The TRS jack gives you the option of switching the pedal remotely. You can control on/off and also channel 1/2 with a separate two-button latching footswitch or via a modern programmable switching unit. This means you can keep the V4 series pedal preamp off the floor and out of harm's way.
Two ways to connect
We recommend "Amp Through mode" for full functionality where you can choose to use your amp's own front-end or the V4 preamp via the amp's effects loop. To use it as a "normal" pedal or if you don't have an effects loop, use "Standalone" mode.
Bright Switch
Bright is a global tone control that optimizes the V4 pedal preamp for whatever you are plugging into. Amp effects loops, inputs, recording devices, etc., differ greatly, so just choose the setting that works best for you. Don't worry if other settings sound "wrong." It all depends on what you are using!
Live, at home and in the studio
Place it on your pedalboard, on your amp or on your desk. It is particularly well-suited for fly-dates or other situations where you aren't using your own amp. Just hit the effects loop return of whatever you are using and you'll feel right at home in no time.
Steel chassis
If you need to stand on it and it contains hot glass, it needs to be tough. The folded steel chassis and kick bar for the knobs mean this rig is road-ready.
Three-band EQ
Powerful bass, middle and treble controls. These also have a significant effect on the gain character and drive levels – just like in any valve guitar amp.
Amp Through mode uses your guitar amp's effects loop
When the pedal is engaged, you bypass your amp's front-end
When the pedal is disengaged, you are plugged into your amp normally
You are adding two new "channels" to your amp, independent of your amp's front-end. Imagine being able to feed the power section of a Fender Twin, for example, with the front-end of a Countess, Sheriff or Kraken. That is exactly what you are doing: your single-channel workhorse becomes a three-channel monster.
No effects loop? Use Standalone mode and go straight into the front.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
FORMAT:
Two-mode valve pedal preamp
POWER:
12V DC / 800mA minimum. DC adapter supplied
VALVES:
1 x EC900, 3 x CV4014
SIZE:
225 (w) x 140 (h) x 79mm (d) inc. feet and knobs
WEIGHT:
1.65kg / 3.6lbs
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
Two connection modes
Two switchable gain modes
Steel chassis and control protection bar
Remote TRS switching option