Description
One of the 1970s most sought-after dirtboxes, the Ross Distortion is back in all its op-amp hard-clipping glory! This JHS-built pedal boasts the same amp-like feel and touch-sensitive dynamics of the original Ross Distortion, providing you with a seriously extensive range of tones. From raw rhythms that capture the essence of jagged tube breakup to saturated liquid-like leads, the Ross Distortion’s intuitive Level and Distort cover just about any dirty tone in the book. What makes this pedal so versatile? The key is the all-new 2-position voicing switch that provides access to the Distortion’s earliest germanium-equipped iteration and the later, smoother-sounding silicon version. You also get a host of modern functionality enhancements, including a soft-touch bypass, dramatically lowered noise floor, and an LED indicator. All in all, the Ross Distortion is faithful a sonic tribute to an all-time classic distortion, merging JHS’ modern pedal-building expertise with two of the most hard-hitting distortion voices of the vintage era.
Switch between smooth silicon and the warmth of germanium
Throughout the Ross Distortion’s initial run, the pedal underwent several under-the-hood modifications that resulted in drastically different tones. So, which version did JHS choose to re-create? Not one version, but two: the Ross Distortion’s side-mounted switch offers access to the Distortion’s Era 2 (Germanium) configuration and the later Era 3 (Silicon) iteration.
- Germanium: Much like another yellow-boxed distortion pedal from the 1970s, the Ross Distortion’s earlier versions featured germanium diodes for a slightly rougher, warmer sound. Sweetwater’s guitarists find this mode to be an exceptionally organic dirty sound that only amplifies the Ross Distortion’s amp-like feel.
- Silicon: In comparison, the Ross Distortion’s third era introduced silicon diodes. What’s the difference in tonal terms? A smoother sound with a touch less vintage-style “color,” but a more transparent feel overall.
Comes with the box!
