Strymon Fairfax - 100% Analog Class-A Drive Inspired by a Rare 60s Tube Unit

Fairfax is far more than a traditional overdrive pedal – it behaves like a complete miniature tube amplifier in analog form. Inspired by a little-known 1960s tube device that powered iconic rock anthems, Fairfax delivers harmonics, feel and saturation that are astonishingly tube-like. Its custom circuit emulates the natural behavior of a tube amp’s output transformer, giving you organic touch response, rich sustain and a dynamic “alive” character that keeps your guitar’s personality fully intact.

Miniature Analog Amplifier – Not Just a Drive Pedal

While many pedals associated with gain simply add distortion, Fairfax recreates the full signal path of a real tube amp using JFET stages and a meticulously designed analog transformer-emulation circuit. This produces warm harmonics, expressive compression and an authentic amplifier feel that spans from sweet, subtle push to aggressive, angular drive.

A built-in Sag control further enhances realism by imitating the current limitations of a tube power supply. At higher Sag values you’ll experience gated, sputtering textures reminiscent of vintage fuzz circuits, while lower values deliver tight, solid-state-like response.

Inspired by a Legendary 1965 Experiment

While many pedals associated with gain simply add distortion, Fairfax recreates the full signal path of a real tube amp using JFET stages and a meticulously designed analog transformer-emulation circuit. This produces warm harmonics, expressive compression and an authentic amplifier feel that spans from sweet, subtle push to aggressive, angular drive.

A built-in Sag control further enhances realism by imitating the current limitations of a tube power supply. At higher Sag values you’ll experience gated, sputtering textures reminiscent of vintage fuzz circuits, while lower values deliver tight, solid-state-like response.

More Than a Drive - A Complete Analog System

To behave like a true amplifier, Fairfax requires high operating voltage. A custom transformer-based power supply steps 9VDC up to 40V internally, delivering huge headroom and dynamic response. Whether used as a clean booster, edge-of-breakup enhancer or full-on lead driver, Fairfax integrates seamlessly with tube amps, solid-state amps, modelers and complex pedalboard setups.

It even includes an internal jumper to set the power-up state—ideal for loop switchers and automated rigs.

Features

• Full tube-amp circuit recreated in 100% analog
• Custom analog circuit emulating multiple tube stages + output transformer behavior
• Internal galvanically isolated PSU boosts 9VDC to 40V
• Controls: Drive, Level, variable Sag
• Bright switch for fine high-frequency tuning
• Wide range of natural, tube-like gain
• Sag circuit ranges from subtle compression to gated fuzz-like textures
• Requires 9VDC, 500mA

Controls

• Level - Sets overall output level
• Drive - Adjusts preamp gain from subtle to aggressive
• Sag - Variable power-supply sag ranging from mild compression to gated, sputtering effects
• Bright Switch - Shapes high-frequency contour for smooth or open response

Specs

• Circuit: Analog
• Bypass: True bypass
• Audio: Mono
• Power: 9VDC (2.1 mm center negative)
• Current Draw: 500 mA

Condition: Brand new, in original box, with full warranty.