J ROCKETT ARCHER OD

The Archer is sort of a 2 in one pedal. It can be used as just a clean boost by turning the gain all the way down. As you introduce gain it will attenuate the clean signal but there is a magical blend in between that you will find. Please experiment!!

J Rockett Audio Designs is the company that worked with Klon designer Bill Finnegan on the first versions of the post- Centaur KTR model. In short, Finnegan resolutely won't build any more Centaurs, so Rockett Pedals has gone ahead with this, the Archer overdrive/boost.

"The Archer offers a remarkably amp-like experience that adds width and fatness to any kind of guitar"

One immediate surprise with the Archer is how small it is. One of the great downsides of the Centaur - apart from the comedy used prices - is that no matter how cool it looks, it does take up a lot of pedalboard space.

Not so here: slightly smaller than a Boss compact pedal and secured in a solid steel box, the Archer fully befits its Tour Series status in that it's super practical and, by looks of things, seems virtually bombproof.

Ins and outs are all on the front edge including the Boss-style nine-volt barrel jack; if you want to change the battery, you have to undo four very easy-to-lose screws.

The internals aren't exactly the same as the Klon Centaur but the two-op amp/ germanium clipping diodes/ voltage charge pump/ buffered circuit format is present and correct.

There's no physical dual-ganged gain pot, while the components are surface- mounted on a custom circuit board, including the jacks, pots and mains adaptor socket. The switch sits on its own separate board - easy to replace if it goes on the fritz.

External controls are exactly the same as those on the Klon Centaur: output, treble and gain that in their various settings give you everything from a clean boost to a mid- gained overdrive, to whit...

If you check out the video above you'll be able to watch a slightly tongue-in-cheek comparison of the Archer and a Klon Centaur (as part of the Tones For Tache Series).

The bottom line is that they sound very similar indeed - perhaps the Archer is a tad more throaty/thicker than the Centaur and that our particular Centaur does aggressive, biting treble slightly 'better'. We're really talking a gnat's whisker of difference, however. They're very, very similar.

The bigger story is that as a clean boost into a decent valve amp, a booster for other pedals or a low-gain overdrive, the Archer offers a remarkably amp-like experience that adds width and fatness to any kind of guitar.

While there's a definite midrange kick, it's nothing like an Ibanez Tube Screamer in either EQ or compression.

Quite the opposite in fact, as it seems to open everything out in terms of dynamics. There's also definite bite, but not the edge (nor gain) you'd expect of a Fulltone OCD, for example.

The Archer is a great-sounding overdrive-boost that's simple, highly practical and solidly built. There's a slight bad taste that it's essentially a clone of a previous design, but given that the originals aren't made any more and we players are crying out for them, perhaps JRAD deserves a break.

There are other Klon clones out there (look out for a coming feature), but none with such a direct connection to the original.

Fire up the J. Rockett Audio Archer Overdrive and Boost pedal to get the natural and organic character of your axe to fill the room. This compact overdrive/boost effects pedal is based on the original Centaur circuit, and succeeds in generating a warm and alluring amp-like sound for your ears to enjoy. With its minimal control layout, you can use this pedal as a simple clean signal boost pedal, or bring up the gain and output to add an addicting distortion, while the treble control brightens or darkens your notes. A tough and robust design makes for a consistent and reliable playing experience, stomp after stomp.

Recreation of the Original Centaur CircuitJ. Rockett's Archer overdrive/boost pedal is based on the original unmodified Centaur circuit, which is loved for generating a natural amp-like experience. A voltage converter allows you to use this pedal as a high-headroom clean boost effect with your gain rolled back and your output pushed up -- a setting that can lend a natural tube-infused overdrive to your rig. You'll hear your amplifier's and guitar's pure tone remain intact without any unwanted loss of character.

Powerful Sound from Just Three ControlsYou'll immediately notice how well this pedal responds to your axe's settings. Just a slight volume change on your guitar will go a long way. The gain circuit mixes in your clean signal with the overdriven one in a manner that's easily noticeable at lower levels. Your treble control offers a wide and dynamic reach from a warm darkness, to a "chimey" bright sparkle, and everything in between. Crank this baby up, and you'll get slight compression and midrange bite that's perfect for leads.

Buffered BypassWell-designed buffered bypass circuitry offers a low output impedance that allows your signal to travel longer distances over cables while preserving as much of your signal's original character as possible. What you get from every stomp is a consistently warm and well-balanced output. Whether you're looking for a clean signal boost or a crunchy overdrive, this pedal gets your axe sounding its best for whatever the occasion demands.

Tough Inside and OutThe Archer was built with the regularly gigging musician in mind. This pedal's robust outer design will stand up to the tests of time stomp after stomp, and its solderless footswitch, dubbed the "Speed Switch System," provides seamless engagement for a natural and organic experience when activated.

Features:- Overdrive/boost effects pedal
- One 1/4" input
- One 1/4" output
- Recreation of the Centaur circuit
- Can also be used as a clean signal boost
- Powerful output volume control
- Effective treble control for dark or "chimey" tone
- Organic sounding with amp-like feel
- Buffered bypass circuitry
- Solderless "Speed Switch System" provides smooth activation
- Robust design inside and out
- Powered via 9 volt adapter or a single 9-volt battery

SPECS

- Power: 9vdc, negative tip boss type adapter. Unplug input cable when not in use to save battery life.
- Weight: 12oz
- Dimensions 4 x 2.25 x 1.25"Dimensions and Weight in PackagingBase ItemShipping Weight: 1 lbsShipping Dimensions: 5 x 3 x 2 in