JAM Pedals launches Rattler 2 distortion with Mid Boost and custom OpAmp

July 18, 2024 · 5 sources

JAM Pedals announced the 2024 Rattler 2 on July 18, 2024, a MK2 version of its Rat-style distortion that adds a Mid Boost footswitch, a clipping toggle and a proprietary custom op-amp¹. The pedal was available for preorder from the JAM Pedals webstore at $249¹. MusicRadar reported it as available now at $249², and Guitar World reported it available to order for $249, shipping worldwide³.

The Rattler dates to around 2009, and earlier editions appeared in 2015 and 2019¹. Guitar Pedal X lists the changes as an asymmetrical/symmetrical clipping toggle, the Mid Boost second footswitch and the new custom op-amp¹. Controls are Level, Gain, Tone, the clipping toggle, the Mid Boost footswitch and bypass¹. MusicRadar reports the mid boost sits before the pedal's gain stage and that JAM describes it as a "tone enhancer" rather than a straight-up boost². Inside are a low-cut switch for the boost and a trimmer for its intensity/output¹. MusicRadar reports the boost trimmer ships with the level maxed out², while Guitar Pedal X later reported it set somewhat in the middle⁴.

Power-up options set each footswitch on or off by default¹. MusicRadar gives the sequence as distortion on, distortion and boost together, boost alone, or both off². The pedal is true bypass, draws 95mA and measures 2.9" x 4.7" x 2.2"².

JAM's own description of the op-amp:

MusicRadar notes the LM308 chips used in the original are hard to find², and Guitar World reports they have been replaced³. A Bass version was also announced, with internal circuit changes and the same custom op-amp¹. GearNews reports the Bass version adds a wet/dry Mix control, a second footswitch for a higher gain stage and higher headroom, and lists it at $229⁵. Guitar World reports a "Borealis Window" version at $319³.