JHS Pedals releases PackRat nine-mode RAT distortion
August 1, 2022 · 3 sources
JHS Pedals released the PackRat, a multi-mode distortion pedal that reproduces nine RAT and RAT-derived circuits in one enclosure, at $24912. MusicRadar reported the release on November 2, 20212; Delicious Audio's page carries an August 23, 2022 update date1.
The PackRat uses the same Multi Mode technology as the Bonsai and Muffuletta, with a proprietary digital runway system that directs the paths of 261 components through 40 individual switches13. JHS says each mode runs fully analog circuits that replicate the originals down to component drift12. Controls are Volume, Distortion and Filter, plus a nine-way stepped potentiometer that switches between circuits2.
The modes, as listed by Delicious Audio1:
| Mode | Circuit |
|---|---|
| OG (1979 to 83) | First production "Big Box" models, with accurate Filter/Tone rotation and taper |
| White Face V3 (1984 to 1986) | White tape RAT, with tapered Filter control |
| Turbo V6 (1989) | Turbo RAT, heavier clipping via an LED diode |
| BRAT (1997) | Budget BRAT, with soft and hard clipping |
| Dirty (2004) | Dirty RAT voicing with germanium diodes |
| LA (1986) | RAT-style voice of the Ibanez L.A. Metal, no clipping diodes |
| Landgraff MO'D (1999) | Hand-made RAT-style pedal by Landgraff |
| Caroline (2010) | Caroline Wave Cannon |
| JHS (2008 to 2018) | JHS All American and PackRat mods |
Accounts of the research behind it differ. MusicRadar reported that Josh Scott pored over 100 circuits and conducted more than 20 hours of interviews with former ProCo employees2. Guitar Player reported that Scott examined 45 versions of the RAT3.
"The PackRat is the ultimate tribute to the 40+ years of rodent evolution and its impact on the guitar's sound"
Sources (3)
- JHS PackRat Distortion | Delicious Audio, delicious-audio.com
- JHS Pedals' PackRat crowds 9 classic and rare RAT distortion circuits into one compact stompbox | MusicRadar, musicradar.com
- 10 New Gain Pedals You Need to Know About | GuitarPlayer, guitarplayer.com