The J. Rockett Steampunk is a compact analog pedal from J. Rockett Audio Designs that combines two tools in one enclosure: a clean boost and a buffer1. The boost side delivers what the maker describes as a clean 20+ dB push to your amp or effects, enough to drive an amp harder or lift a solo above the band2. The buffer side runs independently of the boost, letting you push your volume while retaining your high end2.
It belongs to the broader family of boost pedals, but the built-in buffer sets it apart from a plain clean boost: it is designed to sit in a signal chain and keep it bright even when the boost is off.
What it does to your sound
The Steampunk is described as a no-nonsense, straight-ahead boost pedal that lets you drive your tone without sacrificing clarity and definition2. The boost provides a clean 20+ dB push to amps and effects2, and the pedal is reported to be loud while retaining a very musical, almost hi-fi quality in its top end, adding sustain and clarity1.
The buffer function is the second half of the pedal. With the buffer active, the Steampunk lets you push your volume while retaining your high end2. In Bonedo's 2019 review, Haiko Heinz found the buffer raised the highs and brilliance organically and musically, which he took as a sign of good component quality1.
"Auch wenn das ungepufferte Signal vollkommen in Ordnung klingt, merkt man doch eine deutlich Anhebung der Höhen und der Brillanz."
Controls and how it works
The pedal keeps its control surface to a single knob and a single footswitch, with one switch hidden inside.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Output / Level knob | Sets the boost level1 |
| Footswitch | Operates only the boost, not the buffer function1 |
| Internal DIP switch | Turns the buffer mode on or off1 |
The footswitch has no effect on the buffer at all; it only engages and disengages the boost1.
By default the pedal ships in constant buffered mode, which a red LED on the top of the enclosure indicates1. If you prefer true bypass, an internal DIP switch disables the buffer mode entirely1.
Power and hardware
The Steampunk runs on a 9V DC power supply with a center negative plug and draws a modest 7 mA12. The 9V jack sits on the left side of the enclosure, and the supply is not included1.
There is no battery compartment. The entire JET series runs exclusively on power supply, so this pedal cannot run on a 9V battery1.
The jacks break with the usual layout: input and output are placed on the front face of the pedal rather than the sides, with the input on the right and the output on the left of the top edge1. The pedal is made in the USA1.
Where it came from
The Steampunk is part of the limited JET series, released for J. Rockett Audio Designs' tenth anniversary1. The series also includes the Squeegee Compressor, Touch Overdrive and Immortal Echo1. Delicious Audio reported the Steampunk Buffer/Boost in April 2018 as part of the JET series releases3. The manual is available only as a download from the maker's website rather than in the box1.
What reviewers said
Bonedo's Haiko Heinz reviewed the pedal in April 2019 and praised the buffer in particular, noting that even with an already acceptable unpuffed signal, the pedal produced a clear lift in highs and brilliance, organically and musically, which pointed to good component quality1. Sweetwater staff guitarists, quoted in RockBoard's PedalPedia listing, love the pedal for its quality and simple design2.
Videos
R.J. Ronquillo
American Musical Supply
Martial Allart
Questions
What does the J. Rockett Steampunk do?
It is a two-in-one boost and buffer pedal. The boost side gives a clean push of up to 20 dB into your amp or other effects, while the buffer keeps your high end from being lost over long cable runs. The buffer runs constantly by default and can be switched off inside the enclosure for true bypass operation.
How is the Steampunk powered?
It runs on a 9V DC power supply with a center negative plug and draws only 7 mA. There is no battery compartment; the whole JET series it belongs to runs on power supply only, and the supply itself is not included with the pedal.
Is the J. Rockett Steampunk still available?
It was part of the limited JET series released for J. Rockett Audio Designs' tenth anniversary, alongside the Squeegee Compressor, Touch Overdrive and Immortal Echo. Being a limited series, finding one may take some searching.
Sources (3)
- J. Rockett Audio Designs Steampunk Boost/Buffer Test, Bonedo (www.bonedo.de), 2019-04-10
- Steampunk Boost/Buffer by J. Rockett Audio Designs, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- J. Rockett Audio Designs Releases Mini JET Series Pedals, Delicious Audio, 2018-04-27
