The Blackout BLOOM Compressor/EQ/BOOST V2 is Jackson Audio's BLOOM V2 pedal in a limited Blackout colorway. It is a compressor, EQ and boost in one box: six studio-quality compression modes, an active three-band EQ, a transparent boost circuit and MIDI control, combined in a single dynamic effects pedal1. The standard version of the pedal is covered on the Jackson Audio BLOOM V2 MIDI page, and the original design on the Jackson Audio Bloom page.
The Blackout is a limited colorway of the BLOOM V2 MIDI, listed by Jackson Audio as "Color LTD Blackout"2. Jackson Audio gives the UK list price in pounds sterling; no US dollar price appears on the product page.
Compression: six modes
The BLOOM V2 offers six compression modes, each with its own attack character, so the pedal can be set for anything from invisible level control to obvious sustain1.
| Mode | Character |
|---|---|
| Limiter | Ultra-fast 2.5ms attack |
| Country | Fast 7.5ms attack |
| R&B | Medium 50ms attack |
| Ballad | Slow 120ms attack |
| Slide | Dual-stage compression and extended sustain |
| Aux | Independently adjustable auxiliary compressor |
The fast settings work as a limiter that clamps peaks before they are heard, while the slower settings let the front of each note through before the compression catches it. Slide and Aux go beyond simple attack times: Slide stacks two compression stages for sustain, and Aux is a second compressor adjusted on its own1.
EQ and boost
The EQ section is a Baxandall-inspired three-band design, a style of tone circuit known for smooth, musical cut and boost. It gives plus or minus 12dB of adjustment for bass, middle and treble, and the controls are center-detented so they sit flat at noon1.
The Bloom section is the boost. Tapping it gives up to 20dB of transparent boost, meaning it raises level without changing tone. Pressing and holding the switch starts a programmable ramp of one to five seconds, letting the level bloom gradually for swells and extended sustain1. The pedal's output stage is rated at 100kΩ1.
MIDI control
The V2 adds MIDI to the BLOOM formula. From a MIDI controller or MIDI expression pedal you can1:
- Recall all six compression modes
- Switch the COMP, EQ and BLOOM sections independently
- Control the boost level from a MIDI expression pedal1
That makes the pedal fit a larger rig: a preset change on a MIDI switcher can bring in a different compression mode and EQ setting at once, and an expression pedal can ride the boost level during a song1.
Ordering
Jackson Audio sells the Blackout BLOOM direct, with orders expected to ship within 3 to 4 weeks of being placed2. For players considering other compressors from the same maker, the Jackson Audio Hour Glass Dual Studio Compressor is a separate dual-circuit design, and the Jackson Audio Blossom is another model in the range. More generally, see the site's pages on compressor pedals, EQ pedals and boost pedals.
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Questions
What is the difference between the Blackout BLOOM and the standard BLOOM V2?
The Blackout BLOOM is the BLOOM V2 Compressor/EQ/BOOST with MIDI, sold by Jackson Audio in a limited Blackout colorway. Functionally it is the same pedal: six compression modes, a three-band active EQ, the Bloom boost circuit and MIDI control. The difference is the finish, listed by the maker as Color LTD Blackout.
What are the six compression modes on the Jackson Audio BLOOM V2?
The six modes are Limiter, with an ultra-fast 2.5ms attack; Country, fast at 7.5ms; R&B, medium at 50ms; Ballad, slow at 120ms; Slide, which uses dual-stage compression for extended sustain; and Aux, an independently adjustable auxiliary compressor.
How much boost does the BLOOM V2 offer?
The Bloom circuit gives up to 20dB of transparent boost when tapped. Pressing and holding the switch lets the level bloom gradually over a programmable one-to-five-second ramp, which Jackson Audio describes as creating swells and extended sustain.
What can MIDI control on the BLOOM V2?
Over MIDI the BLOOM V2 can recall all six compression modes, switch the COMP, EQ and BLOOM sections independently, and control the boost level from a MIDI expression pedal.
How long is the wait for the Blackout BLOOM?
Jackson Audio states that orders placed today are expected to ship within 3 to 4 weeks.
Sources (2)
- BLOOM Compressor/EQ/BOOST V2, Jackson Audio
- Blackout BLOOM Compressor/EQ/BOOST V2, Jackson Audio
