The JAM Pedals "Dala" Boomster mk.2 is a clean boost pedal that also works as a standalone buffer and a volume pedal, three jobs in one box. Its Level control delivers up to 16 dB of clean boost, and at its minimum setting the active booster sits at unity gain, so switching it on with the knob low leaves your level unchanged1. The "Dala" is one of JAM Pedals' custom artwork versions of the Boomster mk.2: same circuit and sound as the standard pedal, but hand-painted, and every custom artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind piece, so the pedal you receive will differ in detail from the photos1.
The mk.2 is a developed version of the original Boomster's concept. As Delicious Audio put it when covering the pedal in 20232:
"Our mission with the mk.2 version of the Boomster was to elevate it into a well-rounded boost pedal"2
Delicious Audio, 20232
What the Boomster mk.2 does
JAM Pedals positions the pedal as a buffer, booster and volume in one. The Level control provides the up-to-16 dB clean boost, and the pedal's input and output are in phase, so it does not flip the polarity of your signal1.
The buffer side uses an OPA2132 op-amp circuit. In buffered mode, JAM Pedals says it restores frequencies lost through long cable and pedal runs without adding brittle highs or changing the instrument's feel1. That makes it usable as a permanent buffer at the start or end of a long pedalboard chain, with the boost available when you want it.
Controls and voicings
The pedal offers three voicings, set internally:
| Voicing | What it does |
|---|---|
| Full-range | Keeps the response flat and open1 |
| Mid-boost | Adds focused midrange; the amount is set with a second internal trimmer1 |
| High-cut | Attenuates the top end; the amount is set with an internal trimmer1 |
Full-range is the straight clean boost. Mid-boost lets you push a solo through a mix by adding focused midrange, with the depth preset inside the pedal. High-cut tames the top end, useful for warming a bright amp or guitar, again with the amount set by trimmer1.
The footswitch supports both momentary and latching operation1. In momentary use, holding the switch gives you the boost only while your foot is on it; in latching use, it stays on until you step again.
Bypass: true or buffered
Internal DIP switches select true or buffered bypass1. True bypass keeps the pedal entirely out of the signal path when off, which some players prefer on small boards. Buffered mode keeps the OPA2132 buffer in the chain at all times, which JAM Pedals describes as restoring frequencies lost through long cable and pedal runs1. Because the choice is a DIP switch rather than a toggle, you set it once when you set the pedal up on your board.
Using it as a volume pedal
Connect a standard passive 10 kΩ expression pedal and the Boomster mk.2 becomes what JAM Pedals calls a traveling volume pedal1. Your expression pedal then controls the level in real time, giving you swells and foot-controlled cuts without a dedicated volume pedal on the board. This pairs with the expression pedal you may already own, as long as it is a standard passive 10 kΩ unit.
Versions and artwork
The Boomster mk.2 comes in a standard version and several custom artwork versions: "Dala", "Evil Green", "Mid Air", "Relic" and "Achenbach" among them145. JAM Pedals is explicit that these are the same sound in different artwork, so the choice is purely visual. Each custom artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, and the "Relic" version was listed as sold out as of 25 October 20261.
Power and practical details
The pedal runs on 9 to 18V DC, center-negative, with an isolated supply recommended, and draws a maximum of 50 mA1. At 7.5 x 12 x 5.6 cm including jacks and controls and 300 g, it is a standard-sized compact pedal1. JAM Pedals offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, with a refund "no questions asked"1.
Videos
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Shawn Tubbs
Sasha Ivantic
Questions
Is the JAM Boomster mk.2 true bypass or buffered?
Both. Internal DIP switches let you select true or buffered bypass. In buffered mode, an OPA2132 circuit restores frequencies lost through long cable and pedal runs, which JAM Pedals says happens without adding brittle highs or changing the instrument's feel.
Can I use the Boomster mk.2 as a volume pedal?
Yes. Connect a standard passive 10 kΩ expression pedal to the expression input and the Boomster mk.2 works as a travelling volume pedal, so you can swell and cut your level with your foot while the pedal stays active.
Does the Boomster mk.2 footswitch work as a momentary boost?
Yes. The footswitch supports both momentary and latching operation, so you can hold it down for a quick boost and release it to drop back, or latch it on for a sustained lead level.
What is the difference between the Boomster and the Boomster mk.2?
The mk.2 is an elevated version of the original Boomster, built as a well-rounded boost pedal with the features contemporary musicians expect plus a standalone buffer. The "Dala" is one of several custom artwork versions of the mk.2 that share the same sound.
Can the Boomster mk.2 run at 18 volts?
Yes. It runs on 9 to 18V DC with a centre-negative plug, and JAM Pedals recommends an isolated power supply. Maximum current draw is 50 mA.
Sources (5)
- “Dala” Boomster mk.2, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
- Jam Boomster Mk2 Boost, Delicious Audio, 2023-08-17
- “Mid Air” Boomster mk.2, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
- Boomster, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
- “Achenbach” Boomster mk.2, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
