The "Lunar Trails" Dyna-ssoR is a compressor pedal from JAM Pedals, offered as a limited artwork version of the company's Dyna-ssoR. JAM Pedals describes the circuit as tuned to control dynamics while keeping the instrument's original character and musical expression intact, and it states plainly that the artwork versions share one sound: "Same sound, different artwork."1
What the Lunar Trails version is
Every limited artwork pedal from JAM Pedals is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, and Lunar Trails is one of several Dyna-ssoR artwork versions alongside the Custom Dyna-ssoR, the "Achenbach" Dyna-ssoR, the "Relic" Dyna-ssoR and the JAM Dyna-ssoR. The maker's position is that these differ only in appearance: the sound is the same across the range.1
Controls
The Dyna-ssoR keeps its control layout to two knobs:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Sustain | Sets compression and sustain |
| Level | Sets output |
That two-knob arrangement is in the tradition of classic compressor designs, and JAM Pedals attributes the pedal's character to its chip: "The rare CA3080 chip delivers the vintage attack, compression and sustain associated with classic compressor designs." The circuit is built around a NOS (new old stock) CA3080, an operational transconductance amplifier chip that vintage compressor circuits were built on.1
Power and practical details
The pedal runs on a 9V battery or a 9V DC center-negative supply and draws 5 mA, a low draw that keeps it comfortable on a daisy chain or a battery. Bypass is true bypass, so the circuit is out of the signal path when the pedal is off. At 11.1 x 7 x 4.8 cm including jacks and controls, and 230 g, it takes up little room on a board.1
As a limited hand-painted artwork version, each Lunar Trails pedal is a one-of-a-kind piece, so the enclosure you receive will not match another exactly.1
JAM Pedals sells the Lunar Trails Dyna-ssoR at £264.00 GBP and backs orders with a 30-day money-back guarantee with a refund no questions asked. UK orders ship DDP, with 20% UK VAT and all duties included and no extra charges on delivery.1
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Questions
Does the Lunar Trails Dyna-ssoR sound different from other Dyna-ssoR pedals?
No. JAM Pedals describes the Lunar Trails version as having the same sound as the other Dyna-ssoR artwork versions, with the difference being the artwork itself. Each limited artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, so what changes from version to version is the enclosure, not the circuit or the tone.
Is the JAM Dyna-ssoR true bypass?
Yes. JAM Pedals lists the Dyna-ssoR as true bypass, so when the pedal is switched off your guitar's signal passes through without the compressor's circuitry in the path.
What chip does the JAM Dyna-ssoR use?
The Dyna-ssoR is built around a NOS CA3080 circuit. JAM Pedals says the rare CA3080 chip delivers the vintage attack, compression and sustain associated with classic compressor designs.
How much current does the JAM Dyna-ssoR draw?
JAM Pedals lists the current draw at 5 mA, which is low enough that the pedal can run on a 9V battery or from a standard 9V DC centre-negative supply.
How big is the Dyna-ssoR?
Including jacks and controls, the pedal measures 11.1 x 7 x 4.8 cm, or 4.3 x 2.7 x 1.8 inches, and weighs 230 g, about 0.5 lb.
Sources (1)
- “Lunar Trails” Dyna-ssoR, JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
Jim Campilongo
