The JAM pedals "Neurones" Rattler mk.2 is a distortion pedal from JAM Pedals, a hand-painted custom artwork version of the company's Rattler 2 circuit. It carries the same controls and sound as the other artwork versions of the Rattler mk.2, with a mid boost on its own footswitch, a two-voice clipping toggle and internal tweaks for the boost level and low end1.
JAM Pedals lists the Neurones version as sold out2. Its listed price was £294.00, tax included1.
A distortion with a mid boost and two clipping voices
The Rattler mk.2 circuit is built around a custom discrete-component op-amp that JAM Pedals developed to preserve what the maker describes as "the open, dynamic and tube-amp-like feel" associated with the discontinued LM308 chip used in earlier Rat-style circuits1.
Two features set the mk.2 apart from a straightforward Rat clone:
- Mid boost on the left footswitch. The left footswitch engages a mid boost placed before the distortion stage, pushing mids into the clipping circuit for a more focused, cutting drive1.
- Two clipping voices. A toggle selects between two clipping configurations: the top position gives the original asymmetrical clipping, and the bottom position selects symmetrical clipping, which JAM Pedals describes as "a different feel and compression profile"1.
Two internal controls shape the sound further. An internal trimmer sets the mid boost level, and an internal DIP switch chooses between keeping the full low end or applying a low cut for a tighter sound1.
The controls
The front panel keeps it to three knobs and two footswitches1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Sets output |
| Gain | Sets saturation |
| Tone | Shapes the frequency response |
| Left footswitch | Engages a mid boost before the distortion |
| Clipping toggle | Top: original asymmetrical clipping; bottom: symmetrical clipping |
Because the mid boost level is set by the internal trimmer rather than a knob, the left footswitch works like a preset: set the amount of mid push once, then switch it in and out while playing1.
Power and connections
The pedal runs on 9V DC with a center-negative plug and draws 95 mA1. That current draw is high enough that a typical alkaline battery or a low-current daisy chain output may not be a good match; a dedicated 9V supply output is the straightforward option. Input impedance is 500 kΩ and output impedance is under 5 kΩ1. Bypass is true bypass, so the signal passes unbuffered when the pedal is off1.
The Neurones artwork and its sold-out status
JAM Pedals offers the Rattler mk.2 as several custom artwork versions: Batkin, Monterey, Moonrock, Ophis, Achenbach and Neurones3. The maker describes these as the same sound with different artwork, so the Neurones finish is purely visual3.
"Every custom artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece. The pedal you receive will differ in detail"
Each hand-painted Neurones is therefore unique in its details. The version is listed as sold out2, and players looking for the same circuit can find it in the other artwork finishes, such as the Moonrock Rattler mk.2 or the Achenbach Rattler mk2.
Buying and returns
JAM Pedals backs the pedal with a 30-day money-back guarantee: within 30 days of receiving it you can return it for a refund, no questions asked1. UK orders ship DDP, with 20% UK VAT and all duties included and no extra charges on delivery, and shipping is free1.
Questions
Is the Neurones Rattler mk.2 still available?
No. JAM Pedals lists the Neurones Rattler mk.2 as sold out. It was one of several custom artwork versions of the same circuit, alongside the Batkin, Monterey, Moonrock, Ophis and Achenbach versions, so the same sound may still be found in another artwork finish.
Is the JAM Rattler mk.2 true bypass?
Yes. JAM Pedals lists true bypass for the Neurones Rattler mk.2, so with the pedal off the signal passes through without buffering.
What does the left footswitch do on the Rattler mk.2?
The left footswitch engages a mid boost placed before the distortion circuit. An internal trimmer sets how much boost is applied, so you can dial in the strength of the mid push once and switch it in and out while playing.
Does the Neurones artwork change the sound?
No. JAM Pedals describes its custom artwork Rattler mk.2 versions as the same sound with different artwork. The Neurones is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, so the pedal you would see differs in detail from the photos, but the circuit is identical.
What are the internal DIP switch and trimmer for?
The internal trimmer sets the level of the mid boost that the left footswitch engages. The internal DIP switch chooses between keeping the full low end or applying a low cut for a tighter sound, which is useful for keeping a distorted sound focused.
What is JAM's return policy on the Rattler mk.2?
JAM Pedals offers a 30-day money-back guarantee: within 30 days of receiving the product you can return it for a refund, no questions asked. UK orders ship DDP with 20% UK VAT and all duties included, with no extra charges on delivery.
Sources (3)
- “Neurones” Rattler mk.2, JAM pedals (www.jampedals.com)
- “Achenbach” Rattler mk2., JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
- "Moonrock" Rattler mk.2, JAM pedals
Duke Levine
