The JHS PackRat is a multi-mode distortion pedal from JHS Pedals that packs the history of the ProCo RAT into one box. It offers nine modes that replicate various RAT models and RAT-inspired pedals from more than four decades of the circuit's evolution, all controlled with the same three knobs as the original: Volume, Distortion and Filter1.
The name carries some history of its own. Before the PackRat existed as a pedal, JHS ran a long-running PackRat modification service, performed on thousands of RAT pedals from 2008 to 2018, now discontinued1. The production pedal builds on JHS's Multi-Mode pedal series, which includes the Muffuletta and Bonsai1.
Nine modes, three knobs
The PackRat's mode list covers both straight RAT reproductions and RAT-inspired pedals from other makers6:
| Mode | What it is |
|---|---|
| OG V1 | Original RAT reproduction |
| White Face V3 | White tape RAT era |
| Turbo V5 | Turbo RAT era |
| BRAT V6 | RAT 2 era |
| Dirty V7 | You Dirty RAT era |
| LA | RAT-inspired pedal |
| Landgraff MO'D | Landgraff's RAT-inspired take |
| Caroline | Caroline Wave Cannon take |
| JHS Mode | JHS's own circuit |
Whatever mode you choose, the control layout stays the same: Volume, Distortion and Filter2. Guitar Pedal X describes this as giving you 9 distinct RAT variants, but with just the 3 core controls of Volume, Distortion and Filter5. Pedal of the Day notes one quirk carried over from the originals: the Filter control was sometimes backwards in different RAT circuits, so its direction of operation can change depending on the mode6.
How the circuit works
The engineering question behind a nine-mode pedal is how to switch between complete circuits without compromising the signal path. The PackRat uses a proprietary digital runway system to direct the paths of 261 components through 40 individual switches, giving the exact same circuitry as the original pedals in a purely analog signal path7.
The result, as JHS describes it, is that when you choose one of the nine modes you are playing fully analog circuits that replicate that mode, even down to the aging components, also known as component drift1. In other words, the digital system handles the routing, while the audio path in each mode is analog.
Built from a survey of over 100 RAT circuits
The PackRat came out of an unusual research project. JHS founder Josh Scott examined 45 versions of the famous RAT stompbox and authentically reproduced their circuits, accounting for drift from the aging components7. MusicRadar reports the work involved poring over 100 circuits and over 20 hours of interviews with former ProCo employees2. Guitar Pedal X adds that Scott was helped once more by John Cusack of Cusack Music5.
"a tribute to the 40+ years of RAT distortion evolution through 9 voices accurately replicating various RAT models"
The Caroline mode is a take on the Caroline Guitar Company Wave Cannon Superdistorter, itself a RAT-inspired design. Guitar Pedal X notes that the Wave Cannon is the 8th variation, or Mode, on the PackRat, in its MKI take8.
Price and availability
Guitar.com reported the PackRat available now for $249 at launch in October 20213. Later coverage carries the same figure: Guitar Pedal X lists the PackRat at $249 in its 2024 round-up of RAT-style pedals41, and Guitar World gives $249 alongside £2294. Gearnews listed a Thomann street price of $244.00, £219.00 and 259.00 euros in December 20219.
What reviewers said
Gearnews named the PackRat another stand-out release in 20219. Pedal of the Day called it a comprehensive, cohesive and glorious distortion, praising the way it gathers different RAT circuits from the last four decades, from different manufacturers, into one pedal6.
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Questions
Is the JHS PackRat fully analog?
Yes, in the way that matters to a player. When you select one of the nine modes you are playing fully analog circuits that replicate that mode, even down to the aging components, what JHS calls component drift. A digital runway system only handles the switching, directing 261 components through 40 individual switches so each mode reproduces the original circuitry.
How many modes does the JHS PackRat have?
Nine. The modes are OG V1, White Face V3, Turbo V5, BRAT V6, Dirty V7, LA, Landgraff MO'D, Caroline, and JHS Mode. Each is a distinct RAT variant, but all share just the three core controls of Volume, Distortion and Filter, so the pedal keeps the simple control layout of the original RAT.
What is the Wave Cannon mode on the PackRat?
The Caroline mode is a take on the Caroline Guitar Company Wave Cannon Superdistorter, a RAT-inspired pedal in its own right. Guitar Pedal X notes that the Wave Cannon is the 8th variation, or Mode, on the PackRat, in its MKI take. It is one of the modes that goes beyond straight RAT reproductions.
Who designed the JHS PackRat?
JHS founder Josh Scott designed it, examining 45 versions of the famous RAT stompbox and reproducing their circuits, accounting for drift from aging components. He was helped once more by John Cusack of Cusack Music. The project also drew on over 20 hours of interviews with former ProCo employees.
How much does the JHS PackRat cost?
The list price is $249. Guitar.com reported the PackRat available now for $249 at launch in October 2021, and later coverage from Guitar World and Guitar Pedal X carries the same $249 figure. Gearnews listed a Thomann street price of $244.00 in December 2021.
Is the PackRat the same as a ProCo RAT?
It is built from the RAT circuit rather than being one single RAT. Several modes reproduce specific ProCo RAT models, such as the OG V1, White Face V3 and Turbo V5, while others cover RAT-inspired pedals from other makers, including the Landgraff MO'D and the Caroline Wave Cannon, plus a JHS Mode.
Sources (9)
- JHS PackRat Distortion, Delicious Audio, 2022-08-23
- JHS Pedals' PackRat crowds 9 classic and rare RAT distortion circuits into one compact stompbox, MusicRadar, 2021-11-02
- The JHS PackRat has nine “hard-to-find” versions of the Rat distortion in one box, Guitar.com, 2021-10-29
- Act Entertainment Sterling Vermin Rat Distortion Pedal review, Guitar World, 2026-04-06
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-08-30
- JHS Pedals PackRat Distortion, Pedal of the Day, 2022-01-05
- 10 New Gain Pedals You Need to Know About, GuitarPlayer (www.guitarplayer.com), 2022-03-03
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-10-14
- Best Effect Pedals 2021: Did your favourite make our Top 10?, Gearnews (www.gearnews.com), 2021-12-26
