The JHS Pedals Switchback is a small switching utility from JHS Pedals that puts two selectable true bypass effects loops in one box. It has one input, one output and two separate Send/Return loops, and a single footswitch chooses which loop your signal passes through1. JHS describes it as "a small unassuming box with a massive feature set"1.
Two True Bypass Loops in One Box
The core use is as a dual true bypass looper. You place a pedal or a chain of pedals in the first loop and a different pedal or chain in the second loop, then switch between them with the footswitch1. In JHS's own demo video, Josh describes it simply: "it just switches between two effects Loops so think of like a dual true bypass Looper pedal"2.
It also works as a simple single looper: put your effects in one loop and the toggle (or a JHS Red Remote) switches between that loop and the clean bypass signal1.
The footswitch is 100% true bypass, so when it is off it is not affecting your signal in any way1. Josh adds that it uses true bypass relays rather than buffering, which means it can sit before a fuzz pedal such as a Fuzz Face in your chain without changing how the fuzz reacts2.
Other Ways to Use It
JHS lists several applications beyond the basic looper setup1:
- A/B box for two amps: use Send 1 and Send 2 as two switchable outputs to two different amps, without using the main output1
- Amp channel switcher: Send 1 to channel one, Send 2 to channel two, letting you channel switch on any amp with multiple inputs1
- Amp effects loop A/B: plug your amp's effects loop send into the Switchback's input and the amp's return into its output, then toggle between two loops of effects in the loop1
- Remote pedal switcher: Josh notes you can turn a pedal on and off remotely with a single cable run2
Gearnews, covering the pedal at NAMM 2019, grouped it among JHS utilities that can serve as "a Summing Amp or an A/B box with two FX loops"3.
Power
The Switchback requires standard 9V DC center negative power1, the same requirement as most modern effects pedals, so a typical pedalboard power supply will run it.
Videos
Sound Affects
American Musical Supply
TJ Nilsen
Questions
Is the JHS Switchback true bypass?
Yes. The footswitch is 100% true bypass, so when it is off it is not affecting your signal in any way1. It uses true bypass relays rather than buffering, so it can go before a fuzz pedal in your chain2.
Can the JHS Switchback be used as an A/B box for two amps?
Yes. Use Send 1 and Send 2 as two switchable outputs, each going to a different amp, without using the main output1.
Can the Switchback switch channels on an amp with two inputs?
Yes. Connect Send 1 to channel one and Send 2 to channel two, which lets you channel switch on any amp with multiple inputs1.
What power supply does the JHS Switchback need?
Standard 9V DC center negative power1.
Sources (3)
- SWITCHBACK, JHS Pedals
- Did You Know Your JHS Pedal Could Do This? (Pulp N Peel, Kilt, Kodiak, Flight Delay & more!), JHS Pedals (YouTube channel), 2025-01-08
- NAMM 2019: JHS Clover and Whitey Tighty preamp and compressor pedals, gearnews.com, 2019-01-25
