The KSR Ceres 3 Channel Preamp is a preamp pedal from KSR Amplification, the Cincinnati-based company run by amp builder Kyle Rhodes. It puts three fully independent channels in one box: a clean channel with tone and level knobs, and two distortion channels dedicated to crunch and lead duties, each with its own sound shaping controls. The signal path is true, all-analog, and the pedal is made in the USA1.
Channels and controls
The clean channel is deliberately simple, with two knobs offering only tone and level. The two distortion channels appear identical but sound slightly different, one dedicated to crunch and the other to lead duties1.
Two footswitches sit in the bottom corners of the pedal: the Bypass button and the Rhythm/Lead toggle button, which switch between the two distortion channels1.
Toggles add further shaping:
- Feel: a three-way toggle offering Fat, Tight or Thick options1
- Bright: a two-way toggle, simply on or off1
Power and connections
A 9V center negative, 6mm barrel power connector jack is placed between the audio jacks. The quarter-inch mono input and output are on the rear of the pedal, which the reviewer described as convenient. There is no battery option, so a pedalboard power supply is required1.
The Ceres protects itself from overvoltage: it will not short if it inadvertently receives over 9.7V. The unit simply shuts down to prevent damage1.
Channel switching is handled remotely through a TRS jack rather than MIDI. MusicPlayers.com's reviewer, Bruce Sokolovic, wrote: "MIDI channel switching might have been a nice feature, but remote channel switching via the TRS jack worked just fine"1.
Build and footprint
The metal housing and the many toggles, knobs and buttons feel solid and well built. At 5.75" x 4.75", the pedal takes up roughly the same space as a BOSS Twin pedal on a board1.
What reviewers said
MusicPlayers.com reviewed the Ceres in August 2019 and came away impressed. On the overall tone, the reviewer concluded: "this is definitely among the best and most versatile tone generating pedals we have come across"1.
On ownership, the reviewer noted the warranty: "A three-year warranty is included with every pedal, which shatters most standard warranties"1.
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Questions
Does the KSR Ceres have true bypass?
Yes. A three-way bypass mode toggle offers three settings: the center position is true bypass, taking your signal from input to output untouched; the down position is buffered bypass; and the top position is clean bypass, which engages the pedal's clean channel. That gives players a choice between leaving the pedal fully out of the signal path, using a buffer, or keeping the clean channel always on.
Can the KSR Ceres run on a battery?
No. The Ceres has no battery option, so it needs an external power supply. MusicPlayers.com's reviewer noted using one of many pedalboard power supplies on hand for that reason. It runs on 9V center negative through a 6mm barrel connector, and it protects itself from overvoltage by shutting down above 9.7V rather than shorting.
What power supply does the KSR Ceres need?
The Ceres needs a 9V center negative supply with a 6mm barrel connector, plugged into a jack placed between the audio jacks on the rear of the pedal. There is no battery option. If the pedal inadvertently receives more than 9.7V, it shuts down to prevent damage instead of shorting out.
Does the KSR Ceres have MIDI switching?
No. The Ceres does not offer MIDI channel switching. Instead, it provides remote channel switching through a TRS jack, which MusicPlayers.com's reviewer found worked just fine, though he noted MIDI might have been a nice feature.
What does the Feel toggle do on the KSR Ceres?
The Feel toggle is a three-way switch offering Fat, Tight or Thick options, letting the player shape the overall character of the preamp's response. It sits alongside other toggles on the pedal, including a two-way Bright toggle that is simply on or off.
How long is the warranty on the KSR Ceres?
KSR includes a three-year warranty with every pedal. MusicPlayers.com's reviewer noted that this shatters most standard warranties in the industry.
Sources (1)
- KSR Ceres 3 Channel Preamp Pedal, MusicPlayers.com, 2019-08-20
