The KSR Ceres is a three-channel preamp pedal from KSR Amps, the Cincinnati amplifier builder run by Kyle Rhodes. It carries the signature tones of three KSR amplifiers, the Ares, the Artemis/Gemini and the Colossus, into a box measuring 5.7 by 4.7 inches, so a player can put the KSR sound on a pedalboard, into an interface, or into a fly rig without hauling a full head1.
The three channels are Clean, Rhythm and Lead, selected by two integrated footswitches: the left button toggles between Bypass and Rhythm/Lead, and the right button toggles between Rhythm and Lead1. KSR says the pedal carries its signature tones from three of its amplifiers: the Ares, the Artemis/Gemini, and the Colossus21.
Three KSR amp voices in a three-channel preamp
KSR describes the Ceres as containing its signature tones from three of its amplifiers: the Ares, the Artemis/Gemini, and the Colossus1. The Mode switch maps directly onto those amps: Up is Ares Crunch, Center is Artemis/Gemini Red Mode, and Down is Colossus Lead1. Sokolovic's review described the Mode toggle as offering "Ares Crunch, Artemis Red, or Colossus Red inspired channels from KSR's boutique amp line"7.
The maker positions the pedal as distilling the KSR sound into a small package for live and studio use, on any board or interface1. The review found the pedal true to that premise, awarding it an overall rating of 3.4 stars out of 47.
The controls
The Ceres carries many of the functions present on KSR's full-size amps, including the Mode, Feel and Bright switches1. The EQ controls are described by the maker as functioning just as on its full-size amps, with the full sweep of each control usable8. The gain control likewise operates similarly to the full-size amps910.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Mode switch | Up = Ares Crunch, Center = Artemis/Gemini Red Mode, Down = Colossus Lead1 |
| Feel switch | Up = Fat, Center = Tight, Down = Thick11 |
| Bright switch | Up = On, Down = Off; works like a typical Gain pot bright capacitor, so the lower the Gain setting the more the effect1 |
| Left footswitch | Toggles between Bypass and Rhythm/Lead1 |
| Right footswitch | Toggles between Rhythm and Lead1 |
Note that the Feel switch orientation is reversed on the Ceres ONE, the smaller reimagined version of the pedal: there, Up = Thick, Center = Tight, Down = Fat, which KSR states is opposite of the original Ceres9.
Bypass modes
The Ceres includes three bypass modes, selected by an exclusive Bypass Mode switch: True Bypass, Buffered Bypass, and Clean Bypass1.
- True Bypass: the pedal passes signal from input to output without touching it7
- Buffered Bypass: intended for use at the start of a pedalboard, driving your other pedals into a clean amp10
- Clean Bypass: bypassing the pedal actually activates the Clean channel, with the top row of Tone and Volume knobs shaping that clean signal1
The Clean Bypass mode is the distinctive one: instead of cutting the pedal out entirely, it turns the bypass state into a usable clean channel, which suits driving a power amp directly101213.
Power and connections
All jacks are top mounted for easy pedalboard integration1. Looking at the front of the pedal, the top-right jack is the external control input, then the Guitar Input, the 9V DC input, and finally the Output to amp1.
The 9V DC input requires at most 200 mA and is center negative1. KSR cautions not to exceed 9V, as the pedal will shut down to protect its internal electronics1. The maker points to the high-current output of a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power, or similar, as a suitable source1.
The power supply is not included with the Ceres1. Because the pedal draws up to 200 mA, a standard low-current 9V output may not be enough.
There is no MIDI channel switching. The Control port is a 3.5mm (1/8 inch headphone) TRS jack that allows control of the pedal's channels and future expansion, via a 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch TRS cable or adapter to momentary contact closure relays1. Sokolovic found that MIDI switching "might have been a nice feature, but remote channel switching via the TRS jack worked just fine"7.
Finishes and editions
KSR sells the Ceres in a rotating set of finishes, many of them one-off listings. The standard product page lists finishes including Distressed Neptune and Champagne14, and the maker has offered colors and fades such as Black Sparkle, Flat Black, 80s fade, Seafoam, Purple Fade, Battleship Gray, Cherry Red, Blood Moon, Pink Sparkle, Blueberry Sparkle, Hunter Green, Slime Green Flat, Orange Sparkle, Yellow Sparkle, and Black with a green hand print1.
Prices vary by finish. A Pink Sparkle listing was marked down from an original $500.00 to $425.0013, a Green sanded Orange variant was listed at $450.0012, and a Jungle Sparkle finish was listed at $379.002. There is also the Mystery Ceres, where Kyle picks the color from one-off enclosures11.
Where it is made
The Ceres is manufactured completely in KSR's Cincinnati facility, with CNC machining, powder coating, laser etching and circuit board assembly all performed under the company's roof, with no outsourcing1. MusicPlayers.com's review likewise identifies it as made in the USA7.
Videos
KSR Amps
Ola Englund
Riffs, Beards & Gear
Questions
Does the KSR Ceres come with a power supply?
No. KSR Amps notes on its product pages that the power supply is not included. The pedal runs on 9V DC, center negative, and draws at most 200 mA, so it needs a supply capable of that current, such as the high-current output of a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power or similar isolated supply.
What do the Ceres bypass modes do?
The Bypass Mode switch offers three settings. True Bypass passes your signal untouched. Buffered Bypass is intended for use at the start of a pedalboard, driving your other pedals into a clean amp. Clean Bypass is the unusual one: when you bypass the pedal, it activates the Clean channel, with the top row of Tone and Volume knobs shaping that clean signal.
Can you switch KSR Ceres channels with a MIDI controller?
No. The Ceres has no MIDI input. Remote channel switching works through a 3.5mm (1/8 inch) TRS Control port, which accepts momentary contact closure relays, such as those from a looper or switching system, via a 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch TRS cable or adapter.
Where is the KSR Ceres made?
Cincinnati, Ohio. KSR Amps manufactures the pedal completely in its Cincinnati facility, with CNC machining, powder coating, laser etching and circuit board assembly all performed in house, with no outsourcing.
Sources (14)
- Ceres - 3ch Preamp Pedal - KSR Amps, KSR Amps, 2019-01-24
- Ceres - Jungle Sparkle - KSR Amps, KSR Amps, 2024-12-17
- Home - KSR Amps, KSR Amps, 2017-02-22
- Vesta - 3ch Preamp Pedal - KSR Amps, KSR Amps, 2021-05-14
- Mystery Vesta, KSR Amps, 2024-11-26
- Eros - Modern Boost+EQ - KSR Amps, KSR Amps, 2020-01-14
- KSR Ceres 3 Channel Preamp Pedal, MusicPlayers.com, 2019-08-20
- IN STOCK! Ceres ONE™ Orange Matte Black knobs, KSR Amps, 2025-11-03
- IN STOCK! Ceres ONE™ Black Matte Orange knobs, KSR Amps, 2025-11-03
- IN STOCK! Ceres ONE™ Midnight Fade, KSR Amps, 2025-11-03
- Mystery Ceres, KSR Amps (ksramps.com), 2024-11-26
- Ceres - Green sanded Orange - KSR Amps, KSR Amps (ksramps.com), 2024-11-01
- Ceres - Pink Sparkle - KSR Amps, KSR Amps (ksramps.com), 2024-12-17
- In-Stock Ceres, KSR Amps, 2022-10-14
