The KSR Ceres ONE Midnight Fade is a preamp pedal from KSR Amps, a reimagined, small-format version of the company's Ceres preamp. KSR describes it as a mini preamp pedal that "delivers the KSR signature sound to any board or interface for live and studio applications"1. In terms of tone, the maker says it picks up where the original Ceres left off by adding gain, more usable low-end, and increased dynamics and touch sensitivity2.
The Midnight Fade is a finish option: a subtle dark purple to black fade that KSR calls understated. The same pedal is also sold in other finishes, and this page covers the Midnight Fade variant specifically, listed at $259.00 USD as of January 20261.
What the Ceres ONE does to your sound
The Ceres ONE puts a KSR amp's preamp section on your pedalboard. KSR says that in terms of tones it "picks up where the original Ceres left off by adding gain, more usable low-end, with increased dynamics and touch sensitivity"2. All of the gain modes have added usable gain on tap compared to the original Ceres2.
The gain control itself operates similarly to KSR's full-size amps and the original Ceres, which the maker says means no unwanted top-end artifacts typically associated with solid-state circuits2. At 2.7" x 4.7", the pedal is small enough to fit an existing board, with top-mounted jacks for easy integration2.
The controls: gain, EQ, Feel and Mode switches
The control set mirrors the layout logic of KSR's full-size amps. The EQ controls function as they do on those amps, with the full sweep of each control totally usable, so no part of a knob's range is a dead zone2.
Two switches shape the character of the preamp:
| Switch | Positions | What each does |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Up = Thick, Center = Tight, Down = Fat | Sets the low-end feel; the positions are opposite of the original Ceres2 |
| Mode | Up = Ares/Orthos Crunch, Center = Artemis/Gemini Red Mode, Down = Colossus Lead 1 | Selects the gain structure, voiced after KSR amp channels; all modes add usable gain over the original Ceres2 |
The Mode switch positions are named after KSR amplifier channels, so players familiar with the company's amps will recognize the voicings. The Feel switch is worth a second look if you are coming from the original Ceres: Thick, Tight and Fat sit in the opposite positions from the full-size pedal2.
Three bypass modes: true, buffered and clean
KSR includes what it calls its exclusive Bypass Mode switch, offering True Bypass, Buffered Bypass, and Clean Bypass in one pedal2. Each mode serves a different place in a signal chain:
- True Bypass: for hitting a clean amp down the chain on your pedalboard, with no tonal coloration2
- Buffered Bypass: for use at the start of your pedalboard, driving your other pedals into a clean amp2
- Clean Bypass: enables the top row of Tone and Volume knobs, accessing the pedal's Clean channel for driving a power amp directly2
In True and Buffered bypass the pedal operates as expected, with no tonal coloration2. Clean Bypass is the one that changes the control surface: the top row of Tone and Volume knobs becomes active, giving a separate clean channel that KSR positions for direct power amp use2.
Footswitch and mute
The footswitch button activates the pedal's gain channel. Holding the button engages a mute, which KSR calls "a nice feature also included"2. That makes the pedal double as a mute switch for silent tuning or between-song silences.
Power and connections
The Ceres ONE runs on 9V DC and draws at most 100 mA2. The power requirement comes with a warning worth knowing before you plug in:
Do not exceed 9V. KSR states the pedal will shut down to protect its internal electronics if the input voltage goes over 9V2. The power supply is not included, and a compatible supply is 9V, center negative, 500 mA2.
The jack layout, looking at the front of the pedal: the top right jack is the input, then the 9V power in, then the output, all top-mounted for tight pedalboard spacing2. The external control jack sits on the bottom left side2.
The Control port is a 3.5mm (1/8" headphone) TRS jack that allows control of the pedal's channels, with future expansion planned via momentary contact closure relays2. In practice, a momentary contact closure, such as a simple remote switch, can change channels without touching the pedal itself.
Where it is made
KSR manufactures the Ceres ONE completely in its Cincinnati, Ohio facility. CNC machining, powder coating, laser etching, silk screening and circuit board assembly are all performed under the company's roof, with no outsourcing2.
How it relates to other KSR pedals
The Ceres ONE is the small-format version of the KSR Ceres preamp, sharing its gain character and EQ approach while adding gain, low-end and the three-way bypass switch2. KSR also makes the Vesta preamp pedal, and the Ceres line includes other finishes such as the Mystery Ceres and the Ceres Swamp Thang.
Videos
Ola Englund
Questions
Does the KSR Ceres ONE come with a power supply?
No. KSR Amps states plainly on the product page that the power supply is not included. The pedal runs on 9V DC, center negative, and draws at most 100 mA, so a standard 9V center-negative pedal power supply with at least 100 mA available will run it. KSR points to a 9V, center negative, 500 mA supply as compatible with its pedals.
Can the Ceres ONE be used as a mute pedal?
Yes. The footswitch activates the pedal's gain channel with a normal press, and holding the button engages a mute. KSR describes the mute as a nice feature included alongside the channel switching, so you can silence your signal without unplugging anything.
What can you plug into the Ceres ONE control jack?
The Control port is a 3.5mm (1/8 inch headphone) TRS jack that allows control of the pedal's channels, and KSR says it supports future expansion via momentary contact closure relays. In practice that means a simple momentary contact closure, such as a remote footswitch, can switch channels for you.
Where is the KSR Ceres ONE made?
KSR Amps manufactures the Ceres ONE completely in its Cincinnati, Ohio facility. CNC machining, powder coating, laser etching, silk screening and circuit board assembly are all performed in house, with no outsourcing, according to the company's product page.
Sources (2)
- IN STOCK! Ceres ONE™ Orange Matte Black knobs, KSR Amps, 2025-11-03
- IN STOCK! Ceres ONE™ Midnight Fade, KSR Amps, 2025-11-03
