The KSR Ceres Swamp Thang is a three-channel preamp pedal from KSR Amps, a member of the preamp pedal family alongside the standard KSR Ceres. KSR describes it as containing the company's signature tones from three of its amplifiers, the Ares, the Artemis/Gemini, and the Colossus, distilled into a small package that delivers the KSR sound to any board or interface for live and studio use1.
Channels and footswitches
The Ceres carries three channels, and two integrated footswitch buttons activate them. The left button toggles between Bypass and Rhythm/Lead, while the right button toggles between Rhythm and Lead1.
Bypass itself comes in three flavors, which is one of the pedal's distinguishing features1:
- True Bypass: the pedal is removed from the signal path entirely.
- Buffered Bypass: a buffer stays in the path.
- Clean Bypass: the top row of Tone and Volume knobs stays enabled, giving access to the Clean channel even while bypassed1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Bright switch | Up = On, Down = Off. Works like a typical Gain pot bright capacitor: the lower the Gain setting, the more effect the switch has1 |
| Top row Tone and Volume | Active in Clean Bypass mode, accessing the Clean channel1 |
| Left footswitch | Toggles between Bypass and Rhythm/Lead1 |
| Right footswitch | Toggles between Rhythm and Lead1 |
Power and connections
The Ceres runs on 9V DC with center-negative polarity and draws at most 200 mA. KSR warns not to exceed 9V, as the pedal will shut down to protect its internal electronics. The company notes the current draw is accessible via the high-current output of a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power, or similar1.
At up to 200 mA, the Ceres needs a high-current supply output rather than a standard low-current pedal outlet.
Connections run across the top of the pedal: the external control input at top-right, then the Guitar Input, the 9V DC input, and finally the Output to amp1.
The Control port
The Control port is a 3.5mm (1/8-inch headphone) TRS jack that allows control of the pedal's channels and future expansion, using momentary contact closure relays1. That gives players a way to switch channels remotely, for example from a switching system, beyond the onboard footswitches.
The Swamp Thang finish
The Swamp Thang is a color variant, not a different circuit. KSR describes these pedals as one-off colors or complete customs that will never be offered again, part of its Private Stock line. Other Ceres variants include the KSR Ceres ONE, the Ceres ONE Midnight Fade and the Mystery Ceres, and KSR also makes the Vesta preamp.
Where it is built
KSR manufactures the Ceres completely at its Cincinnati facility. According to the company, CNC machining, powder coating, laser etching and circuit board assembly are all performed under its roof, with no outsourcing1.
Questions
What are the three bypass modes on the KSR Ceres?
KSR includes three bypass modes: True Bypass, Buffered Bypass, and Clean Bypass. In Clean Bypass mode, the top row of Tone and Volume knobs stays active, giving access to the Clean channel even while the pedal is bypassed. The two footswitches move between Bypass, Rhythm and Lead.
Does the KSR Ceres run on a battery?
No. The Ceres runs on a 9V DC center-negative supply and draws at most 200 mA, which KSR says is accessible via the high-current output of a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power or similar. Exceeding 9V makes the pedal shut down to protect its internal electronics.
What is the Bright switch on the Ceres for?
The Bright switch is up for on and down for off. KSR says it works like the bright capacitor on a typical gain pot: the lower the Gain setting, the more effect the Bright switch has on the tone.
What does the control port on the Ceres do?
The Control port is a 3.5mm (1/8-inch) TRS jack that allows control of the pedal's channels and future expansion, using momentary contact closure relays.
Will the Ceres Swamp Thang color be made again?
No. KSR describes the Swamp Thang as a one-off Private Stock custom color, one of a run of one-off colors and complete customs that will never be offered again.
Where is the KSR Ceres built?
KSR manufactures the Ceres completely at its Cincinnati facility. CNC machining, powder coating, laser etching and circuit board assembly are all performed under KSR's roof, with no outsourcing, according to the company.
Sources (1)
- Ceres - Swamp Thang - KSR Amps, KSR Amps, 2024-06-13
