The KSR Vesta Sky and Sea is a preamp pedal from KSR Amps, a three-channel design with Clean, Rhythm and Lead channels operated by two built-in footswitches. KSR describes its sound as "smooth, chunky, thick, and more low-mid focused," saying it takes boosts like a vintage high-gain amp and responds well to the guitar's volume control1. The Clean channel is identical to the Clean channel of the KSR Ceres, according to the maker1.
The pedal is listed as out of stock on KSR's product page, where it appears in the Archive and SOLD -- Deal of the Week categories1.
The controls and switches
The Vesta Sky and Sea carries three channels on two footswitches. The left footswitch toggles between Bypass and Rhythm/Lead, and the right footswitch toggles between Rhythm and Lead1. In Clean Bypass mode, the top row of Tone and Volume knobs is enabled, giving access to the Clean channel1.
Three switches shape the sound:
| Switch | Positions | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Mode switch | Up = Crunch, Center = Full Saturation, Down = Vintage High-Gain | Selects the gain character1 |
| Bright switch | Up = On, Down = Off | Works like a typical Gain pot bright capacitor: the lower the Gain setting, the more the effect1 |
| Feel switch | Up = Fat, Center = Tight, Down = Thick | Sets the feel of the response1 |
The Control port is a 3.5mm (1/8") TRS jack that allows control of the pedal's channels and future expansion, using momentary contact closure relays with an 1/8" to 1/4" TRS cable or adapter1.
Power and connections
The pedal runs on 9V DC with center negative polarity. KSR describes a compatible supply as 9V, center negative, 500 mA, and the pedal draws at most 200 mA. KSR warns: "Please do not exceed 9V as the pedal will shutdown to protect the internal electronics."1
Do not power the Vesta Sky and Sea above 9V. The pedal shuts down to protect its internal electronics if the voltage is exceeded1.
The jacks are top mounted, which KSR says allows easy integration into an existing pedalboard. The connections, reading from the top-right, are: the external control input, then Guitar Input, 9V DC input, and finally Output to amp1.
Where it is made
KSR states that the pedal is manufactured completely in its Cincinnati facility, with CNC machining, powder coating, laser etching and circuit board assembly all performed under its roof, with no outsourcing1.
Videos
Pete Thorn
KSR Amps
KSR Amps
Sources (1)
- Vesta - Sky and Sea - KSR Amps, KSR Amps (ksramps.com), 2024-11-01
