The KSR Vesta Preamp is a two-channel, multi-mode preamp pedal from KSR, built to put amp-style high-gain tones on a pedalboard. It carries 12 knobs and 7 toggle switches, and it is based on a couple of the favorite amps of the 80s and 90s. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio described the sound as "smooth, chunky, thick, and more low-mid focused. It takes boosts just like your favorite vintage high-gain amps," and noted that it responds well to the guitar's volume control1.
Channels and footswitches
The Vesta's two main channels, named Rhythm and Lead, are alternated with the right footswitch. The left footswitch toggles between Bypass and Rhythm/Lead. Beyond those two channels, a Clean Bypass mode enables the top row of Tone and Volume knobs to access a third, Clean channel, and KSR notes that this Clean channel is identical to the one on the Ceres1.
The top left toggle selects among three bypass types for integration with any rig: True Bypass, Buffered Bypass, and Clean Bypass1.
The controls
Each channel features an identical set of knob controls for Gain, Bass, Mids, Treble and Level, plus master Level and Tone controls for the pedal as a whole1.
| Control | Positions | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Mode toggle | Up = Crunch, Center = Full Saturation, Down = Vintage High-Gain | Sets the gain character of the channel1 |
| Feel toggle | Up = Fat, Center = Tight, Down = Thick | Shapes the low-end and response character1 |
| Bright toggle | Up = On, Down = Off | Works like a typical Gain pot bright capacitor; the lower the Gain setting, the more the effect1 |
The Bright toggle deserves a note for players dialing in lower-gain sounds: because it behaves like a bright capacitor on a gain pot, its effect is strongest when Gain is set low1.
Connections and power
The jacks are top mounted for easy integration into an existing pedalboard. Across the front panel from top-right to right are the external control input, the Guitar Input, the 9V DC input, and finally the Output to amp1.
- Control port: a 3.5mm (1/8 inch headphone) TRS jack that allows control of the pedal channels and future expansion, via momentary contact closure relays with an 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch TRS cable or adapter1
- Power: 9V DC, requiring at most 200 mA1
Do not exceed 9V with the Vesta. KSR states the pedal will shut down to protect its internal electronics if the voltage goes above 9V1.
What reviewers said
Delicious Audio reported that the amp-like tones of the Vesta were getting favorable reviews from several YouTubers at the time of its coverage1.
"Based on a couple of your favorite amps of the 80s and 90s, you'll feel right at home."
Videos
Pete Thorn
KSR Amps
KSR Amps
Questions
Does the KSR Vesta Preamp have a clean channel?
Yes. The Vesta's two footswitchable channels are named Rhythm and Lead, and a Clean channel is accessible through Clean Bypass mode. In that mode the top row of Tone and Volume knobs is enabled to access the Clean channel. KSR notes that the Clean channel is identical to the one on the company's Ceres preamp.
Is the KSR Vesta Preamp true bypass?
It can be. A toggle on the top left of the pedal selects among three bypass types: True Bypass, Buffered Bypass, and Clean Bypass. The idea is seamless integration with any rig, whether the Vesta sits at the front of an amp or in an effects loop.
What does the Bright toggle do on the Vesta?
The Bright toggle is set Up for On and Down for Off. KSR describes it as working just like a typical Gain pot bright capacitor, meaning the lower the Gain setting, the more noticeable the brightening effect becomes.
Can the Vesta Preamp be controlled with an external switch?
Yes. 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 relays with an 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch TRS cable or adapter.
What power supply does the KSR Vesta need?
The Vesta runs on 9V DC and draws at most 200 mA. KSR warns not to exceed 9V, because the pedal will shut down to protect its internal electronics.
Is the Vesta's clean channel the same as the Ceres?
Yes. According to the product information published by Delicious Audio, the Vesta's Clean channel is identical to the Ceres', so players familiar with that preamp will find the same clean voicing here.
Sources (1)
- New Pedal: KSR Vesta Preamp, Delicious Audio, 2022-10-07
