The Third Man Hardware x JHS Troika Delay is a delay pedal built as a collaboration between Jack White's Third Man Hardware and JHS Pedals, and it is aimed at more than guitar. It is designed to work with microphones or any instrument, and it is built for desktop use, professional recording studios and the stage1.
Guitar World describes it as a tape delay that leans into White's love of "mechanical" sounds while eliminating the hum, hiss and extra snarl of vintage tape units. Its circuit is inspired by a rare Honda Sound Works Fab Delay that White sourced online2.
An instrument and microphone delay
What sets the Troika apart from most delay pedals is its studio-grade connectivity. It carries both XLR and 1/4-inch inputs, each with its own dedicated transformer, and both XLR and 1/4-inch outputs12. For outputs, there is a choice of Echo and Dry/Wet2.
Because it accepts microphones, the pedal includes a Mic Gain mini dial on the side2. One detail matters for anyone switching between uses: a mini switch inside the pedal selects whether the unit is set up for vocals or instruments, and it needs to be flicked accordingly2.
The design is not hypothetical studio gear. Jack White used a prototype extensively before it reached the market12:
"We got the prototype right before working on No Name, and we used this a lot on vocals, guitars, [guitar solos,] and synths"2
That is the working case for the pedal in a nutshell: one delay unit moving between vocal and instrument duties in a real recording and live workflow12.
Controls
Instead of the knobs most delay pedals use, the Troika uses three sliders styled like a mini mixing console. Jack White chose sliders for greater real-time control in a live setting1. The three sliders control:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Repeats | Sets the number of delay repeats2 |
| Volume | Sets the delay level2 |
| Distance | Sets the delay time2 |
A bypass switch sits above the sliders, positioned to keep it out of the way1.
Black and yellow versions
The Troika comes in two finishes: a standard black colourway and a limited-edition yellow version exclusive to Reverb1. Both were available at launch1.
| Version | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Standard black | $349 | Regular retail12 |
| Limited-edition yellow | $369 | Exclusive to Reverb12 |
Where it came from
The Troika is a collaboration between Jack White's Third Man Hardware and JHS Pedals1. Its circuit is inspired by the rare Honda Sound Works Fab Delay that White found online2. According to the announcement, the partners gave the project the same care and attention JHS brought to its Colour Box and Pulp N Peel1.
Third Man Hardware has form in the delay lane: the company also collaborated on the Roto-Echo.
Videos
JHS Pedals and 3 more
Reverb and 3 more
R.J. Ronquillo and 2 more
Questions
Does the Troika Delay have XLR inputs?
Yes. The Troika has both XLR and 1/4-inch inputs, each with its own dedicated transformer, and XLR and 1/4-inch outputs. That makes it usable with microphones and balanced studio gear as well as ordinary guitar cables.
How much does the Troika Delay cost?
The standard black version is priced at $349, and the limited-edition yellow version, sold exclusively through Reverb, is $369. Both prices are as reported at the pedal's launch in November 2025.
Where can I buy the yellow Troika Delay?
The yellow version is a limited edition sold exclusively through Reverb, priced at $369. The standard black version at $349 is sold through regular retail channels.
Can the Troika Delay be used with vocals?
Yes. It is designed for microphones or any instrument, with XLR inputs, a Mic Gain mini dial on the side and an internal mini switch for selecting between vocals and instruments. Jack White used a prototype on vocals, guitars and synths while working on No Name.
Who designed the Troika Delay?
It is a collaboration between Jack White's Third Man Hardware and JHS Pedals. White sourced the rare Honda Sound Works Fab Delay that inspired the circuit, and chose the slider controls for real-time control in a live setting.
Sources (2)
- Third Man Hardware and JHS Pedals’ new Troika delay is “more than a pedal”, Guitar.com, 2025-11-12
- Third Man Hardware and JHS Pedals release Troika Delay, Guitar World, 2025-11-12
Jack White
