The Hesher v3 Preamp is a preamp pedal from This Heavy Earth that pulls several famous British amplifier circuits into one box for the pedalboard. Pedal of the Day describes its range as going "from slightly dirty and broken up to amp-pushing, eardrum-crushing glory," with hints of classic rock tones and a modern metal overview1. It is a pedal, not a rack unit: as the review puts it, "this one brings the fire and thunder right to your pedalboard"1.
What it does
The Hesher v3 is described by Pedal of the Day as a Marshall-in-a-box, gathering "several famous amplifier circuits from across the pond together into one" preamp pedal1. Its circuit nods back to multiple '80s circuits: "Elements of the JCM 800 are present, for sure, as well as hints of the 8100 and 2204 models"1.
Where many amp-style preamp pedals use JFET stages, this one does not. The review notes that "This Marshall-In-A-Box doesn't use any JFETs, instead opting for a unique opamp gain staging topology unique to this design"1.
The controls
The tone network is where the Hesher v3 differs most from the amps it draws from. Pedal of the Day describes it as highly interactive: "altering the setting of one control can change the way the others behave"1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Mid | Anti-log pot for dialing in more mid-focused tones, replacing the classic JCM mid control1 |
| Presence | Adjusts the amount of boost or cut in the upper high frequency range1 |
| Volume | Plenty of volume on tap to give a nice boost if needed1 |
The Mid control is the clearest departure from the JCM 800 layout. "Shifting away from the classic JCM mid control, Hesher features an anti-log pot to help with dialing in those more mid-focused tones"1. On the amp itself, the mid control sits post-gain and in the high mids, a point Sweetwater's presenter Nick makes when explaining JCM800-style middle controls on other pedals2. The Hesher's anti-log taper changes how that sweep feels under the hand, favoring mid-forward settings.
Because the tone controls interact, a change to one knob can shift how the others respond. Expect to balance Mid, Presence and Volume together rather than setting each one in isolation1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's reviewer came away impressed: "The Hesher v3 Preamp sounds great, from the first time you engage it with your rig, instantly transforming your sound and tone"1.
Videos
Bryce VanHoosen
Metalhead Productions
Pedal of the Day
Questions
Does the This Heavy Earth Hesher v3 use JFETs?
No. Pedal of the Day's review describes the Hesher v3 as a Marshall-in-a-box that does not use any JFETs, instead opting for a unique opamp gain staging topology specific to this design. That sets it apart from many preamp pedals that use JFET stages to imitate tube amp feel.
Which Marshall amps does the Hesher v3 draw from?
Pedal of the Day describes the circuit as nodding back to multiple '80s circuits, with elements of the JCM 800 present as well as hints of the 8100 and 2204 models. The pedal gathers several famous British amplifier circuits into one box.
How is the Mid control different from a JCM 800 mid knob?
Rather than keeping the classic JCM mid control, the Hesher v3 uses an anti-log pot for the Mid control, which Pedal of the Day says helps with dialing in more mid-focused tones. The tone network is also highly interactive, so changing one control can change how the others behave.
Is the Hesher v3 a pedal or a rack unit?
It is a pedal. Pedal of the Day's review describes it as bringing the fire and thunder right to your pedalboard, in preamp pedal format rather than as a rack unit.
Sources (2)
- This Heavy Earth Hesher v3 Preamp, Pedal of the Day, 2024-09-26
- JHS Sweet Tea V3 2-in-1 Dual Overdrive Pedal Review, Sweetwater (YouTube channel), 2017-12-26