JAM Pedals Rattler MkII Distortion Guitar Pedal
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JAM pedals is famous for elevating classic pedal designs and NOS (New Old Stock) components to their highest potential. But with the LM308 chip used in the original Rat and Rattler pedal, sometimes "New Old Stock" becomes "No Old Stock". Enter the new JAM Rattler MkII. For the new Rattler, JAM develop their own discrete component analog Op Amp to replace the LM308. Discrete components means that it's constructed of individual components (resistors, transistors, etc.) rather than a miniaturized integrated circuit (the "chip" seen on the circuit board of many effect pedals). Looking inside you'll notice that the new JAM circuit is a good bit larger than the typical chip (see photos). While they had the hood open, JAM also added a midrange boost footswitch, and a toggle to select symmetrical or asymmetrical clipping (the original Rattler is asymmetrical-only, while the Rattler LTD is symmetrical). So how does it sound?
The new MkII Rattler retains what we love about the original: Incredibly tasty grind that thickens single notes like few other pedals can, without becoming compressed and mushy. In asymmetrical form you get the true "Rat" tone which can take you from light overdrive to aggressive distortion/fuzz. The symmetrical mode is a little smoother and thicker sounding, and a touch less "nasty". Your preference may depend on your amp, pickups, etc. With a Strat or P-90 we were digging the symmetrical, while humbuckers may benefit from the extra edge of asymmetrical.
The mid-boost footswitch is internally adjustable for boost level and bass content, and as JAM says, it's not a volume boost. It's big, thick, meaty and makes the Rattler a true two-function pedal. It's a whole new dimension of Rattler, and definitely benefits from the added functionality of the internal trimmers.
Differences? The natural voicing seems a little warmer than the original, and we like the way it works with single coils. With the old Rattler we typically had the tone around 9 o'clock, and with the MkII there is more usable range. However, the hallmark of the original LM308 Rattler is how it cleans up on turn-down. Here we think the original Rattler still has the edge, and the MkII retained a little more grit as we rolled off the volume.
Nothing lasts forever, and JAM not only did a great job replacing the legendary LM308 component, but added features that makes it more useful to a wider range of guitar players.
In the words of JAM pedals....
We have always prided ourselves on refining and delivering the iconic tones of early 80s distortion boxes with our RATTLER. Now, the snake has shed its old skin to usher in a new era of decadent saturation!
WHAT'S NEW:
1. MID BOOST:
Use the second footswitch to engage a mid boost before the Rattler, adding new dimensions to your tone. Don’t think of this as a volume boost but as a tone enhancer!
With internal controls for the boost’s level and bass content, we made sure it will deliver through any setup.
2. CUSTOM OP-AMP:
With the LM308 chips being long discontinued and hard to find, we developed a custom op-amp to ensure a dependable supply. Our proprietary design, featuring discrete components, preserves the open, dynamic, and tube-amp feel that made the original Rattler so revered.
3. CLIPPING OPTIONS:
Use the onboard 2-way toggle-switch to choose between the new symmetrical and original asymmetrical clipping options for distinct feel and saturation profiles.
4. Featuring click-less footswitching for smoother operation.
5. You can also select the startup state of the RATTLER upon receiving power to be On or Off.