JHS Colour Box V2 Preamp/EQ Effects Pedal

Vintage Tones, Modern Versatility – The JHS Colour Box V2 Preamp/EQ Effects Pedal

The Colour Box V2 has all the same functionality of the V1 with many new and improved additions like expanded EQ controls, a Hi/Lo switch for massive clean headroom, and the ability to pass phantom power to your condenser mics.

• Addition of an Output transformer
• Safely Passes 48V Phantom Power
• EQ Shift Knobs for precision EQ control
• Hi/Lo Switch for ultra clean headroom
• 100% available clean signal even on acoustic guitar
• Silent switching, aka no “switch-pop”
• Runs on standard 9V DC Neg power

Feature and Controls

The Gain section in red has three controls: Master, Pre-Vol, and Step. The Master volume controls the overall volume of the unit. The Pre-Vol controls the amount of gain between the two internal gain stages. This acts as a “drive” or “gain” control, adding more grit, distortion, and even fuzz as you increase the gain.

The Step control increases the gain of each preamp stage in five stages. Rotating the Step knob from left-to-right will increase the gain by the following: 1st is +18 dB, 2nd is +23 dB, 3rd is +28 dB, 4th is +33 dB, 5th is +39 dB.

The Colour Box V2 has a new Hi / Lo switch to control the amount of clean headroom you have available. In the Lo mode, you will easily be able to get ultra clean sounds without breakup. Lo Mode is excellent for tone shaping when distortion is not needed. In the Hi mode, the Colour Box V2 will distort much more readily, giving you a broad spectrum of overdrive, distortion, and fuzz sounds.

In addition to the Hi / Lo gain switch, there is a -20dB pad switch on the right side of the Colour Box V2. This function only works when in XLR input mode and can help tame the volume for high output microphones.

Most Powerful EQ Yet

The EQ section in blue has three new Shift controls correlating to its standard Treble, Middle and Bass controls. The classically labeled EQ knobs adjust the amount of frequencies that get boosted and cut, while the Shift knobs adjust the range of frequencies that the Treble, Middle, and Bass knobs control.

EQ Functions

• Treble Knob – Cut/Boost Control +/-15dB flat at noon. CCW cuts, CW boosts.
• Middle Knob – Cut/Boost Control +/- 10dB flat at noon. CCW cuts, CW boosts.
• Bass Knob – Cut/Boost Control +/-15dB flat at noon. CCW cuts, CW boosts.

Frequencies controlled by EQ Shift Knobs

• Treble Shift – 2kHz to 30kHz – CCW lowers the center Freq, CW raises the center Freq.
• Middle Shift – 150Hz to 2.4kHz – CCW lowers the center Freq, CW raises the center Freq.
• Bass Shift – 20Hz to 440Hz – CCW lowers the center Freq, CW raises the center Freq.

The Hi-Pass section is enabled by the toggle switch below the Hi-Pass knob. Just flip it up to engage the Hi-Pass knob. The HPF is a 2nd order 6dB per octave highpass filter. The -3dB cutoff freq (the frequency at which the filter starts to act) can be adjusted from 160Hz to 650Hz.

XLR, Inputs and Output

The Colour Box V2 has a combo XLR & 1/4” instrument input jack. Run any instrument or microphone into the Colour Box and
select which input you are using with the INST/XLR dip switch located on the right side of the pedal. The 1/4” mono output
and the XLR output are independent and allow you to run parallel outputs to two destinations. For example, run the 1/4”
mono out into your guitar amplifier and at the same time run the XLR output to your front-of-house mixing board. Another
example of using parallel outputs would be to track amp tones and the “direct in” sound of your performance onto two
separate tracks.

The Colour Box V2 has a combination XLR and 1/4″ input jack to use either an instrument or microphone. Select your input with the input selector switch on the right side of the pedal labeled INST/XLR.

Manufacturer: JHS Pedals
Model: COLOUR BOX V2
SKU: I623212-N-0-WHXB
UPC: 650415212224

We are Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center

Since 1958, Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center has been the trusted destination for musicians and audio professionals across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Family-owned and operated, our legendary music store delivers Everything in Music®—from instruments and recording gear to pro audio, rentals, and repair services.

Our team of musicians and industry experts lives and breathes gear, helping you build the perfect setup for your next performance, studio session, or installation. As an authorized dealer for top brands, we also offer our award-winning CHUCKSCLUSIVE line—exclusive, limited-edition instruments and collaborations recognized with the NAMM Top 100 Dealer Innovation Award for redefining what a music retail experience can be.

Chuck Levin’s isn’t just a store—it’s a community built by players, engineers, and creators who share a lifelong passion for sound. Stop by our legendary Wheaton, MD showroom or contact us anytime for expert advice, product questions, or the best possible deal on your next piece of gear.