JHS 500 Series Emperor

0 wishlisted

0 saved

Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Unleash your creativity and shape your sound with the JHS 500 Series Emperor, a versatile effects processor that bridges the gap between studio finesse and live performance dynamism. This mono 500 Series modulation unit brings tap-tempo control to your fingertips through its intuitive front panel push-button, or via an external switch or foot pedal, giving you precise timing in every beat. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Emperor's switchable chorus and vibrato modes offer a rich palette of textures, from lush, swirling choruses to subtle, spine-tingling vibratos.

The Emperor is designed with a wet/dry blend control, allowing you to dial in just the right amount of effect to complement your sound without overpowering it. Its tap jack doubles as an expression pedal input, offering even more flexibility and control over your modulation effects. Whether you're a producer seeking to add depth and dimension to your tracks or a musician looking to enhance your live performances, the JHS 500 Series Emperor is your go-to tool for sonic exploration.

Key Features:

Mono 500 Series modulation unit
Tap-tempo control via front panel push-button or external switch/foot pedal
Switchable chorus and vibrato modes
Wet/dry blend control
Tap jack doubles as an input for an expression pedal

Product specs

Brand	JHS
Model	500 Series Emperor
Year	2016 - 2017
Made In	United States
Categories	500 Series Modules and Frames, Multi-Effect

FAQs

What type of effects does the JHS 500 Series Emperor provide?: The JHS 500 Series Emperor offers a range of modulation effects, including chorus and vibrato, designed for use in a 500 Series rack format, providing versatile sound-shaping options for studio recording.
Is the JHS 500 Series Emperor compatible with all 500 Series racks?: Yes, the JHS 500 Series Emperor is designed to fit standard 500 Series racks, making it a versatile addition to any studio setup that uses this format.
Can the JHS 500 Series Emperor be used for both live and studio settings?: While the JHS 500 Series Emperor is primarily designed for studio use within a 500 Series rack, its robust construction and high-quality effects make it suitable for live applications where modular gear is used.
What are the standout features of the JHS 500 Series Emperor?: The JHS 500 Series Emperor features high-quality modulation effects, including a true analog signal path, tap tempo control, and a wide range of adjustable parameters, making it a versatile tool for creative sound design.

Videos

Add video

Eirik Stordrange

JHS 500 Emperor with guitar, bass and in a MIX! (demo)

Eirik Stordrange

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about JHS 500 Series Emperor.

Use cases and applications

0 0

The JHS Emperor and BBE Maximizer are speculated to be used together for drum processing, potentially adding unique sound textures to the drum bus.
Source
0 0

The Emperor might be part of a vox chain, offering modulation effects that enhance vocal tracks alongside other processing modules.
Source
0 0

The combination of the DIYRE Colour Palette with a Shure Level Loc color option may be used for mono drums, aligning with noted professionals' setups.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The choice of the Burl B1 over the B1D suggests a preference for its specific tonal characteristics, possibly affecting how it's used in a signal chain.
Source
0 0

The Emperor is often compared to other modulation pedals, but its analog nature and tap functionality make it a standout choice for those prioritizing lushness and control.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The Acme Audio Motown DI is noted for its typical use with bass, but its placement in the middle row implies versatility across different instruments.
Source
0 0

The JHS Emperor's tap tempo feature is highly praised, with users appreciating its all-analog bucket brigade design for delivering lush chorus effects.
Source

Build quality

0 0

The Emperor is noted to be slightly larger than some users prefer, which might influence its placement on a pedalboard.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners have expressed love for the JHS Emperor despite its size, indicating they find its sound and functionality worth the pedalboard space.
Source