Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 9 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (35)
$449.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$449.00
Amazon
4.7 (108)
$449.00
Reverb
5.0 (39)
$393.77 New
$349.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (2)
$449.00
zZounds
5.0 (8)
$449.00
Thomann
4.6 (20)
$449.00 $444.00 $5.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£399.00

Average Price: $431

Standard/Professional

$249

$500+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "JHS Colour Box V2". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the JHS Colour Box V2, a sonic chameleon that brings the legendary sound of vintage recording consoles to your musical setup. Whether you're a guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, or vocalist, this versatile pedal enhances your tone with its fully analog, transformer-based design.

The JHS Colour Box V2 is more than just a pedal - it's a tone-shaping wizard capable of recreating classic tones or helping you produce unique signature sounds. Its harmonically rich character, thanks to the Lundahl transformers, can be subtly sweet or wildly overdriven, depending on your taste. At the heart of its design are two gain stages that provide everything from a gentle dusting of tonal sweetening to a full-on, gritty distortion.

The Colour Box V2 isn't just for live performances. It's an impressive studio tool, favored by engineers and acclaimed bands alike for adding personality and character to any recording. From vocals and bass to acoustic guitars and synths, this pedal can handle it all.

With expanded EQ controls, a Hi/Lo switch for clean headroom, and the ability to pass 48-volt phantom power to condenser mics, the JHS Colour Box V2 offers supreme flexibility. All these features are encased in a handcrafted, durable metal housing, a testament to the care that JHS invests in its products.

Key Features:

  • Preamp and EQ pedal for a variety of instruments and microphones
  • 100% analog signal path, inspired by vintage mixing consoles
  • Features Lundahl input and output transformers
  • Dual gain stages with over 39dB of gain
  • Powerful EQ section with Shift controls and a wide-ranging variable low-cut filter (60Hz–800Hz)
  • Can transfer 48-volt phantom power to condenser mics
  • Built-in Hi/Lo switch for clean headroom
  • Handcrafted and tested by the JHS team in Kansas City, Missouri.

Product specs

Type Guitar/Mic Preamp
EQ 3-band EQ, 3-band Shift Controls, Hi Pass
Controls Pre-Vol (drive), Step, Hi/Lo Switch
Inputs 1 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/Hi-Z)
Outputs 1 x 1/4" TS, 1 x XLR
Features -20dB Pad, Passes Phantom Power
Power Source 9V DC Negative Center power supply (sold separately)
Power Usage 193mA
Height 1.85"
Width 3.75"
Depth 5.7"

FAQs

What type of power supply does the JHS Colour Box V2 require?

The JHS Colour Box V2 requires a standard 9V DC Negative Center power supply and consumes 193mA of power.

Can the JHS Colour Box V2 be used with both guitars and microphones?

Yes, the JHS Colour Box V2 features a combo XLR-1/4" input jack, allowing you to connect either an instrument or a microphone.

What are the standout features of the JHS Colour Box V2 preamp?

The JHS Colour Box V2 offers dual gain stages with over 39dB of gain, a 3-band EQ with shift controls, and the ability to pass phantom power, making it versatile for both subtle sweetening and full-on distortion.

How does the JHS Colour Box V2 handle EQ adjustments?

The JHS Colour Box V2 includes a 3-band EQ with shift controls, allowing for precise tonal shaping to suit various instruments and microphones.

Does the JHS Colour Box V2 provide phantom power for condenser microphones?

Yes, the JHS Colour Box V2 can pass phantom power, making it suitable for use with condenser microphones.

JHS Pedals

JHS Pedals

How To Use The JHS Colour Box

Video thumbnail for How To Use The JHS Colour Box by JHS Pedals

How To Use The JHS Colour Box

JHS Pedals

JHS Pedals

Video thumbnail for Classic Direct Guitar Tones w/ JHS Colour Box V2 | Reverb Tone Report by Reverb

Classic Direct Guitar Tones w/ JHS Colour Box V2 | Reverb Tone Report

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for JHS Pedals Colour Box V2! by Living Room GD

JHS Pedals Colour Box V2!

Living Room GD

Living Room GD

Video thumbnail for JHS Pedals Colour Box V2 - Sound Demo (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

JHS Pedals Colour Box V2 - Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Video thumbnail for JHS Colour Box V2 Review + Demo by Nick Fiorentino

JHS Colour Box V2 Review + Demo

Nick Fiorentino

Nick Fiorentino

Video thumbnail for JHS Colour Box V2 Preamp Bass Demo by The Bass Channel

JHS Colour Box V2 Preamp Bass Demo

The Bass Channel

The Bass Channel

Video thumbnail for JHS Pedals Colour box V2 bass EQ demo by Juliet and the east

JHS Pedals Colour box V2 bass EQ demo

Juliet and the east

Juliet and the east

Video thumbnail for JHS Colour Box v2 & Hot Wax EHX for my MPC Live 2 Drums by MALO BEATS

JHS Colour Box v2 & Hot Wax EHX for my MPC Live 2 Drums

MALO BEATS

MALO BEATS

Video thumbnail for JHS Colour Box V2 Demo by James Thain Music

JHS Colour Box V2 Demo

James Thain Music

James Thain Music

Video thumbnail for JHS COLOUR BOX V2 Review by Justin Layman

JHS COLOUR BOX V2 Review

Justin Layman

Justin Layman

Video thumbnail for JHS Color Box V2 Sound like cranked Neve console ? by John AUBRY

JHS Color Box V2 Sound like cranked Neve console ?

John AUBRY

John AUBRY

Reviews

PROS

  • Mimics Neve console sound closely, offering high-quality tone

  • Versatile: works well with guitars, vocals, and other instruments

  • Provides a wide range of tones from clean to fuzz

  • Enhances natural harmonic content and clarity of instruments

  • High-quality EQ and gain staging for detailed sound shaping

  • Can be used as a preamp, overdrive, or DI box effectively

  • Adds analog warmth and color to recordings, avoiding VST glitches

  • Excellent build quality and durability

  • Positive impact on tonal flexibility and presence

CONS

  • Prone to noise and hiss, especially with dirty power

  • Lack of memory function for saving settings

  • Can be difficult to integrate into some pedalboards due to size

  • Some users find it difficult to set up and dial in desired tones

  • High cost can be a barrier for some potential users

Critic Reviews

JHS Pedals Colour Box V2 Preamp Review in Pictures - Guitar Chalk

guitarchalk.com

The JHS Colour Box V2 shines with its exceptional clean tones and extensive EQ control, making it a formidable asset for any rig. It excels in enhancing the clarity and richness of your sound, whether used as an amp replacement or a pedal. However, its high-gain capabilities may disappoint, leaning more towards fuzz than distortion, which could limit its appeal for some players. Additionally, the price tag is on the steep side, which may deter budget-conscious musicians. Overall, while it offers impressive versatility and tonal shaping, it's not without its drawbacks, especially for those seeking heavier tones.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
the_boneless_boy

Good stuff

Great degree of control, really only gripe is the size, can be hard to fit on a board, but I use it as a desk preamp anyway.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rubin Pollock uses JHS Colour Box V2

Rubin Pollock

Guitarist

Kaleo

...
Verified via YouTube

At 21:21 in the "KALEO Rig Rundown with Rubin Pollock" video by Premier Guitar, a JHS Colour Box V2 preamp pedal is clearly visible as part of Rubin Pollock's pedalboard setup.

See how Scott Mills uses JHS Colour Box V2

Scott Mills

Guitarist

Colony House

...
Verified via Photo

Scott Mills uses the JHS Colour Box V2 to add some gain, as evidenced by its repeated appearance during his gear overviews. ![Proof Image](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/source/image/170405/F8D7D94E-AA9A-4026-9594-B7BA192D69D3.png)

See how Joshua Mobaraki uses JHS Colour Box V2

Joshua Mobaraki

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Wet Leg

...
Verified via YouTube

In this reverb promotional video, we can see Joshua's pedalboard at 2:10 which features the JHS Colour Box V2

J

Jano Rix

Drummer

The Wood Brothers

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video titled "The Wood Brothers' Drum Rundown with Jano Rix" on YouTube, Jano Rix discusses the usage and features of the JHS Colour Box V2, confirming that it is part of his pedalboard setup. This information is presented at the 26:48 mark of the video, produced by Drum Rundown and filmed at The Studio Nashville, engineered by Will Tyson.

See how Saguiv Rosenstock uses JHS Colour Box V2

Saguiv Rosenstock

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo from a YHWH Nailgun gig, guitarist Saguiv Rosenstock is clearly using the JHS Colour Box V2 pedal on his pedalboard, as shown in an image shared on Reddit.

See how Austin Hull uses JHS Colour Box V2

Austin Hull

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "My DREAM Home Studio Tour (Austin Hull Studio Tour)" by Make Pop Music on YouTube, Austin Hull is seen using the JHS Colour Box V2 preamp pedal. The pedal is visible at the 7:20 mark and is shown by Austin Hull at 7:36.

See how Brendan Bond uses JHS Colour Box V2

Brendan Bond

Bassist

Black Pumas

...
Verified via YouTube

In an interview with Premier Guitar's "Rig Rundown" series, Brendan Bond, bassist for Black Pumas, explicitly discusses his use of the JHS Colour Box V2. At the 44:58 mark, the pedal is shown close up on his pedal board, and Bond explains how he uses it humorously as a simple overdrive.

See how meija uses JHS Colour Box V2

meija

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this instagram story from the 18th of June 2025, we can see meija's full pedalboard including the Colour Box V2

Album Usage

The JHS Colour Box V2 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use JHS Colour Box V2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
13thfloorcowboy

13thfloorcowboy

Gear IQ 3956

roc_local

roc_local

Gear IQ 141

awwim

awwim

Gear IQ 1869

marvensroom

marvensroom

Gear IQ 86

D

deathaftersex

Gear IQ 67

5 alternative and related items for JHS Colour Box V2, curated by the Equipboard community.

JHS Colour Box V2 10 Year Anniversary Limited Edition

$444.00 - $449.00

limited edition

A limited editon, Neve inspired color scheme offered for the V2 Colour Box.

JHS Crayon

$183.00 - $199.00

cheaper alternative

“Little brother to the Colour Box”, as described in the official product description: https://www.jhspedals.info/crayon

LITTLE BROTHER TO THE COLOUR BOX

The JHS Pedals Colour Box began with a simple idea: create a pedal that sounds like plugging directly into a vintage preamp and cranking it. No amp, no speaker, just DI goodness. Well, the Colour Box became much more as we got into designing it. Thus we decided it was time to pare it down and give guitar players and bass players a simplified version that gives you the distinct compressed overdrive and fuzz sounds you’ve heard on so many classic recordings. The Crayon is just that, a powerful little box that has all the color and characteristics of a vintage studio preamp when cranked.

AMS Neve 1073

$3,205.39 - $4,115.00

similar sound high-end alternative

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