Strymon Fairfax Analog Stage Drive

Features

Strymon Fairfax – Class A Analog Output Stage Drive

Analog Drive / Distortion with Valve Amp Feel

The Strymon Fairfax is a completely unique analog drive pedal that miniaturizes the dynamic behavior of a vintage Class A valve amplifier. It is not a standard distortion or overdrive: it is a true analog micro‑amplifier designed to deliver natural sound, responsive dynamics, and harmonically rich saturation just like a real tube amplifier.

Developed as the first model of Strymon’s Series A — a new line dedicated to fully analog circuits without DSP, MIDI, or digital features — the Fairfax combines sophisticated analog technology with intuitive controls for uncompromising expressiveness.

Key Features

• 100% analog circuit emulating a Class A valve output stage, including output transformer interaction.
• Internal power supply that boosts 9 V DC to 40 V via a galvanically isolated converter for wide headroom and amp‑like dynamics.
• Drive and Level controls to adjust saturation and output level naturally.
• Variable Sag control simulating the voltage drop typical of valve amps, affecting compression and dynamic response.
• Bright switch to adjust high-frequency response, from soft and vintage to bright and open.
• True Bypass to preserve signal purity when the pedal is not active.
• High-impedance JFET input and low-impedance output for wide compatibility with modern rigs.
• Robust and compact construction, designed and built in the USA.

Sound and Feel

• The Fairfax doesn’t just “dirty up” your tone: it responds like a real valve amp to pick attack, guitar volume, and interaction with other pedals.
• At low Drive levels, it provides a natural harmonic push and mild saturation — perfect as a boost or gentle amp drive.
• At higher Drive levels, the pedal transforms into a source of full, creamy saturation with rich harmonics and sensitive dynamic response.
• The Sag control allows everything from soft compression to nearly fuzzy or gated saturation at maximum, greatly expanding the tonal palette.
• The result is an organic, warm, and three-dimensional tone, ideal for players seeking the feel of small vintage tube amplifiers.

Ideal For

• Rock, blues, and vintage guitarists seeking valve amp feel
• Musicians looking for dynamic, touch-sensitive drive
• Setups that benefit from natural saturation without digital processing
• Analog-first pedalboard enthusiasts wanting simple, pure tone without presets or menus
• Anyone desiring wide headroom and organic response with any amplifier or modeling rig

Technical Specifications

• Type: Analog Drive / Distortion
• Circuit: 100% Class A analog
• Controls: Drive, Level, Sag
• Switch: Bright (On/Off)
• Bypass: True Bypass
• Input: Mono 1/4"
• Output: Mono 1/4"
• Power: 9 V DC (500 mA min, center negative)
• Internal Conversion: 9 V → 40 V for amp-like headroom
• Construction: Made in USA
• Format: Compact pedal
• Connectivity: No digital functions (no MIDI/USB)

EAN