About This Item
Description
The Jackson Audio Hour Glass packs two fully independent analog OTA compressor circuits into a single compact pedal, so you can dial in one voicing for single coils and a second for humbuckers, or engage both for extended sustain.
Both circuits are inspired by the classic Ross OTA compressor. Each has its own Level, Sustain and Blend controls plus its own attack and treble switches, and the Blend control gives parallel compression that keeps your pick attack and dynamics.
Why guitarists choose the Hour Glass
- Two completely independent OTA compressor circuits mean two guitars, two pickup types, or two playing styles can each get their own dialed-in compression.
- Engaging both compressor circuits together gives a sustain effect beyond what a single compressor stage delivers.
- Switchable Fast/Medium/Slow attack times (100/400/1600ms) shape everything from percussive funk compression to smooth sustain.
- A three-position Treble switch (Flat/Medium/High) adds top-end sparkle back into a compressed signal.
- Accepts 9V to 18V DC and draws about 60mA, in a small 2.5" x 4.25" enclosure with top-mounted jacks.
Controls and switches
- SUSTAIN (per circuit) — Sets the amount and length of compression, from subtle leveling to heavy squish and sustain.
- BLEND (per circuit) — Mixes dry and compressed signal for parallel compression.
- LEVEL (per circuit) — Sets the output level of each compressor circuit.
- ATTACK switch (per circuit) — Selects Fast (100ms), Medium (400ms), or Slow (1600ms) attack.
- TREBLE switch (per circuit) — Selects Flat, Medium, or High treble boost for the compressed signal.
- Two footswitches — One per compressor: run Compressor A, Compressor B, or both.
Connections and power
- Runs on a 9-18V DC center-negative supply (2.1mm barrel) drawing about 60mA.
- Top-mounted input and output jacks for easier pedalboard mounting.
| Effect type | Dual independent analog OTA compressor |
|---|---|
| Controls | LEVEL, SUSTAIN, BLEND per circuit; ATTACK and TREBLE switches; 2 footswitches |
| Attack | Fast 100 ms / Medium 400 ms / Slow 1600 ms |
| Treble | Flat / Medium / High |
| Power | 9-18V DC center-negative |
| Current draw | 60 mA |
| Input impedance | 1 MΩ |
| Output impedance | 100 kΩ |
| Footprint | 2.5 x 4.25 in (64 x 108 mm) |
| Jacks | Top-mounted |
| Warranty | 5-year Jackson Audio VIP Warranty |
FAQ
Can I use both compressors at the same time? Yes. Engaging both circuits stacks them for extended sustain beyond what either compressor delivers alone.
Can I set up separate compression for two guitars? Yes. Because the two OTA circuits are fully independent, many players dial one in for single-coil guitars and the other for humbuckers, then switch between them.
What attack times are available? Each compressor has three switchable options: Fast (100ms), Medium (400ms), and Slow (1600ms).
Does the Hour Glass run on 18V? Yes. It accepts 9-18V DC center negative and draws about 60mA, so it suits standard multi-voltage pedalboard power supplies.
What circuit is it based on? Both compressors are inspired by the classic Ross OTA compressor, with a Blend control added for parallel compression.
Does the Hour Glass have MIDI or presets? No. Attack time and treble voicing are set with toggle switches, and there is no MIDI or stored preset system.