About This Item
Description
PRISM packs three completely discrete boost and preamp circuits, a non-interacting +/-15dB active EQ, and a high-current output buffer into one stainless steel enclosure, letting a single pedal cover treble-booster sparkle, tube-amp push, and transparent JFET clarity.
Why guitarists choose the Prism
- Three completely discrete boost/preamp circuits, COLOR (vintage silicon treble booster), AMP (MOSFET tube-amp-style boost), and TRANS (18V-powered transparent JFET boost), share zero circuitry with each other, and each sits in its own true-bypass loop.
- A non-interacting +/-15dB active EQ (BODY and TONE) shapes tone without one control affecting the other.
- Relay-based true bypass with a soft-touch momentary footswitch is rated for over 100,000 switching cycles.
- A high-current output buffer at the very end of the signal path protects tone over long cable runs and complex pedalboards.
- Programmable boot-up state and LED brightness let you set PRISM to power up engaged or bypassed, and save that setting.
Controls and switches
- TONE — Active EQ control for high frequencies, +/-15dB, independent of BODY.
- BODY — Active EQ control for low frequencies, +/-15dB, independent of TONE.
- BOOST — Sets the overall output level of the selected boost/preamp circuit, working with PRE GAIN to set the gain-to-boost ratio.
- PRE GAIN switch — Selects HIGH (heavy breakup), MED (mild breakup), or LOW (maximum clean headroom).
- CIRCUIT SELECT switch — Chooses between the COLOR, AMP, and TRANS boost/preamp circuits.
- BYPASS switch — Relay true bypass footswitch; hold 5 seconds to enter programming mode for boot-up state and LED brightness.
- Indicator LED — Shows on/off status and changes color to indicate boost level.
Placement
- PRISM is designed to go first in the signal chain: the EQ is most effective there, and the COLOR treble booster works best connected directly to the guitar, cleaning up from the guitar's volume control.
Power and pedalboard compatibility
Requires a 9V DC center-negative supply drawing a minimum of 100 mA; an internal regulator and an 18V charge pump manage voltage internally, so do not power PRISM at 18V. Power supply not included.
| Model | Jackson Audio PRISM |
|---|---|
| Effect type | Buffer, boost, preamp, EQ and overdrive platform |
| Circuits | COLOR (silicon treble booster), AMP (MOSFET), TRANS (18V JFET) |
| EQ | Active BODY (lows) and TONE (highs), +/-15dB each |
| Controls | TONE, BODY, BOOST, PRE GAIN switch, CIRCUIT SELECT switch, BYPASS footswitch |
| Bypass | Relay true bypass, rated 100,000+ cycles; high-current output buffer |
| Signal path | Analog |
| Power | 9V DC center-negative (internal 18V charge pump) |
| Current draw | 100 mA minimum |
| Footprint | 2.5 x 4.875 in (64 x 124 mm) |
| Enclosure | Stainless steel |
| MIDI | No |
| Warranty | 5-year Jackson Audio VIP Warranty |
FAQ
What is the difference between the COLOR, AMP, and TRANS circuits? COLOR is a vintage silicon treble booster, AMP is a MOSFET boost that emulates an overdriven tube amp, and TRANS is an ultra-transparent JFET boost running at 18V internally. Each is a fully discrete circuit in its own true-bypass loop.
Can I run PRISM at 18V for more headroom? No. PRISM's internal regulator holds incoming power at a precise 9V, and running at 18V will not change the tone while shortening the regulator's life; an internal charge pump already raises voltage to 18V for the TRANS circuit.
Do the BODY and TONE controls interact? No. Both are active EQ controls with +/-15dB of range and are designed to not interact with each other.
What is the bypass type? Relay-based true bypass with a soft-touch momentary footswitch, rated for over 100,000 cycles, plus a high-current output buffer at the end of the signal path.
Where should PRISM go in my signal chain? First. The EQ is most effective at the front of the chain, and the COLOR treble booster responds best when connected directly to the guitar.
Can I set PRISM to power up already engaged? Yes. Hold the BYPASS switch for 5 seconds to enter programming mode, press BYPASS to toggle the boot-up state, turn BOOST to set LED brightness, then hold BYPASS for 5 seconds to save.
What power does PRISM need? A 9V DC center-negative supply delivering at least 100 mA.
Does PRISM have MIDI? No. PRISM is a fully analog pedal controlled from its knobs, switches and footswitch.