JHS Pedals

collapse expand iconDescription

Pink Floyd’s “Breathe,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Star Spangled Banner live at Woodstock 1969," and Robin Trower’s “Bridge of Sighs” cemented the sound of a photocell-based vibe effect as an electric guitar standard. The JHS Pedals Unicorn is the company's version of this heralded effect, continuing the inspiring modulation/phasing/rotary sounds that never fail to push musical boundaries. And just like the originals, the designers included a toggle for choosing between a Uni-Vibe effect and a traditional vibrato setting.

What sets Unicorn apart from all other vibe-style circuits is that it is the first-ever fully analog, photocell-based vibe with tap tempo as well as ratio, external tap control, and external rate control via expression pedal (optional). And the Unicorn does it all with only four knobs and a mini-toggle switch. It's the first-ever, 100% analog vibe photocell modulator with onboard tap tempo.

Sounds as good as you remember
The Unicorn is bursting with all the lush and washy pulsations that changed what the electric guitar could sound like in the 1960s. And this is no digital emulation. The Unicorn sports the real-deal, analog photocell topology of the original units.

In-depth tempo control
There are other analog vibe pedals and there are pedals with tap-tempo control, but - if we’re allowed to gloat for a second - the JHS Unicorn is the first to put ‘em together. Add optional external speed control and a ratio knob that determines the rhythmic subdivisions - or as we like to say, how much fairy dust enters into the flux capacitor of the Unicorn - and you have one of the most versatile vibe pedals on the market.

External tempo and expression control
But wait, there’s more! One of the things that makes the vintage Shin-ei* Uni-Vibes* so desirable is your ability to control the effect’s rate in real time with an external expression pedal. How could we not include that!? And to go one step further, you can slave the pedal to other tap-controlled pedals for rhythmic consistency across all your effects.

Couldn’t be easier to use
One of the things we’re most proud of with the Unicorn Uni-vibe* Photocell Modulator is how easy it is to dial up the exact pulse of a mystical Unicorn running across a field of 4-leaf clovers… but only if you dare.

What's new in the V2?
The original Unicorn sounds great and works perfectly, so we didn't change a thing about it other than: its now half the size, and its a lower price point!
Open Box JHS Pedals Unicorn V2 Analog Uni-Vibe Effects Pedal Level 2  197881351243

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Sounds like the originals because it’s built like the originals
  • All-analog signal path delivers a warm, touch-sensitive tone
  • Dry/Wet toggle selects between a Uni-Vibe and vibrato effect
  • Control the rate of the effect with the Speed knob or onboard tap-tempo footswitch
  • Want quarter note, dotted eighth, or triplet rhythms? They’re all found on the Ratio knob
  • LED indicator notifies you of the effect’s tempo, even when disengaged
  • Internal Tap/Expression mini switch controls the side-mounted Tap/Exp TRS jack
  • Expression pedal control of the Unicorn’s rate in the Exp setting
  • Use an external source to control the rate in the Tap Out setting
  • Four knobs and a mini toggle are all you need for a world of syrupy, modulated tones
  • Left two controls are your tone, right two controls are your speed, toggle is your effect. It’s that simple

collapse expand iconSpecs

  • Requires standard 9V DC Negative power
  • Consumes less than 100mA
  • Dimensions: 2.2” x 4.8" x 1.6"

Featured Articles

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5

4 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

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Best Uses
  1. Amateur Recording3
  2. Home Studio3
  3. Performances2
  4. Professional Recording2
Cons
  1. I tried other pedals first1
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  1. Experienced4
Pros
  1. Excellent Sound Quality4
  2. Good Selection Of Effects4
  3. Responsive4
  4. Versatile4
  5. Compact3
  • Great functions

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 years ago

    byKevin, G

    fromDallas, TX

    Easy to dial in great sounds. I thought the tap tempo was a nice add but then I started using it. Great bonus function and allows me to change pace on the fly. I had purchased other vibrato pedals and should have invested in this one first.

  • This thing is awesome

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byAndy T

    fromChicago

    The unicorn blew me away. Far exceeded my expectations just based on watching YouTube reviews.

  • Great pedal

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byNordic Axeman

    fromUp north

    I think the best way to explain this pedal is go compare it to two others. The MXR univibe. Is not a true univibe. It sounds good, but if you are looking for those deep warbles and swirls found on Hendrix and Pink Floyd records, you will find it underwhelming, as I did. The EHX Goodvibes is a true photocell circuit. And at a decent price point. Good pedal. This pedal the JHS Unicorn. In my opinion not only has superior sound quality, but it also has tap tempo. Which is handy. If you are looking for a great vibe, you found it. However, if you just want a univibe. You could save $50 and get the EHX Goodvibes. Or, if you just want something kinda univibe like, you could get the MXR univibe, which again. Does not use a true photocell circuit like the ordinals.

  • Great Univibe

    5

    submitted6 years ago

    byDC

    fromHickory NC

    I searched for a while for a nice affordable analog univibe and I always seemed too find myself back at the unicorn. It feels solid and sounds even better and in my opinion it is probably one of the best quality vibes on the market. All in a pretty compact package and for a very reasonable price compared too some other higher end vibes on the market. Jhs makes solid stuff and they seem to care about our tone as much as we do. I'm picky when it comes to my effects but I'm very satisfied with my Unicorn and I feel that you will be too.

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Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byMikey G

    fromOrlando Fl

    Is this vibe brighter sounding than mxr univibe? I wish the mxr pedal had a tone knob. That's why I'm considering replacing it with this jhs vibe.

    Is this vibe brighter sounding than mxr univibe? I wish the mxr pedal had a tone knob. That's why I'm considering replacing it with this jhs vibe.

    Open Reply - Thomas
    I’m sorry, we don’t have that information available