Strymon Fairfax Class-A Output Stage Drive Pedal

Price
$ 199.00

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Strymon Fairfax Class-A Output Stage Drive Pedal

 

Miniature Marvel
Fairfax isn’t really a distortion pedal. Instead, it’s a complete miniature amplifier in 100% analog form, based upon a little-known device from the 60’s that powered a number of classic rock anthems. 

The sound and feel is extremely tube-like, with added harmonics and saturation coming from a clever circuit that emulates the critical behavior of a tube amp’s output transformer. It’s a drive pedal that feels completely natural to play, retains the natural sound of your guitar, and glues notes together in a truly organic way.

More Than A Drive Pedal
Fairfax began as an engineering experiment, initially inspired by the original Garnet Amplifiers Herzog tube drive unit designed for Randy Bachman in 1965. Our analog guys decided to try and recreate all of the critical elements of a custom Champ-like tube amp circuit fully in the analog domain, but small enough to fit into a pedal enclosure (so it couldn’t use real tubes or an output transformer). 

The final design features a cleverly miniaturized tube preamp, Class A power amp and an ingenious custom circuit that emulates the saturation characteristics of the output transformer (which is absolutely vital to get the sound right).

There’s even a variable Sag circuit that behaves just like a real tube amp does. At low Sag values the behavior is mild and only slightly compressed, and at max values the JFETs can go crazy and unbias — which gates the signal — leading to spitting and chortling sounds more commonly associated with fuzzes.

In order for Fairfax to behave like a real amplifier it needed a massive amount of operating voltage, so a transformer-based power supply converts the 9VDC input voltage to 40V internally. This gives Fairfax the power that it needs for high headroom and amp-like feel, allowing for a wide range of tones. 

At lower Gain settings Fairfax can be sweet, gently pushing the input to your amp with additional harmonic richness, a touch of saturation and a flat frequency response. At higher Gain levels the sound becomes fully saturated, and that large range of gain on tap allows Fairfax to be used in nearly any setup imaginable.

 

Features

  • Complete tube amp circuit fully recreated in 100% analog.
  • Custom analog circuits recreate multiple tube stages and the critical output transformer.
  • Input voltage converted to 40V internally via galvanically isolated power supply.
  • Controls for Drive, Level and a variable Sag control.
  • Bright switch allows fine-tuning of the high frequency response.
  • Wide range of natural sounding and tube amp-like gain for maximum versatility.
  • Sag circuit allows mild Sag effects at lower settings and spitting and gated sounds at max.


Specs

  • Fully analog circuit.
  • True Bypass.
  • Mono in/out.
  • Dimensions: 4.53″ deep x 2.83″ wide x 2.33″ tall (11.51 cm x 7.19 cm x 5.92 cm)
  • Power requirements — maximum 9 volts DC center-negative, with a minimum of 500mA (power supply NOT included.)
Shipping Information

Shipping Policy

Flipside Music ships items within 2 business days of purchase. If an order is placed after 5pm, the next day would be considered the first business day.  We do not ship on the weekend. Fedex or USPS will be used to ship your purchase, if you have a preference for another shipping provider, please contact Ike or Dylan and we will work with you and the company you choose. Items ordered after 12pm on Fridays MST will be shipped out on the following Monday (shipping services don't pickup on weekends). 

Purchase confirmation emails will be sent after transaction is complete. Sometime these email can end up in a spam folder, depending on email provider and any applied filters. So check there if you don't see a confirmation email within 15 minutes. 

Flipside Music does ship used gear Internationally. Please contact us if you have questions regarding a specific item. we can provide a shipping estimate. International orders may be subject to destination countries sales, VAT or import tax. Please contact your countries duty center, prior to purchase for more information regarding these fees. Flipside music will not reduce listed price to avoid said duties.

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Return Policy
Return Policy

New Items:

We honor a 14 day return window on all new items.

If you feel the need to return an item, it must be in the sellable condition, no paint chips, scratches or broken parts. Sellable Condition means that the product(s) is in exactly the same condition as it was when you received it. The item must have all the original packaging, included accessories owner’s manuals and blank warranty card, no sign of wear or abuse.

Used and Vintage Gear:

We honor a 3 day return window on all used and vintage items.

All our used gear is tested for functionality prior to being available for purchase and therefore only carries a 3 day approval period. If you would like to make a return just let us know within the 3 day window.

Damaged or Defective Items:

We visually inspect all items before shipment. If you believe you have received a damaged or defective product, please contact us immediately so we can work through the issue. Guitars, basses, and other equipment returned to us with pick marks, "buckle-rash", or any other damage or evidence of use may be subject to a 20% restocking fee, repair charge or disqualification of return. All items must be returned to us in the same condition they were when shipped to qualify. We reserve the right to refuse any return if we determine the item has been misused, modified or damaged by the purchaser. If the item turns out not to be defective upon inspection, we will have to deduct the cost of shipping from your return credit.

Shipping Charges incurred through the return of an item:

You will be responsible for the shipping charge for the return of your item, and if your item qualifies for Free shipping on its way to you, this shipping charge will also be deducted from your refund. If your item is determined to be defective, we will pay the shipping charge, equivalent to ground service.

SKU: FAIRFAX
Vendor: Strymon
Out of stock

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