Strymon Fairfax Class A Output Stage Drive Pedal

Strymon Fairfax Class A Output Stage Drive Pedal

The Strymon Fairfax is far more than another overdrive pedal; it’s a fully analogue miniature amplifier that recreates the sound and feel of a cranked Class A output stage. Inspired by the rare Herzog unit that powered classic rock tones in the late 60s, Fairfax captures that blend of harmonic richness, natural sustain and tube-like behaviour without relying on valves or high voltage supplies. Every note feels glued together in an organic way thanks to its custom circuit that emulates the quirks of an output transformer, delivering the same touch sensitivity and dynamic response players associate with expressive vintage amps.

Inside, a transformer-based supply boosts your 9V input to 40V, giving Fairfax huge headroom and a genuinely amp-like reaction to your guitar and playing dynamics. The variable Sag control adds anything from soft compression to wild, gated textures depending on how hard you dig in, while the Drive and Level controls let you push your amp with anything from sweet harmonic lift to aggressive, angular saturation. Whether used as a low-gain enhancer, a sustaining lead voice or a creative tone-shaper, Fairfax offers impressive versatility and true analogue character in a compact format.

Analogue amp heart

The Fairfax isn’t based on standard drive circuitry; it’s a complete analogue recreation of a vintage Class A output stage. Using JFET stages in place of valves and a custom circuit that behaves like a real output transformer, it mirrors the touch response, harmonic bloom and natural compression of classic tube gear. The result is a drive unit that feels alive under the fingers, reacting to pick attack and guitar volume just like a small amp on the edge of breaking up. It’s designed for players who want genuine amp feel without relying on fragile glass bottles!

Dynamic sag behaviour

The onboard Sag control is one of the Fairfax’s standout features, varying the available current to the simulated preamp and power sections based on how hard you play. Lower settings keep things tight and responsive, much like a solid-state rectifier, while higher values introduce compression, voltage sag and even gated, sputtering behaviour when pushed to extremes. This makes it uniquely expressive, shifting in real time with your dynamics and opening the door to everything from subtle sag to full-on experimental textures.

Wide tonal range

Running at 40V internally, the Fairfax offers massive headroom and a wide gain spectrum. At low Drive settings it behaves like a sweet, harmonically rich boost that enhances any amp or modelled tone. Push it further and it becomes tighter, edgier and more aggressive, with angular character that varies depending on your guitar. Paired with its analogue transformer emulation and Bright switch, it covers clean enhancement, crunchy rhythm and sustaining lead tones effortlessly.

Player friendly design

The Fairfax is built to integrate seamlessly into real-world pedalboards. Its true bypass circuitry keeps your core tone intact, while the internal power-up jumper is ideal for loop switcher setups, letting the pedal turn on automatically when powered. The analogue design ensures compatibility with all types of amplifiers and modellers, and the compact layout keeps controls simple and immediate on stage. It’s a carefully engineered tool for players who want classic amp behaviour in a reliable, modern enclosure.

Key Features

• Analogue circuit offering rich tube style saturation

• Variable Sag control adds dynamic feel and gated extremes

• Emulated output transformer delivers organic harmonics

• Bright switch shapes highs for smooth or cutting tones

Specifications

Circuit

• Type: 100% analogue Class A output stage recreation

• Design: JFET stages with output transformer emulation

• Internal Voltage: 40V via galvanically isolated power supply

• Bypass: True bypass

• Audio: Mono

Controls

• Drive: Preamp gain

• Level: Output level

• Sag: Variable sag/compression behaviour

• Bright Switch: Selects high-frequency response

• Internal Jumper: Selectable power-up state

Features

• Analogue recreation of a complete tube-amp style output stage

• Transformer-based supply boosts 9V to 40V for increased headroom

• Wide range of tube-like gain and harmonics

• Sag circuit allows mild sag to extreme gated textures

• Works with all amps and amp modellers

Power

• Power Supply: 9VDC, centre-negative (2.1mm) (NOT INCLUDED)

• Current Draw: 500mA

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