Strymon Fairfax Class A Output Stage Drive
Step into a legendary hall of tone. The Strymon Fairfax is a unique pedal that perfectly fuses "studio-grade texture" with "wild overdrive power." Inspired by classic acoustic spaces, this Distortion/Boost is designed to inject rich harmonics and dynamics into your guitar signal, ensuring your tone stands out in any arrangement.
At the heart of the Fairfax lies an extremely responsive circuit design offering two distinct characters. Mode I delivers a full, warm boost and overdrive reminiscent of boutique tube amps—perfect for adding thickness. Mode II unleashes powerful gain, ranging from a solid mid-forward punch to aggressive distortion, all while maintaining breathtaking clarity and touch sensitivity.
In addition to its powerful core, the Fairfax features a highly musical Tilt EQ control (via the Bright switch and tone shaping), allowing you to navigate between warm, thick textures and bright, crisp tones with a simple flick. Housed in Strymon’s signature premium anodized aluminum chassis with a minimalist interface, it is both a centerpiece for your pedalboard and a professional musician's secret weapon.
Series A: Reclaiming the Soul of Classic Tube Output Stages
The Strymon Fairfax is not a traditional overdrive pedal; it is a "miniature tube amplifier" in essence. As the pioneer of Strymon’s new Series A all-analog line, it moves away from digital processing to return to a 100% pure analog circuit, capturing the warm, organic, and dynamic characteristics of 1960s classic rock.
Exclusive Class A Output Emulation: Unmatched Note Cohesion
Inspired by the 1965 Garnet Herzog—a tube-driven device built for Randy Bachman—the Fairfax uses precision analog circuitry to simulate the behavior of a tube preamp, a Class A power stage, and the saturation of an output transformer. This creates a natural playing feel that "glues" notes together while preserving the original details of your guitar.
40V Internal High-Voltage for Incredible Dynamics and Headroom
To achieve the response of a real amplifier, the Fairfax features an internal transformer power conversion system that boosts the 9V input to 40V internally. This high-voltage operation provides massive headroom and touch sensitivity, maintaining a wide soundstage whether you are using it as a sweet clean boost or at full saturation.
Innovative Variable Sag Control: Fine-Tune "Collapse" and Compression
The Fairfax is equipped with a unique Sag knob that simulates the voltage drop in a real tube amp's power supply when pushed at high volumes. Lower settings provide gentle compression, while maxing out the Sag produces a Fuzz-like "sputtering" effect and gating, offering endless possibilities for tonal experimentation.
Minimalist Controls and Bright Switch: Precision Tone Shaping
The interface is refined yet powerful, featuring three core controls: Level, Drive, and Sag. The Bright switch allows you to toggle high-frequency response: "On" provides a flat and bright frequency response, while "Off" slightly rolls off the highs for a warmer, smoother vintage feel that pairs perfectly with various amplifier systems.
Designed and Built in the USA: Pure Analog Craftsmanship
Unlike Strymon’s famous DSP-powered products, the Fairfax contains no MIDI, USB, or digital processing. It is a purely analog instrument built with high-quality components in the USA. It is the most compact and powerful solution for modern players seeking "true tube feel," injecting real analog soul into your pedalboard.
