Strymon Fairfax Class A Output Stage Drive - Secondhand

Full Description

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.

Specifications

• Product Name: Strymon Fairfax Class A Output Stage Drive
• Product Code: Z120-FRFX

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)
• Current Draw: 500mA