JHS Pedals Unicorn V2 Analog Uni-Vibe Pedal

The JHS Unicorn V2 is a fully analog, photocell-based Uni-Vibe and vibrato pedal built around the same type of light-driven modulation topology that gave the original vintage units their unmistakable swirling sound. Rather than digitally emulating a classic vibe, the Unicorn uses a real bulb-driven photocell circuit for the lush, pulsing modulation associated with classic recordings by Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Robin Trower, and countless others.

The Dry/Wet toggle switches between the traditional Uni-Vibe-style effect, where the modulated and dry signals interact to create the familiar phase-like pulse, and a wet-only vibrato setting for true pitch modulation. Volume controls the overall output, Depth adjusts the intensity of the modulation, and Speed sets the basic rate.

Where the Unicorn expands on vintage designs is its tempo control. An onboard Tap footswitch lets you synchronize the modulation rate by foot, while the Ratio control selects rhythmic subdivisions including quarter-note, eighth-note, dotted-eighth, and triplet relationships. The tempo indicator LED continues to show the selected rate even while the effect is bypassed.

A side-mounted Tap/Exp TRS connection adds another level of control. With a compatible expression pedal, you can continuously change the modulation speed in real time, similar to the external speed control found on vintage Uni-Vibe setups. The jack can also integrate the Unicorn with external tap-tempo equipment for synchronized modulation across a larger pedalboard.

Compared with the original Unicorn V1, the V2 retains the analog photocell circuit and expanded tempo functions while moving everything into a substantially smaller, pedalboard-friendly enclosure.

Key Features

• 100% analog, bulb-driven photocell modulation
• Traditional Uni-Vibe-style modulation and true vibrato
• Dry/Wet toggle selects between the two effect types
• Volume, Speed, Ratio, and Depth controls
• Onboard tap tempo
• Four rhythmic Ratio settings
• Quarter-note, eighth-note, dotted-eighth, and triplet subdivisions
• Tempo LED displays modulation speed even when bypassed
• Side-mounted Tap/Exp TRS jack
• Expression-pedal control of modulation rate
• External tap-tempo integration
• Smaller V2 enclosure compared with the original Unicorn V1
• True-bypass switching

Specifications

• Effect Type: Analog Uni-Vibe / Vibrato
• Circuit: Bulb-driven photocell modulator
• Controls: Volume, Speed, Ratio, Depth
• Mode Selector: Dry / Wet
• Footswitches: Effect On/Off, Tap Tempo
• External Control: Tap/Expression TRS jack
• Power: Standard 9V DC, center-negative
• Current Draw: 100mA
• Dimensions: 2.2" x 4.8" x 1.6"
• Power Supply: Sold separately

Availability Note: JHS officially discontinued the Unicorn V2 in June 2026. Remaining new inventory may still be available through authorized retailers, but the model is no longer in current production.