Well, it’s Benson Amps time again, folks!! It’s always a pleasure when their effects make it to our office, and this latest gem is sure to get everyone talking. The Germanium Preamp builds on the first pedal that Benson ever released, the aptly-titled Preamp Pedal, but with some tweaks and new circuitry options along the way. The result is a slightly lower gain, but richer sounding and feeling...
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We’re looking at another wonderful pedal from Boss today, kiddos, one that gives you access to a couple of classic circuits and some amp-pushing glory. The BP-1W Waza Craft Booster / Preamp gives you three different boost and preamp tonal options, each with its own characteristics and sounds. This pristine beauty is a boost, overdrive and preamp rolled into one, and we think it sounds pretty amazing… Grab a BP-1W...
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We love a good-sounding overdrive here at Pedal of the Day, and if it has the aesthetics to match, we’ve in pedal heaven. Today’s piece of gear meets both of these requirements with ease, providing a wonderfully warm and inviting drive tone while looking sharp as can be on the finest of pedalboards. Come along on a journey as we explore the gorgeous, tone-shaping, amp-driving Twilight Pulse Audioworks Konstante Overdrive,...
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Today, we continue our journey of the exploration of the Ampworx Series of preamp pedals from our friends at TC Electronic. We’re looking at all six effects in the series (so far), starting with their three latest releases, and moving through the previous three, over the last several weeks. Let’s wrap things up today with the Combo Deluxe 65′ Preamp, a pedal that faithfully recreates the sound of a 1965 Blackface...
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Lots of new visitors to Pedal of the Day over the last few weeks, and we’re keeping it going today with our first effect from Lounsberry Pedals. The Organ Grinder Overdrive was designed for, you guessed it, organ and keys, but we’re testing it out with guitar and bass today, and it rips. Sometimes two knobs, a great circuit and perfect gain staging is all you need to push your amp and tone right into that sweeeeet...
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If you’ve never had the pleasure of playing a DRV Overdrive Distortion, you should make it a priority to do so. While that pedal has a lot of meat and potatoes to it, today’s pedal from 1981 Inventions is a bit calmer, but still brings beautiful tone to any rig. The LVL Full-Range Overdrive Preamp Boost has just 2 knobs, but inside this circuit there’s a huge range of sounds waiting to be discovered… LVL is a...
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“Dirty in a good way!” Today’s pedal, the Analog Music Company SHSL (So High So Low) Filter & Preamp, is based on the high-pass/low-pass filter inspired by an MS-20 filter and a Moogerfooger preamp. This combination of two classic circuits yields some strange and wonderful tonal creations, getting super weird at times, but in the very best of ways. The control section is extremely sensitive as well, so...
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Today, we continue our journey of the exploration of the Ampworx Series of preamp pedals from our friends at TC Electronic. We’re looking at all six effects in the series (so far), starting with their three latest releases, and moving through the previous three, over the last several weeks. Let’s keep it going today with the DC30 Preamp, a beast that faithfully recreates the sound of a 1965 Top Boost AC30 amplifier, giving...
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A couple weeks back, we had the opportunity to check out our first effects pedal from Voodoo Lab, the Superfuzz. Impressive, to say the least, was this unit, and we couldn’t wait to see what joys the next one held. Today, we bring you the Giggity Analog Overdrive + Preamp, a massive, amp-pushing beast that sweetens your tone and your mind…let’s see what this one can do! Grab a Giggity from Sweetwater:...
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Today, we continue our journey of the exploration of the Ampworx Series of preamp pedals from our friends at TC Electronic. We’re looking at all six effects in the series (so far), starting with their three latest releases, and moving through the previous three, over the last several weeks. Let’s keep it going today with the JIMS 45 Preamp, a beast that faithfully recreates the sound of a 1965 Marshall JTM45 tube amp, for...
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We really dug the Psychosis Tremolo Overdrive from Humanoid Pedals that they sent us a couple months ago, and we’re proud to bring you all another creation of theirs today! Hand built with two high gain silicon transistors, The Goblin Tone Distorter has intense yet smooth and full-bodied fuzz tone, combining elements of Preamp, Overdrive, Fuzz and Distortion into one versatile effect. Just a couple of controls, but a ton of...
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Today, we continue our journey of the exploration of the Ampworx Series of preamp pedals from our friends at TC Electronic. We’re looking at all six effects in the series (so far), with their three latest releases, and moving through the previous three, over the coming weeks. Let’s keep it going with the JIMS 800 Preamp, a beast that faithfully recreates a modified Marshall JCM800 tube amp, and pays gorgeous tribute to...
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Today, we continue our journey of the exploration of the Ampworx Series of preamp pedals from our friends at TC Electronic. We’re looking at all six effects in the series (so far), with their three latest releases, and moving through the previous three, over the coming weeks. Let’s keep it going with the V550 Preamp, a monster that emulates the legendary 5150 High-Gain amp, embodying a charismatic sonic profile reminiscent...
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Today, we begin our journey of the exploration of the Ampworx Series of preamp pedals from our friends at TC Electronic. We’re going to look at all six effects in the series (so far), starting with their three latest releases, and moving through the previous three, over the coming weeks. Let’s begin with the Dual Wreck Preamp, a monster that emulates the classic Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amp, utilizing component-based...
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Combining Preamp, Overdrive and Boost into one pedal might seem like a lot, but with the Westerlund Audio ONE, everything melds together in sonic perfection. This options-laden mammoth can give your signal a pop, shape your tone, add in some breakup or get downright crunchy – whatever you need, it can handle with ease. So many knobs and swithces, and we’re totally here for it – let’s check it out! The...
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Recently, we’ve had the pleasure of checking out the new Galaxy ’74 Tape Echo & Reverb and Del-Verb Ambience Companion from Universal Audio, and were (as usual) pretty blown away. Today, we’re looking at the final unit in their latest lineup releases, the Max Preamp & Dual Compressor. Providing all the funk your single coils (and humbuckers, too) can handle, along with a gorgeous vintage-sounding preamp,...
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The crew at Thermion constantly pushes the boundaries of what is sonically possible in their pedals, and today’s effect brings classic rock tones to the table. The Heartbreaker Preamp Overdrive gives you two gains, three modes and six parameters to explore, providing dynamics, crunch and delicious overdrive in the ultimate preamplifier for classic sound lovers. If you’re on the hunt of a unique, mid-gain British drive...
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The effects pedals coming out of the English shop where Tom Oakes and Horrothia FX call home have always been cool to look at, built with extreme quality and incredible-sounding, to say the least. These marvelous traditions continue today with their latest release, the Triage Discrete Transistor Pre-Amplifier, which covers Boost, Dirt and Volume at the same time. Easily ranging from clean to nasty, we are really digging this...
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Delay is the best effect out there, hands-down…BUT, I do love a good compressor and a good preamp, too. Fortunately, today’s pedal, the Niche Devices Humboldt Preamp SE combines both of these effects into one brilliant effect, with broad range and total tonal control. Conceived over the course of two years, this original circuit offers optical compression coupled with a high headroom preamplifier, and features the unique...
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We love the way the folks at VVco Pedals incorporate great effects with nostalgic merch from past movies, TV shows and more, and we’re especially stoked about today’s featured pedal. The Dark Father Preamp is clearly representative of a certain Jedi-turned-Sith, and it sounds just as evil. Melding elements of overdrive, fuzz, distortion, EQ, boost and preamp, this multi-faceted effect is not only fun to look at, it sounds...
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The majority of 2-knob pedals out there usually have a really wide range of sounds available, regardless of what type of effect they are housing. From overdrives and phasers to compressors and delays and much more, the 2-knob setup often gets overlooked for units with a ton of knobs and switches, but these simple pedals have just as much a place in our world as anything. Today’s effect keeps with that tradition, bringing a wide...
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Jumping into a pedal like the Boss RE-202 Space Echo can be tricky – there’s so much going on, and so many sounds to discover, and so much nostalgia surrounding it, it’s a little daunting, to say the least. What we will say right off the bat is that IT IS INCREDIBLE. Ridiculously emulating the classic RE-201 Space Echo, this model brings all of the tone, delay and reverb from the original units to the table, but...
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We love preamp pedals, and we love reverb effects, so what could be better than to have them both in the same place? AND have them modeled after very old, specific circuitry, making the sound unlike any pedal we’ve encountered before? That’s just what has happened with the Nocturne Brain El Pescadoro Reverberant Hot Preamp, an incredible dual channel device that will transport you about 70 years into the past… The El...
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It’s been a while since we saw an effects pedal from Wounded Paw Audio, and it’s also been a while since we had a bass pedal to review and demo. Luckily, both of these are getting fixed today, with the introduction of the Attack Goat OD DI Bass Pre-Amp, a 2-channel fuzz, overdrive, EQ and more. If you’re looking for a tone-shaping, amp-pushing, low-end machine to handle your 4, 5 or 6-string needs, you’re in...
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The effects we’ve checked out so far from Malaise Forever have been glorious, starting with the magnificent Clubber Lang Harmonic Percolator Fuzz, and continuing with the Rage Monster Germanium Gain Stage. For Pedal #3 today, we’re helping with the release of the brand new Iron Fistula JFET Preamp Drive, a swiss army knife of incredible tones and dialed-in dirt for days – let’s see what’s in store, shall...
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Andrew and the crew at Mozztronics just keep putting out incredible pedal after incredible pedal, and we’re so glad we get to keep on reviewing and demoing these wonderful creations. For the last pedal in the latest batch they sent us, we’re taking a look at the JD-2 Thunder Drive, an amp/drive/preamp/distortion all wrapped into one undefinable and glorious effect. Strap in and hold on, this one’s a crusher (as...
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Over the last several months, we’ve had the opportunity to get to know a relatively new company, Summer School Electronics, and explore their impressive lineup of effects. Ranging from boost (Bootster) to overdrive (Gladys) to fuzz (Stone Thrower) and delay (Snow Day), their pedals span multiple musical genres, providing something for everyone across the board. Today, we’ve got another effect of theirs for you, the...
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From the Zero Hybrid Amp to the Black Sun and Stone Age effects, we love the gear coming from the Thermion camp. Each piece is so unique and well thought out, not to mention adding a myriad of tonal choices to any rig. Today, we’re taking a look at their Gasoline Distortion Preamp, which combines classic rock, crunchy amps and a bit of heavy metal into a savory auditory stew… Gasoline is the tool that will make you set...
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Effects pedals with one footswitch are great…but TWO footswitches? You know you’re in for a real treat. Such is the case with today’s mammoth beast, the Crossfire Overdrive Preamp from Crazy Tube Circuits. Inspired by one of the most iconic Pedal/Amp combinations in musical history, this two-sided gem shapes your tone, pushes your amp and much, much more… The left side is voiced after the blackface amps that...
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We can’t get enough of the effects coming out of the Mozztronics camp, and we’re so honored to bring another brilliant creation to you all today. Using a real 12AX7 tube internally, the TD-2 HV Tube Driver provides authentic, crunchy tube amp tone, with an easy control section for instant overdriven glory. Three knobs doesn’t give you the whole story, so let’s go for a ride and see what this orange beauty is...
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Recently, we had the privilege to check out the Acid Cat Fuzz Distortion from our friends at Stacks FX. Part of their Ohms Series, it had a nice sonic range, going from mild crunch to all-out sonic destruction. Today, we’ve got another pedal from that Ohms Series for you – the Distorter of Worlds, another fuzz distorter that packs a myriad of options into one perfectly-sized enclosure. Lots to explore here, let’s get...
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The Clubber Lang Harmonic Percolator Fuzz from Malaise Forever was one of our Top Pedals of 2021, and we were stoked to check out more gear from this fine company out of Columbus, OH. Luckily, we didn’t have to wait too long – today, we’re helping with the Brand New Release for their next creation, the Rage Monster Germanium Gain Stage. Packing some classic and modern boost sounds into one pedalboard-friendly...
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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) A Practical Look at Guitar Pedals By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer Guitar pedals are an incredible way to sculpt the final sound from your guitar, they provide amazing effects at just the push of a button. In some cases they are even necessary to get the right sound for a particular...
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Believe it or not, I have never owned, borrowed or even seen an actual DOD 250 Preamp pedal. I’ve used effects that were based on this legendary unit, but haven’t had to privilege to hold one in my hands and hear it in all its vintage glory. Needless to say, then, I was pretty excited about the release of the JHS Pedals Overdrive Preamp – although slightly different from the Gray Box version that everyone is used to,...
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With each new creation we see from Andrew and Mozztronics, we get a different lesson in circuitry, wiring, engineering and how to put squish amplifier tone into a pedal enclosure. Today is more of the same, as we’re investigating the MD-1 Mew Drive, which contains a circuit that uses cascaded JFET Mu amps to give a totally different sound to the screamer pedals, and all the variants (there are many). Lots of controls, lots of...
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We’ve been reviewing effects and amp pedals from our friends at Orange Amps for a number of years now, and are always excited to see what they’ve got in store for their next release. We’ve got the latest from them for you today, in the form of the Guitar Butler Dual Channel Guitar Preamp. This monster has been tailored to provide comprehensive, exceptional service to your signal chain, as a standalone unit or as part...
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The award for “Pedal You Never Knew You Needed” over the last year has got to go to the Believable Audio / 29 Pedals EUNA, the Elite UNity Amplifier that took the pedal world by storm. Today’s pedal features the next creation from these guys, and simply amazes just like it’s older sibling did. The OAMP is an Output AMPlifier that replaces your conventional buffers, line drivers and preamps, and will change how...
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The first two pedals we saw from Radio Mule, the Red Petal Fuzz and the Electric Beard Fuzz were, well, awesome, to say the least. Eagerly anticipating their next release, we were recently rewarded with today’s pedal, the HIGH Overdrive Preamp. A low-to-mid gain dirt pedal, this one has some excellent add-ons for really digging in and sculpting your sound – let’s dig in, too! The HIGH Overdrive Preamp is inspired by...
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As we continue on with our Flamma Fridays series, we shift gears just a bit this week, from modulation to DIRT. The Flamma Innovation FS06 Digital Preamp provide 7 different preamp flavors to explore, with each one being based on a different well-known amplifier. Covering classic and modern tones alike, this purple-headed warrior has a ton of stuff going on, so let’s jump right in! The 7 different models you can choose from on...
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ONE KNOB. ONE KNOB TO RULE THEM ALL… And so it goes for today’s pedal, the Calico Effects Pounce Preamp. The simplicity you might expect from a one-knob pedal, regardless of genre, can sometime be deceiving. Is that the case with this golden beauty? Let’s delve in and see what’s in store… The Pounce is NOT a transparent, clean, preamp booster…no siree Bob. Quite the opposite, in fact, it adds...
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The MTHRFCKR=RPTR Cassette Tape Delay Preamp was one of our favorite pedals in 2020, and we’re excited to dive back into the world of Mile End Effects once again today. The Ronald PreAmp 150 takes one of the sections of a beloved tone-enhancing unit from the 70’s, pulls it out and gives it to you in a solo pedal presentation. Let’s see if we can discover the rich, full bodied and sparkling tone that this pre-amp...
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Ever since Night Owl Industries sent us their first pedal three years ago, we’ve had the pleasure of reviewing and demoing their entire lineup. That wonderful streak continues today with the Parabellum Preamp Drive Distortion, a collaboration between Night Owl and Dunwich Amps. A mix of three distinct voices, each being processed independently then mixed back together, this one creates a dense, complex distortion not attainable...
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The preamps pedals coming through the shop lately have been nothing short of phenomenal, and we’ve got yet another one for you today. The Calico Effects Sunnmanor Preamp is based on the classic Sunn Beta Bass amp’s Single Channel, providing a wide range from tone-shaping preamp to full bore distortion. Simple controls make it easy to use, and the sounds you’ll discover will blow you away… The control section on...
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The designs and sounds contained in the first two pedals we saw from Aclam were impressive and extremely specific. The Dr. Robert had a major Beatles influence on its sound, while the Windmiller was focused on The Who and Pete Townshend’s rig. Today, we’ve got the third pedal in their current lineup, the Cinnamon Drive, which recreates the essence of vintage tube amps pushed to the max volume. Great for any musical genre,...
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Right out of the box (and, actually, including the box itself), today’s pedal and company are bringing something unique to the table. The Whimsy Machines Short Stack JFET Booster Preamp looks modern and vintage simultaneously, and once you turn it on, it feels that way somehow as well. A single stage, ultra high gain JFET machine, this throwback features nostalgic graphics, killer tones and a wide range of options to blend into...
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After the success of their Dr. Robert Overdrive Preamp, we were wondering what would be next for the crew at Aclam. Well, their latest invention is here, and it harkens back to another band from the 60’s, and a particularly well-known guitarist. The Windmiller Preamp is based on a secret weapon that Pete Townshend of The Who used as a boost, and gave him his signature tone during the latter portion of that decade. Let’s...
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Coming out of the gates with the exquisite Type One Chorus Ensemble, we had the feeling that the crew at Horrothia FX were going to bring the heat for their next pedal release. They did, in the form of the Teeth Discrete Low-Gain Overdrive. This subtle but powerful machine gives you gorgeous boost, tasty crunch and delicious tonal enhancement around every corner, to be certain… Wanting to add a little flavor to the old...
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The Simplifier Zero Watt Amp + CABSIM is a preamp, EQ, boost, overdrive, cabinet simulator and more wrapped into one tidy little package. The crews at DSM Noisemaker and Humboldt Electronics have created a machine which allows you to integrate your pedalboard adding full stereo routing directly to a PA System, Amps, Audio Interfaces or anything you need with its 4 simultaneous outputs (2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4 bypass-able outs), stereo...
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In today’s brave new world, filled with digital amp emulators and effects processors, sometimes it’s nice to take it back old school and analog. Today’s “pedal” is actually an amp that fits right onto your pedalboard, and is full of tonal and routing options. The Thermion Zero Dynamic Hybrid Amplifier lets you play live, rehearse or practice at home with just your pedals. Lots to explore, let’s get...
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The NU-1 Nucleus Preamp from Sunnaudio was our first foray into their lineup of effects a couple months ago, and we were quite impressed by the design and sounds that pedal was capable of. Well, they’re back again with another creation that’s more powerful, has more options and sounds just as incredible as its little sibling. The RH-1 Rabbithead Preamp is a versatile integrative preamp and overdrive that offers multiple...
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