The latest offering to the overdrive gods, the Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret Deluxe is a pedal that promises to deliver the ultimate Marshall Plexi emulation experience. This new offering from Catalinbread is not just a mere update but a significant step forward in capturing the essence of the iconic Marshall Plexi sound.
Key Features and Enhancements
- Marshall Plexi Emulation: The Dirty Little Secret Deluxe is designed to emulate the entire Marshall Plexi amp, not just the preamp. This means it captures the nuances of the preamp, phase inverter, power amp, and output transformer, providing an authentic representation of the Marshall Plexi sound.
- Upgraded Original DLS Circuit: The original DLS circuit has been enhanced with several new features and the most sought-after modifications from the original. This includes a toggle switch to choose between Super Lead and Super Bass modes and an externalized Presence knob for fine-tuning the Marshall tone.
- Built-in Boost Circuit: A significant addition is the inclusion of a preamp tube simulator as a built-in boost. This can be used independently or in conjunction with the main circuit. Depending on the order, it can either saturate the tone or boost the front end of your amp.
- Tightness Knob: This new feature allows players to control the sub-bass, either adding clarity by shaving it off or attenuating it for thrash metal tones.
- Line Out Jack: A dedicated +10dB output is provided for direct interfacing with mixers or DAWs. Plus, both outputs can be used simultaneously.
- Performance Tool: With the combination of the Boost, order selector, and the Super Lead/Super Bass modes, the Dirty Little Secret Deluxe is positioned as a comprehensive performance tool.
Price: The pedal is priced at $299.99.
Designer’s Insight: The designer of the Dirty Little Secret Deluxe emphasizes the challenge and dedication in capturing the true essence of the Marshall Plexi sound. The goal was not just to emulate the preamp but the entire amp experience. The result is a pedal that offers the compression, sag, and tonal characteristics of a Plexi, making it a worthy successor to its predecessors.
The History of the Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret
The Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret (DLS) has a storied history in the realm of guitar effects pedals. Since its inception, the DLS has been revered for its ability to capture the iconic Marshall Plexi sound in a compact pedal format. Over the years, the DLS has undergone various iterations, each time refining its sound and adding features to enhance its performance.
The original DLS was a breakthrough in amp-in-a-box pedals, offering guitarists a way to achieve the cranked Marshall tones without the need for a full stack. It quickly gained popularity among guitar enthusiasts and professionals alike for its authentic sound and versatility. The pedal’s design was rooted in meticulous research and a deep understanding of the Marshall Plexi’s circuitry. This dedication to authenticity made the DLS stand out in a market saturated with overdrive and distortion pedals.
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As the years progressed, feedback from the community and advancements in technology led to tweaks and upgrades in the DLS circuit. These changes aimed to enhance its performance, add new features, and address the most requested modifications from its user base. For instance, the addition of a toggle switch to select between Super Lead and Super Bass modes in the Deluxe version was a direct response to user feedback.
The DLS’s journey is a testament to Catalinbread’s commitment to innovation and listening to its community. From its humble beginnings to the latest Dirty Little Secret Deluxe, the pedal has evolved while staying true to its roots, offering guitarists a piece of the legendary Marshall Plexi sound.
With the release of the Dirty Little Secret Deluxe, Catalinbread has once again showcased its dedication to capturing the essence of iconic guitar tones. This latest iteration goes beyond just the preamp emulation, incorporating the entire amp circuitry for a more comprehensive and authentic Marshall Plexi experience.
Final Thoughts: The Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret Deluxe is more than just an update; it’s a testament to Catalinbread’s commitment to capturing the iconic Marshall Plexi sound in a pedal format. With its enhanced features and authentic emulation, it’s set to become a favorite among guitarists seeking that classic Marshall tone.
