BLACK CLOUDS: The Ultimate Distortion
Our new Black Clouds translates a clear vision of what a Lead Tone Machine should be into stark reality.
AGGRESIVE & ARTICULATED, YET QUIET
Black Clouds is aggressive and articulated, yet it is quiet, due in large part to its X-Gate feature. With a unique amp feel, it can produce some amazing chugs. The noise gate works well for chopping breakdowns.
NOT ANOTHER CLONE, AGAIN
Designed from scratch, the Black Clouds features a powerful 3-band EQ, tons of gain on tap, plus a dual boost function for even more gain and volume. Three modes of operation can adapt to virtually any setup.
A PLETHORA OF OPTIONS
Black Clouds features an extensive and thoughtful control set that includes: Pre Boost: Controls the amount of input boost from 0 to 30dB with a slight mid boost to add definition. Use it if you want to raise the gain and compression when using the boost function. This control is not functional if the pedal is bypassed. Gain: Controls the gain, ranging from crunch to high gain mayhem. Level: Controls the output volume. Master Boost: Sets the amount of output clean boost, from 0 to 20dB. Use it to raise the volume when using the boost function. This control is still functional if the pedal is bypassed and can be used as an independent clean booster. Pre Tone: Use it to balance the amount of high or bottom end entering the drive circuit and compensate for different pickup characteristics for a consistent tone. Clockwise, the low end is reduced, and the top end is enhanced (for tighter, more aggressive chugs). Counterclockwise, the bottom end is enhanced, and the top end reduced (for fatter, fuller single lines). It’s great for finding the right balance of tightness without losing too much body for your pickups. RELEASED THROUGH Bass: Controls the low frequencies below 300hz, +- 10dB Mids: Controls the midrange response, between 300 and 2khz, +-12dB Treble: Controls the high frequencies above 2khz, +-15dB X-Gate Switch: X-gate is a passive noise gate that chops the silent passages instantly. It’s great for Djenty percussive breakdowns. It also adds crossover distortion which adds another layer of texture to the tone.
Tactile, Amp-Inspired Controls
Pre Boost: Controls the amount of input boost from 0 to 30dB, with a slight mid boost to add definition. Use it if you want to raise the gain and compression when using the boost function. This knob is not functional if the pedal is bypassed.
Gain: Dictates the amount of gain, ranging from dynamic crunch to high-gain mayhem!
Level: Influences the output volume.
Master Boost: Sets the amount of output clean boost, from 0 to 20dB. Use it to raise the volume when using the boost function. This control is still functional if the pedal is bypassed, and can be used as an independent clean boost.
Pre Tone: Use this knob to balance the amount of high or bottom-end entering the drive circuit, and compensate for different pickup characteristics for a consistent tone. Clockwise, the low-end is reduced and the top-end is enhanced (for tighter, more aggressive chugs). Counterclockwise, the bottom-end is enhanced and the top-end reduced (for fatter, fuller single lines).
Bass: Controls the low frequencies below 300hz, +- 10dB.
Mids: Dictates the mid-range response, between 300 and 2khz, +-12dB.
Treble: Allows you to control the high frequencies above 2khz, +-15dB.
'X-Gate' Feature/Switch
X-Gate is a passive noise gate that chops silent passages instantly, optimised for "Djenty" percussive breakdowns. It also adds crossover distortion which introduces another layer of texture to your tone.
Specifications
Voltage: 9-18V DC, centre negative
Current Draw: 40mA
Pre Boost: 30dB
Post Boost: 20dB
Input Impedance: 500k
Output Impedance: 1K
Weight: 360g / 0.8 lbs
Dimensions: 9.5 x 12 x 5 cm / 3.74 x 4.7 x 2 inches