Bassist
(UK) August 1995. CM pedals in general.
High performance, low-noise pedals which can be used live or in the
studio are rare beasts, but that's the case here. Pedals which work at
this level of efficiency and are this well made, with this level of
pedigree aren't cheap, but in the same breath aren't expensive either.
If you appreciate paying for quality, the Carl Martins wont be found
wanting. |
Product: Carl Martin Hot Drive & Boost MkII
Price Paid: US $169
Submitted 11/20/2005 at 11:45pm by Steve M.
Ease of Use :
10
Very simple to use, 4
knobs that all do what they are suppossed to.
Sound Quality :
10
I've been through so many
overdrive pedals, it's crazy. I've owned everything from vintage 808's
+ Rats to new stuff like the Fulldrive, Atomic Multi-scream,
Blackstone and a bunch of others. I've had the Hot Drive'N Boost II
for a few years and it always ends up back on my pedalboard as my main
overdrive. I'm playing American guitars through tube amps. The HD'NB
is very balanced and sounds great with all my guitars. It can go from
a nice light natural breakup to a very heavy overdrive better than
just about anything else. It doesn't have a mid-hump or bass cut. It
really preserves the guitar's original tone. The boost side will rival
any other clean boost ever made, it really sounds great, no tone
coloration at all. The duality of this box is key, the boost is a
stand-alone unit unlike the Fulldrive wher the "boost" just
another drive control to preset. The HD'NB II goes from rhythm to
leads very well.
Reliability :
10
I've benn gigging with
mine for a couple years, and it has never let me down. Both switches
still work perfect.
Customer Support :
No Opinion
I've never needed it.
Overall Rating :
10
At $168, this box is a
bargain, 2 very useful units in one. I'd definitely buy another if
this one gets stolen.
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