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                           Hot DriveŽn Boost MKII


Carl Martin Hot Drive'n Boost MKII has been carefully designed to imitate the sound of a good old-fashioned distorting Tube-Amp.
It is similar to the Hot Drive'n Boost but has a rougher and deeper sound.
With the BOOST feature the Hot Drive'n Boost MKII is a "TWO In ONE" pedal. That allows you to get that extra "kick" (up to 20db) for solos to really stand out.
The Hot Drive'n Boost MKII has a built in regulated (+-12V) power supply. This enables us to design circuitry of the highest quality with maximum headroom.
The low output impedance insures a lo noise connection, and gives improved working conditions for the guitar amp.


Reviews

GuitarPlayer (USA) June 1997. Hot Drive'n boost MKII
One of the most natural sounding and usable distortion pedals we have tried.
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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.
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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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