Xploration • Curation • Recommendation
Poly Effects extracts the Diodes A Channelfrom the Josh Smith Flat V Dual Overdrive into a smart standalone device - the Kanso
Key Points
The Kanso extracts the Diodes A Channel from the Josh Smith Flat V Dual Overdrive into a standalone device, focusing on the four diode types: SCHOTTKY | LED | GERMANIUM | SILICON.
It uses a smart combined rotary and footswitch with a central LED that shifts Blue (Cold) to Red (Hot) to set Bias / Character. Double-click selects Output Volume per diode; click-hold advances to the next diode.
Provides four saturation voices reflecting how Josh Smith used the Flat V. Priced at $199 on the Poly Effects Webstore; first batch sold out, Batch 2 due to ship in Mid February.
This often happens in the evolution in artist signature devices. The first edition is somewhat expansive, with added features. But then the artist realises that they’re only using a select few elements - and the second edition is often a refined and simplified version of the original - as is the case with this Kanso.
The Kanso takes the 4 Diode options from the Flat V - in a slightly different arrangement, and then harnesses them with a super smart universal combined rotary and footswitch control.
SCHOTTKY | LED | GERMANIUM | SILICON
The universal control by default sets the Bias / Character of the diode - where a central LED changes from Blue (Cold) to Red (Hot) as you turn the integrated dial clockwise.
You then double click to select the Output Volume for each Diode.
And Click-Hold to advance the Diode to the next one.
You essentially get 4 different saturation voices here - which enhance the output of your pedalboard. This is mostly how Josh Smith used the Flat V - so it made sense - for sake of simplicity - to extract the core functionality he used into a separate device!
The Kanso goes for $199 on the Poly Effects Webstore - and the first batch is already sold out. With Batch 2 due to ship in Mid February.
The cool integrated footswitch / rotary borrows a little from the Quad Cortex - but with that smart colour-changing central LED.
A really cool pedal for sure.
I will probably look to get one fairly early this year, but since it duplicates something I already have, it’s not a pressing priority.
I actually really like this - and I usually prefer physical controls to touch-screen ones - especially when it comes to car air-conditioning and heating controls!
Demos
