Xploration • Curation • Recommendation
Tubesteader's Olly Balan hits new heights with his glorious sounding dynamic Dual Channel Marshall style Gainlord Tube Preamp
It seems like every successive pedal released by Tubesteader is even better than the one that came before - and each one that came before was already superb. It’s fitting that after the exceptional Vox AC30 style Roy, we get the even more instantly satisfying Plexi and JCM800 voicings of the Gainlord.
We have a 2-Channel Tube Preamp (12AX7) - with 6 controls per channel / side, and with a Direct Out switch on the side which outputs a flat signal (Tone Bypass).
This is an incredibly responsive Marshall style tube preamp variant - both under the fingers, and through the dials.
I always worry that I’m not going to get enough range - and in particular not the range of Volume that I like. While this Gainlord hits every marker - there’s plenty of everything via those controls - the impact of those knobs is entirely even and predictable, and expansive - and surprisingly easy to dial in.
You also have the option of the FS-2L Remote Footswitch - where you can select the two channels from further afield, and the second button kicks in the Bright switch on the Red JCM800 channel - which in effect give you a third channel - as that switch kicks in more bite and sizzle - and is a combination of Bright and Gain Boost - with the Gain Boost element particularly noticeable when the Gain knob is in its left hemisphere.
Controls - Lower Blue Plexi Style Channel 1 } Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass, Bright Switch, Gain; Upper Red JCM800 Channel 2 } Volume, Treble, Mid, Bass, Bright Switch, Gain; Tone Bypass for Direct Out on side of pedal.
Ports - TS In, 12V DX [-] 500mA (Cioks PS ideally!), TS Out, Mini Remote Switch Port.
Optional FS-2L Footswitch - Orange LED Side is the Bright Switch / Boost for the Red Channel, where the unlit Footswitch toggles between the Blue (Plexi) and Red (JCM800) Channels - where those LED’s change on the Main Pedal!
For me the FS-2L is pretty essential - it enhances the control of this pedal and gives you more dynamic on-the-fly playback with that additional switching.
Preferred Settings - Blue Plexi Channel : Volume @ 3 o'c, Treble @ 3 o'c, Mid @ 2 o'c, Bass @ Noon, Bright Off, Gain @ 3:30 o'c; Red JCM800 Channel : Volume @ 3 o'c, Treble @ 3 o'c, Mid @ 3 o'c, Bass @ 2 o'c, Bright Off, Gain @ 3:30 o'c.
The Plexi channel is beautifully punchy, and chunky / beefy - with quite a bit of bass in the core signal. Where the JCM800 channel is more focused and searing - exactly as you would expect.
These are both superb Marshall voicings - which react well to dynamics and guitar controls. I have 3 similarly extended range Marshall style pedals on the board currently (+ CTC Heatseeker and Fortin Kali) - and the Gainlord really shines in that company. That Tube action really feels and sounds wonderful. This one properly excels - with some of my favourite Marshall tones. Everything about this pedal (apart from the size) is nigh perfect!
I have over 60 Marshall style pedals in my reference collection - and they all hit slightly differently - depending on the nature of the Mid frequencies in particular. Marshall amps have an unmistakable character and timbre - and the Gainlord wholly carries that off brilliantly.
My only slight niggle here is the size of the pedal really - which involved some significant re-flowing of my pedal-chain / signal-chain. The fact that you have 3 Channels to ramp up through - with that additional FS-2L Remote Switch - makes this an essential triple threat.
This is another one of those instant satisfaction devices - where everything works and responds exactly per high expectations. I'm certainly enamoured by this Tubesteader series - and this Gainlord and the Roy in particular.
I can't imagine anyone would be disappointed with one of these - as long as there is space for it on the board! The Gainlord goes for $349 on the Tubesteader Webstore, and the FS-2L Remote Switch is just $29 - both are essential for me - for some of the best Marshall sounds around! Highly recommended!
Specifications
- Vacuum Tubes : 2 x 12AX7 (ECC83)
- Power requirements : 12VDC / 500mA
- Power connector: Barrel 2.1mm, center negative, 12V DC [-] 500mA Current Draw
- Enclosure : Die-cast aluminium
- Size : 4.7" x 5.7" (120mm x 145mm) Height: 2.75" (70mm) including tube protectors
- Weight : 1.6 lb (800 g)
- Gainlord unit : $349
- FS-2L Remote Switch : $29
Bonus!
I will be doing a follow up to this - as per the below visual. And as mentioned 3 of those are currently the board! I have to dig up the rest for the head-to-head comparisons - it's going to be fun - and I'm confident that the Gainlord is going to do really well!
Upcoming rundown!
Demos
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