Tsakalis AudioWorks brings you the foundation of Brian May's and Rory Gallagher's tones with its AC Master combination of Treble Booster and AC30 style Preamp

I own quite a few Top-Boosted AC30 style pedals, while this one is a little more expansive than most - combining a full fat Top Boosted AC30 type with a proper RangeMaster - all in the same box.

I would have preferred this in portrait format, but I can’t really grumble - as this has a perfect feature set - which wholly justifies that format. It has exactly the right complement of controls to get maximum impact out of this combination - and achieve the full range of those Gallagher and May tones - all the way to those searing melodic lead lines.

The actual design and colourway doesn’t really hint at the underlying technologies - while the crown on the A in Master very much tracks back to the vintage Vox logo - that’s about the only visual hint. VS Audio’s simplified compact take was called the Jangle Master. The ’AC Master’ makes a little more sense within this context.

It’s a really well appointed and handsome looking pedal for sure.

Controls - MASTER SIDE } Boost, Volume, Range, Footswitch, AC SIDE } Master, Normal, Top Boost, Tone Cut, Treble, Bass, Footswitch.

Ports - TS Mono In, TS Mono Send, 9V DC [-] 36mA, TS Mono Return, TS Mono Out.

I’ve always favoured Brian May tones in particular - so this is very likely a target for me. Not sure what priority to assign to it yet, but for sure I would like to check it out sooner rather than later!

I also really love Treble Boosters / RangeMasters, and can never have too many of those on my board!

The AC Master goes for €249 / $269 / £219 and equivalent - and delivers fantastic value - I’m looking forward to getting my hands on one!

You can read up more on the pedal on the Tsakalis AudioWorks Website.