SolidGoldFX Zeta DLX Preamp, Overdrive & Boost Pedal

The Zeta DLX combines three of the most useful tricks in the gain-based tonal world: Preamp, drive and boost. The entirety of the Zeta DLX comprises a preamp circuit, so that you can keep your tone fresh even if you have to go direct, or your amp options are limited on fly-out gigs. However, each since each side is individually switchable, we must look at the sum of the parts.

The left side of the Zeta DLX serves up a generous drive circuit that has extremely wide sweeps of all the parameters, from jangly boost to crunchy OD. Three of the toggle switches give you options to tailor the Zeta DLX to your individual needs. The Mids and Body toggles allow you to adjust the range of those particular frequency bands, while the Clip switch lets you change the clipping characteristics. A bonus trimpot inside even lets you adjust the overall gain of the circuit.

On the right side of the Zeta DLX is the JFET-equipped individually selectable boost function, with a single knob to control the amount. The B. Tone toggle gives you control over the bass frequencies of the boost, while Pre/Post lets you choose whether the boost goes before or after the drive circuit. You can use this to great effect when trying to get either a super-saturated dirt tone or a burlier version of the drive side.

Controls

• Volume: Gives you a tasteful amount of volume on tap, enough to work with all kinds of setups.
• Tone: Adjusts the bass and treble content of the drive side.
• Gain: Adjusts both the amount of overdrive and the amount of treble. As you roll the Gain up, more high end enters the signal path, allowing for clarity within the saturation.
• Level: Governs the amount of boost engaged when in Boost mode. Be careful with this one!
• Gain (trimpot): Adjusts the overall gain of the drive channel, and thusly, the range of the external Gain control.

Toggle Switches

• Post/Pre: This switch controls the order of both channels when they are used simultaneously. Toggling this switch puts the Boost before the Drive or vice-versa for two different stacked tones.
• Tone: This three-position toggle controls the level of the bass frequencies pushed by the Boost channel. When set to the left, the bass is the stock value. In the center, you’ll find a bass cut, and the right position is a bass boost.
• Body: Controls the level of the bass frequencies in the Drive channel. The corresponding switch positions are the same as the B. Tone switch above.
• Mids: Adjusts the amount of mids present in the Drive channel. The left position is flat, center position s boosted, and the right position is scooped.
• Clip: This three-position switch controls which type of clipping diodes are present in the drive channel. The left position selects a silicon-germanium hybrid for a bit more compression and crunch, the right position selects silicon parts for a bit more dynamics and sizzle, and the center position removes them altogether for a raw, throaty tone.

Specifications

• True Bypass: Yes
• Power: 9V DC
• Current Draw: 30mA
• Dimensions: 4.67" x 3.68" x 1.18" (119mm x 94mm x 30mm)