The Audiostorm Quad Screamer is a fascinating Tube Screamer variant made in the UK. It gives you four push buttons that allow you to mix and match LED, MOSFET, Silicon and Germanium diodes, and then alter the resulting overdrive through 5 controls, including two unusual “Bright” and “Dirty” switches placed on the back of the case.
This pedal will keep its owners busy experimenting and comparing options, because four switches allow for up to 15 different clipping combinations. Here’s a note from the builder to keep in mind when playing with them:
All the different clipping options work within the same gain stage so stacking multiple stages in series adds headroom and blends the characteristics of each type rather than simply getting more dirty as it would if you used separate pedals.
The Germanium Diodes in the pedal are in short supply (sourced from Ukraine…), hand selected and arranged in an asymmetric configuration. Furthermore, for mod lovers, the standard TI 4558 dual op-amp chip inside the circuit can be easily upgraded or swapped with something else.
Here’s a description by the builder of what the 6 switches deliver:
- SI : Symmetric Silicon. The classic ‘screamer sound.
- LED : Symmetric red LED’s. A bigger, slightly warmer, more open sound.
- MOS : Asymmetric MOSFET. A tighter, more aggressive sound with rich harmonics.
- GE : Asymmetric Germanium. Specially selected NOS diodes have a cleaner, smoother sound with a touch of bite.
- Hi gain switch : Boosts the dirt right at the front end giving a more full-range boost than the usual tube screamer.
- Bright switch : Reduces the usual tube screamer high-frequency roll-off allowing just a touch more brightness.
Check out the first videos of the Audiostorm Quad Screamer Overdrive – we added it to our article about the best Tube Screamer clones and variants.
Audiostorm Quad Screamer, Builder’s Notes
Multi-Mode Classic Overdrive
The classic Tube Screamer circuit re-imagined into an ultra-usable, fantastic-sounding modern form. Mix up Germanium, Silicon, LED and MOSFET clipping in any combination and then modify that with hi-gain Dirt and airy, crisp Bright modes for a total 60 unique overdrive possibilities, all of which are highly usable. Each clipping option engages our own custom circuitry that compensates for the inherently different levels of clipping without altering tone. No more quiet Germanium or loud LED’s, they’re all all closely matched in volume so you can use them much more effectively in real world playing. In addition, when multiple clipping sections are blended the overall headroom and level of each section is summed, ideal for overloading your amp with huge amounts of boost.
Reinvent your tone
Take your overdrive to the next level and create your own unique tonal signature from a total of 60 possible mode combinations. From subtle and silky clean asymmetric NOS Germanium drive through to tight, harmonically rich hi-gain MOSFET shred with sustain for days you’ll find tone for every player in this one little box.Enhanced features
Our custom circuitry reduces the risk of feedback in high gain dirty mode. Unique level balancing circuitry keeps each clipping stage at a similar output level.Standard compatibility
Operates off any standard 2.1mm 9v DC power supply (PSU not included) or use other DC voltages from 5v to 30v for increased clarity and headroom.15 different clipping combinations
All the different clipping options work within the same gain stage so stacking multiple stages in series adds headroom and blends the characteristics of each type rather than simply getting more dirty as it would if you used separate pedals.User upgradeable op-amp
Although supplied with the well-respected TI 4558 dual op-amp chip if you’re lucky enough to have a vintage chip, or just want to try something different out, you can easily swap over. Turned pin chip sockets offer improved pin grip that wont wear out even after hundreds of swaps.NOS Germanium diodes
Genuine NOS (New-and-unused Old Stock) Germanium diodes sourced from Ukraine. Carefully selected and arranged in an asymmetric configuration to give you a sweet and clean drive you wont find with any modern equivalent. Supplies of these diodes are very limited and once they’re gone they’re gone forever.Switches
• SI : Symmetric Silicon. The classic ‘screamer sound.
• LED : Symmetric red LED’s. A bigger, slightly warmer, more open sound.
• MOS : Asymmetric MOSFET. A tighter, more aggressive sound with rich harmonics.
• GE : Asymmetric Germanium. Specially selected NOS diodes have a cleaner, smoother sound with a touch of bite.
• Hi gain switch : Boosts the dirt right at the front end giving a more full-range boost than the usual tube screamer.
• Bright switch : Reduces the usual tube screamer high-frequency roll-off allowing just a touch more brightness.
Boutique quality parts• ALPS switches : Absolute best in the business for long life and reliability.
• Cliff jacks : Made in UK with thicker nickel coating for extra long life and great tone transfer.
• Alpha footswitches : Reliable switches with a sensitive, short click.
• Alpha pots : Metal shaft, smooth rotation and the current go-to standard in boutique pedals.View details
£119.00
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