The X4, the next step in the evolution of the X-series overdrive pedals.

The Second Gain Stage carved directly out of the MEGA9 all in a nice small package.

This is the ~state variable~ second gain stage amplifier circuit used in the MEGA9 in it's entirety. The engine is the exact same modal overdrive circuit that the MEGA9 uses (our AMP-1 circuit). Same revox toggles, same three-way mode switch, same two control knobs. In the same way that the X2 is the 2nd gain stage of the Model9, the X4 is the 2nd gain stage of the MEGA9. All wrapped up in a nice small enclosure, at nearly half the cost of the MEGA9.

Five controls and enclosed in our smallest chassis:

• Our standard small chassis (same size as our X and X2 as well as the CARMA series modules).
• GAIN knob.
• Bass voicing switch - three selections
• Treble voicing switch - Normal and Bright.
• Modal Overdrive toggle switch - same exact three selections as the MEGA9 offers.
• VOLUME knob.

Here's how the state-variable system works:

• G knob. "Gain" ... Controls the amount of overdrive and distortion of the X4.
• V knob. "Volume" ... Sets the overall output level.
• LO voice switch. Selects low end response, three positions, three low end voicings. Trim some of the bottom off if you like, or you can rattle the beer bottles from the bar if you choose to as well! Fat, rich, thickness. Most noticable when using the X4 cleanly with the neck pickup selected.
• HI voice switch. Two positions, selects normal or ~bright~ tone. This control is rather subtle, and with some guitar rigs it can make very little difference, it depends on the guitar used, the type of amp, the other modifiers in your rig (other pedals used), your playing style, pickups .. you know .. all of the myriad variations of the "modular synthesizer" on the floor you've built up. Guitar rigs are basically a modular synthesizer, in that they modify and change the sounds your guitar produces, and are 100% modular. Each "module" is the different pedals and other goodies you run your guitar's signal through. Depending on how you've configured your entire rig, as well as the guitar itself will determine the amount of effectiveness this particular switch offers. Keep in mind these revox switches are not "EQs" like a tone knob is. They are revoicing controls that change the way the X4 responds to input.
• TP switch. Three positions, selects one of three internal clipping Tone Plug "bugs". Also changes the actual operational mode of this stage. When in the CENTER position the X4 becomes a very loud booster. At gain settings (G2 knob) below approximately 50% it provides a lot of clean gain. At gain levels above 50% it begins to get a bit dirty. UP = Tone Plug #10 (or #22 depending on availability of the NOS Milspec germs .. they're NOT easy to obtain). CENTER = Tone Plug #88, and DOWN = Tone Plug #1.

Until I get some pictures of the X4 properly done, for reference here's a picture of the MEGA9's 2nd gain stage controls. This is precisely what the X4 has on it, 2 knobs above 3 minitoggles.

NOTE: Sorry, but just like the MEGA9 due to size constraints a standard X4 cannot be outfitted with any of those uber-cool "Nuke Switches". HOWEVER... that doesn't mean I can't be convinced into making a custom unit for you. It would be easy enough to upsize the X4 to a large enclosure and utilize Nuke Switch safety covers .. heck .. on all three switched functions if you'd prefer it! Come to think of it, that would look pretty insane! Of course, money becomes involved for custom work such as ideas of this nature. Just write to me and we'll get the conversation started.

Interested in perhaps more overdriving state of bitchen? See the X5:

If you want to have BOTH gain stages from the MEGA9 in one unit, see the X5-MEGADRIVE for that. It has a 2-channel version of the MEGA9's Gain Stage One, plus all of the features of the X4. So it's actually a better extension of both Gain Stages from the MEGA9, all enclosed in our largest chassis.

X4 Ovadrive.

So thar ye be. The X4 is one cool rendition of the uber-versatile AMP-1 modal overdrive circuit.

Questions on How To Order? Here's your answers!.

FINISH OPTIONS and PRICING: Click here for info on finishes and knobs.

Price

List price: $235.00.