Cusack Music launches the Meta Plexi, an amp-in-a-box pedal

Cusack Music has launched the Meta Plexi, a high-gain “amp-in-a-box” pedal, aimed at providing instant drive sounds for any rig.

The pedal’s knobs (and the word ‘plexi’) in its name might tell you all you need to know about the style of distortion this unit seeks to offer – however, the pedal offers some pleasing quality-of-life features.

Firstly, there are two flavours of bias to choose from using the vintage / modern toggle switch. This will change the main distortion sound, as you might expect from a throatier, vintage-styled one to a more scooped tone. Further tweaking is achieved with volume and gain knobs, as well as a 3-band EQ. The pedal’s secondary footswitch engages a lead mode, boosting your signal by 3, 6 or 9 dB. Combined with a high-headroom clean amp, or a cabinet simulation, this could be used to kick a solo through a band mix. Alternatively, use the extra output to slam into overloaded preamp tubes even harder, blending the pedal’s drive sound with your own.

The pedal’s sound is achieved by simulating classic amplifier designs using FETs, or Field-Effect Transistors, along with some extra circuitry simulating the responsive feel of playing through tubes.

Cusack Music’s pedals are all handmade in Holland, Michigan, USA.  Find out more at cusackmusic.com. For more guitar news, click here.