Carl Martin Plexitone - User Manual

Manual
The Plexitone falls into the category of a distortion/gain pedal, but is actually so much more. When we think back
to the guitar heroes from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, they all cut their teeth and developed their sound on single chan-
nel amps….ok, sometimes they daisy-chained a few together, but they were still single channel amps! With the
Plexitone, we are now able to take our sound to three different levels of boost/gain/distortion at the touch of a toe.
As with most Carl Martin pedals, power is supplied via a standard AC cable (rather than a 9-volt transformer) to
the built in ‘regulated power supply’. This allows engineers at CM to use higher quality components, and provide
for the required ‘headroom’ that sets CM pedals apart.
Again, as with most Carl Martin gain/distortion pedals, the first footswitch and control give you 20 db of crystal
clean/clear Boost. The Boost can be used independently or with either of the two gain stages. Just a quick
reminder though, the right footswitch engages both Gain stages, pressing the middle footswitch on it’s own will
do nothing to your sound. The footswitch on the right side takes you to the first gain stage, ‘Crunch’. The
‘Crunch’ control allows you to set the amount of gain/distortion, and the Level & Tone controls obviously the
volume and EQ of the channel. This channel should remind you of your old Plexi (mmmmm) with the volume
around 7-8…..very Page, Blackmore, Angus Young. Switching on the middle footswitch (in conjunction with the
right footswitch) brings us to the High-Gain channel. Once again, the ‘High-Gain’ control allows you to set the
amount of distortion, and the Level & Tone controls the volume and EQ. The High-Gain channel has a more
compressed and mid-scooped sound than the Crunch channel, making it more of an 80’s distortion like Randy
Rhodes or Iron Maiden.
Whether you use a single channel amplifier, or a multi-channel amplifier, you will want to start with the cleanest
sound you can, at a level you can work with. The last thing you want to do is try and distort distortion….it is so
very unpleasant! We recommend setting the amp up to your rhythm volume, and then using the Boost control to
jump up to your solo volume (in either gain stage). Either way, let the Plexitone take you to the stratosphere of
High Gain!
Sample Settings
CRUNCH
Drive Switch activated, Crunch knob at 9 o’clock, Level & Tone at your preference.

Summary

Plexitone Pedal Introduction

Understanding the Plexitone Pedal

Explains the Plexitone's function as a versatile distortion/gain pedal with three distinct levels of boost/gain/distortion.

Carl Martin Power Supply Advantage

Highlights the use of a regulated internal power supply for higher quality components and better headroom.

Sample Tone Settings

Crunch Tone Configuration

Details the "Crunch" setting, recommending control levels for a classic rock sound reminiscent of 7-8 o'clock on old Plexi amps.

Rock Tone Configuration

Describes the "Rock" setting, suggesting specific control positions for a classic rock tone.

80 s Hard Rock Tone Configuration

Outlines the "80's Hard Rock" setting, specifying activated switches and knob positions for an 80s-style distortion.

High Gain Lead Tone Configuration

Explains the "High Gain Lead" setting, detailing switch and knob positions for a lead guitar tone.

Technical Information and Support

Power Requirements and Safety Warnings

Details power supply needs, unit variations, and crucial safety warnings regarding power supply usage.

Pedal Specifications

Lists technical specifications including input/output impedance, S/N ratio, dimensions, and weight.

Warranty and Contact Information

Provides warranty details for the product and contact information for customer support.

Carl Martin Plexitone Specifications

General

Type	Overdrive/Distortion
Bypass	True Bypass
Input	1/4" mono jack
Output	1/4" mono jack
Dimensions	120 x 95 x 56 mm
Input Impedance	1M Ohm
Power Supply	9V DC
Weight	450 g