Vertex Ultraphonix MKII Special Overdrive

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Vertex Ultraphonix MKII Special Overdrive and is the answer not in the manual?

Overview

Ultra Phonix MKII Special Overdrive

Ultra Phonix MKII Special Overdrive

The Ultra Phonix MKII Special Overdrive is a guitar effects pedal designed to emulate the tone and feel of a Dumble™ Overdrive Special (ODS) amplifier. It offers a versatile range of overdrive sounds, from clean amp tones to highly saturated leads, with a focus on preserving the original signal's integrity.

Function Description

The Ultra Phonix MKII is an overdrive pedal that produces the tone and feel of a Dumble™ Overdrive Special (ODS) amplifier. It can deliver anything from a clean amp tone, while being 30% smaller than the original Ultraphonix. It is voiced alongside four Dumble™ ODS amplifiers from 1970-1990. The Ultraphonix MKII delivers on the Dumble™ sound, in spite of amp variations from year to year. On top of its decreased size, the Ultraphonix MKII has an added RATIO control, allowing you to blend clean and distorted signals to your taste. The Ultraphonix MKII produces the legendary note bloom and harmonic overtones associated with the Dumble™ ODS in a compact package.

The pedal features several controls to shape the sound:

MASTER: Adjusts the output level of the effect. This control allows you to set the overall volume of the pedal, ensuring it integrates well with your amplifier and other effects.
DRIVE: Adjusts the amount of saturation of the signal. This is the primary control for setting the intensity of the overdrive, ranging from subtle grit to heavy distortion.
LEVEL: This control works in conjunction with the DRIVE to fine-tune the gain staging within the pedal, influencing the character of the overdrive.
RATIO: Blends clean and distorted signals. This unique feature allows you to mix your original clean guitar tone with the pedal's overdrive, offering greater dynamic control and clarity, especially at higher gain settings.
FILTER: Adjusts the midrange emphasis between approximately 800-1.6k. This control acts as a tone shaping tool, allowing you to dial in the desired mid-range presence for your sound, from scooped to prominent.

Important Technical Specifications

Controls: Volume, Filter, Level, Ratio
Connections: Input, Output, 9VDC
Dimensions: 4.6" x 2.125" x 1.8"
Power Connector: 2.1mm barrel (center negative)
Input Impedance: 670 ohms
DC Voltage: 8.0- 9.6V (9.8V MAX)
Current Consumption: less than 25ma
Output Impedance: 100 ohms

Usage Features

The Ultra Phonix MKII is designed for guitarists seeking the elusive Dumble™ ODS tone in a pedal format. Its compact size makes it pedalboard-friendly, while its versatile controls allow for a wide range of sonic exploration.

Suggested Settings: The manual provides several suggested settings to help users get started and explore different tones:

"Robben": This setting likely aims to emulate the smooth, articulate overdrive tones associated with Robben Ford, a renowned Dumble™ user.
- MASTER: Approximately 1 o'clock
- DRIVE: Approximately 11 o'clock
- LEVEL: Approximately 1 o'clock
- RATIO: Approximately 1 o'clock
- FILTER: Approximately 12 o'clock
"Larry": This setting might be inspired by the tones of Larry Carlton, another prominent Dumble™ player known for his warm, expressive sound.
- MASTER: Approximately 1 o'clock
- DRIVE: Approximately 12 o'clock
- LEVEL: Approximately 1 o'clock
- RATIO: Approximately 1 o'clock
- FILTER: Approximately 1 o'clock
"Carlos": This setting likely targets the iconic sustain and singing lead tones associated with Carlos Santana, who has also used Dumble™ amplifiers.
- MASTER: Approximately 1 o'clock
- DRIVE: Approximately 2 o'clock
- LEVEL: Approximately 1 o'clock
- RATIO: Approximately 1 o'clock
- FILTER: Approximately 1 o'clock
"Continuum Lead": This setting suggests a focus on a smooth, sustained lead tone, possibly inspired by modern fusion or blues players.
- MASTER: Approximately 1 o'clock
- DRIVE: Approximately 3 o'clock
- LEVEL: Approximately 1 o'clock
- RATIO: Approximately 1 o'clock
- FILTER: Approximately 2 o'clock
"Lindley": This setting could be inspired by the versatile and dynamic tones of David Lindley, known for his expressive playing across various genres.
- MASTER: Approximately 1 o'clock
- DRIVE: Approximately 10 o'clock
- LEVEL: Approximately 1 o'clock
- RATIO: Approximately 1 o'clock
- FILTER: Approximately 11 o'clock

These settings serve as starting points, and users are encouraged to experiment with the controls to find their own unique sounds. The RATIO control is particularly useful for blending in clean signal, which can add clarity and definition, especially when using higher DRIVE settings. The FILTER control allows for fine-tuning the mid-range character, which is crucial for cutting through a mix or achieving specific tonal qualities.

Maintenance Features

The Ultra Phonix MKII is a robust pedal designed for reliable performance. As an electronic device, it requires standard care:

Power Supply: Use a 9VDC power supply with a 2.1mm barrel and center-negative polarity. The pedal can operate between 8.0V and 9.6V, with a maximum of 9.8V. Using an incorrect power supply can damage the unit.
Current Consumption: With a current consumption of less than 25mA, the pedal is efficient and can be powered by most standard pedalboard power supplies.
Connections: Ensure all input, output, and power connections are secure to prevent signal loss or intermittent operation.
Physical Care: Protect the pedal from extreme temperatures, moisture, and physical impact to ensure its longevity.

No specific user-serviceable parts or complex maintenance procedures are mentioned, suggesting a "set it and forget it" approach once properly integrated into a rig. Regular cleaning of the enclosure and jacks with a dry cloth is generally recommended for any pedal.