DSM & Humboldt releases Simplifier MKII with redesigned preamps and plate reverb

February 29, 2024 · 4 sources

DSM & Humboldt has released the Simplifier MKII, a successor to its Simplifier zero-watt stereo amp and cab simulator¹. The maker dates the original Simplifier Classic to September 2019²³; Guitar World reported the original was launched at NAMM 2020⁴¹. The MKII is an all-analog preamp pedal that the maker describes as taking analog amp simulation to "a new stage of realism"²³.

The maker lists completely redesigned preamps with wider gain options, a dedicated power amp drive control, and a master volume that it says allows any amount of pre and power amp drive at any volume level while avoiding unwanted FX-loop distortion²³. The Cabsim section has been redesigned, replacing the mic position control with a three-profile speaker control²³. Guitar World reports the knob sweeps between three speaker profiles, adjustable for combo, twin or stack voicings, and that the Power Amp Drive has a clip indicator¹. The unit adds a side-chained digital plate reverb, which the maker says was among the most requested features on the original²³. Guitar World reports the same stereo FX loop, headphone amp with aux in, stereo DI XLR outputs and TRS outputs as the original¹. Delicious Audio reports a redesigned layout with EQ knobs as large as the others, and a heavy-duty aluminum enclosure with all-metal switches⁴.

Specifications from Delicious Audio⁴:

Guitar World reported in April 2023 that the Simplifier MKII would be available from mid-May for $349¹.