Hilbish Design Presents the Sol Invictus
April 30, 2020 · 4 sources
Hilbish Design announced the Sol Invictus, a dual-channel preamp and distortion pedal based on the company's Beta Preamp, with the same dual-channel approach. The gain staging allows for anything in between sparkling cleans to maxed-out fuzz, and because of the dual channels, players can switch between the two at the click of a footswitch, with the option to run both channels at the same time1.
The maker describes the pedal as a versatile dual channel distortion and preamp in one box2:
"The super versatile dual channel distortion and preamp covers a lot of heavy ground!"
Controls and switching
Each channel has its own gain and level control, as well as a three-band EQ, alongside a master volume control1. On the pedal itself, the top row of controls handles channel A and the bottom row handles channel B2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Sets the amount of gain, from clean boost to fuzzed out2 |
| Bass, Mid, Treble | Three-band active EQ that can cut and boost; center position is flat2 |
| Master volume | Overall output level1 |
The pedal's switching and routing options include:
- Bypass: with the INST output, switches between the clean instrument signal and the effect signal; with the other outputs it acts as a mute switch2
- Both Channels: turns both channel A and B on at once2
- A/B Toggle: switches between channel A (red) and channel B (green)2
Connections and power
The I/O selection is extensive. The input takes an instrument-level signal for guitar, bass, synth, or other instruments2.
| Connection | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Input | Instrument-level signal for guitar, bass, synth or other instruments2 |
| Channel A and B outputs | Separate line-level output for each channel2 |
| INST output | Instrument-level output for "effect pedal" operation into a guitar or bass amp2 |
| Line-level output | Line-level output2 |
| TRS balanced output | DI applications requiring long cable runs2 |
Guitar.com noted the separate quarter-inch outs for each channel allow the pedal to run in front of two amplifiers, and that the balanced output suits running into a mixing board1. Power comes from a 9V 200mA center negative supply2.
With the INST output, the Bypass footswitch toggles between clean and effect signal; on every other output it works as a mute2.
Where it came from
Guitar World reported that the pedal boasts thick preamp tones based on the vintage SUNN Beta Lead amp, housed in a 14-gauge powder-coated steel enclosure with custom artwork by graphic designer Mackie Osborne4. Premier Guitar's press release, dated June 29, 2020, recorded the release as the Sol-Invictus from the Lynchburg, Virginia maker3.
Price and availability
The Sol Invictus was available for preorder at a 20 percent discount, bringing its price down to $280 from a $350 list price, with units set to ship in June 20201.
Sources (4)
- Hilbish Design opens up preorders for the Sol Invicticus, Guitar.com, 2020-04-30
- Sol Invictus, Hilbish Design
- New Sol-Invictus Preamp Pedal by Hilbish Design, Premier Guitar, 2020-06-29
- Hilbish Design's Sol Invictus offers a two-channel preamp, drive pedal and DI in one stunning enclosure, Guitar World, 2020-06-24