The AMT Electronics U-2 Pangaea Brain Frame Ultima is a multi-effects pedal with a twist: it does not have a fixed set of effects. Using firmware and your computer, you choose from six different sets of effects and load them onto the pedal as needed1. Among the firmware sets are IR CabSim FX, an analog/digital preamp section with three channels (clean, low and high gain), a multifunctional stereo in/out delay effect, and a multifunctional stereo in/out reverb1.
Pedal of the Day reviewed it in December 2020 and summed up the appeal: "Using firmware and your computer, you can choose from six different sets of effects, and load them onto the pedal as needed"1. The unit was announced as new for 20202, and AMT later announced the start of sales for the Brain Frame3.
What a Brain Frame is
The "Brain Frame" name comes from the idea that the pedal is a brain without a fixed personality. Changing the functionality of the device is carried out by changing the firmware of the device3. Each firmware set has its own list of modes and parameters, and Pedal of the Day noted that "you can set them to all interact with each other"1.
The six sets, as described by Pedal of the Day and AMT's product pages41:
| Firmware set | What it turns the Ultima into |
|---|---|
| 1. IR CabSim/Fx | Analog/digital preamp section with 3 channels: clean, low and high gain, plus IR cabsim1 |
| 2. Modulation FX | Compressor, filter, flanger, chorus, delay and tremolo1 |
| 3. IR Stereo CabSim | A stereo IR impulse response cabinet emulator41 |
| 4. Stereo Delay | Multifunctional stereo in/out delay effect1 |
| 5. Stereo Reverb | Multifunctional stereo in/out reverb1 |
| 6. Pre/Post FX | A pre/post effect processor1 |
The IR cabsim in the base configuration uses one IR for both L/R channels per preset2. Firmware set 3 goes further, with two IRs per preset: one WAV IR for the left channel and another for the right5. Firmware 01 also includes Hi/Low pass filters with Q-factor settings plus Presence5, and the system menu offers Global N.Gate and Global IR On settings.
Connections and controls
The Ultima U-2 is housed in a super-small format1, and its connections and controls are arranged around that small footprint.
- IR CabSim FX: analog/digital preamp section with 3 channels: clean, low and high gain (firmware set 1)1
- Stereo Delay: multifunctional stereo in/out delay effect (firmware set 4)1
- Stereo Reverb: multifunctional stereo in/out reverb (firmware set 5)1
Pedal of the Day highlighted the connectivity in its review: "the U-2 Pangaea also sports a TON of other options, including Stereo Ins and Outs", an Aux In jack and a headphone output1.
How firmware changes work
Changing what the pedal does is a firmware matter. Using firmware and your computer, you choose from six different sets of effects and load them onto the pedal as needed1. The sets AMT has shown include:
- IR CabSim FX: an analog/digital preamp section with 3 channels, clean, low and high gain1
- Stereo Delay: a multifunctional stereo in/out delay effect1
- Stereo Reverb: a multifunctional stereo in/out reverb1
Published firmware versions include IR CabSim/Fx v.1.05.07 (04/12/2021), Modulation FX v.1.02.01 (01/05/2021), Stereo Delay v.1.0 (01/05/2021), and Pre/Post FX v.1.1 (25/03/2021)5.
Part of the AMT Bricks series
The Ultima U-2 is part of the AMT Bricks series of devices, which AMT describes as including different preamps, effect pedals and more6. The manual states plainly that "This device complements the AMT Bricks series of devices"3. A dedicated BRICKS CONNECTOR on the unit is an interface connector for operating the device as part of the AMT Bricks Pedalboard6.
Size and what reviewers said
Pedal of the Day described the Ultima U-2 as housed in a super-small format, one that "makes it an easy fit onto any pedalboard"1. Their reviewer's verdict covered both live and studio use:
"makes it an easy fit onto any pedalboard"
In their demo video the reviewers ran through presets they had created, focusing on the Delay, Reverb and Modulation firmware sets1.
Videos
AMT Electronics
AMT Electronics
Pedal of the Day
Questions
What is an AMT Brain Frame?
AMT describes the U-2 Pangaea Ultima as a hardware platform on which various guitar effects are implemented in software. Instead of fixed effects, you load one of several firmware sets over USB, and each set turns the pedal into a different processor: an IR cab simulator with preamp channels, a modulation multi-effect, a stereo delay, a stereo reverb, a pre/post effect processor or a stereo IR cabinet emulator.
How do you change firmware sets on the U-2 Pangaea Ultima?
Connect the pedal to a computer with a mini USB cable. The computer sees it as a regular USB drive. Copy the firmware file to the root directory of the device, reconnect power, and the auto-update runs, usually taking 5 to 15 seconds. AMT recommends backing up your presets and settings before updating.
Does the U-2 Pangaea Ultima have stereo inputs and outputs?
Yes. It has IN L (MONO) and IN R audio inputs, and balanced TRS outputs OUT L (MONO) and OUT R with an adjustable level from +4dBV down to zero. If a firmware set uses only a mono input, the IN R jack is not used. The IR cabsim uses one IR for both L/R channels per preset.
Does the U-2 Pangaea Ultima include an IR cabinet simulator?
Yes. Firmware set 1, IR CabSim/Fx, includes an IR cabsim with one IR for both L/R channels per preset, alongside an analog/digital preamp section with clean, low and high gain channels. Firmware set 3, IR Stereo CabSim, turns the device into a stereo IR impulse response cabinet emulator with two IRs per preset, one per channel.
How big is the AMT U-2 Pangaea Ultima?
AMT lists its dimensions as 47mm x 55mm x 95mm (height x width x depth). Pedal of the Day called it a super-small format that makes it an easy fit onto any pedalboard.
Does the Ultima have an Aux In jack?
Yes. AUX IN is a TRS 3.5mm stereo mini jack for an additional audio signal such as a backing track for practice or personal monitoring. The Aux signal goes only to the PHONES headphone output, not to the main OUT L and OUT R outputs.
Sources (6)
- AMT Electronics U-2 Pangaea Brain Frame Ultima, Pedal of the Day, 2020-12-27
- AMT U-2 Pangaea Ultima: NEW 2020, Media center of AMT Electronics
- START OF SALES: AMT U-2 Pangaea Ultima Brain Frame, AMT Electronics, 2026
- AMT Pangaea ULTIMA U-2, AMT Electronics, 2026
- Firmware for AMT Pangaea: Ultima U-2 Brain Frame, AMT Electronics (media.amtelectronics.com), 2021-05-01
- AMT-Ultima-U2_07-BassMixFX-FW-Manual_(ENG).pdf, AMT Electronics
