The Carl Martin PlexiTone Single is a compact, single-channel overdrive/distortion pedal built for high-gain tones in a pedalboard-friendly format. Carl Martin designed it in collaboration with guitarist Pete Thorn, and it is sometimes dubbed the Pete Thorn edition. The gain structure is directly based on the High Gain channel of the original Pro Series PlexiTone, and the maker describes the result as a high-gain overdrive that feels immediate and balanced rather than aggressive for its own sake1.
Controls
The layout is deliberately simple: one footswitch and three knobs. Carl Martin's support material describes the pedal as having "just one footswitch and three knobs (Gain, Tone, Level)"2, and there is no channel switching or secondary functions, just direct access to output, gain, and high-frequency shaping1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Controls the amount of overdrive1 |
| Tone | Reduces high-frequency content1 |
| Level | Sets the overall output level1 |
| Bypass footswitch | Engages or bypasses the effect1 |
The jacks are straightforward: the input accepts the guitar signal, and the output sends signal to the next device or amp1.
Power
The PlexiTone Single is powered from a standard regulated 9V DC supply with a center-negative power input. Inside, a DC-DC converter runs the circuit at plus and minus 12V, which Carl Martin says is just like the original AC-powered PlexiTone1. Power draw is about 60 mA1.
Like most Carl Martin pedals with internal charge pumps, the PlexiTone Single does not take a battery1. At about 60 mA it also draws more than a typical low-current overdrive, so a daisy chain shared with several pedals may not be the best home for it.
How it compares to the original PlexiTone
The Single captures the core voice of the Pro Series PlexiTone in a compact format, but it is not a straight copy. Carl Martin describes it as based on the original High Gain channel, with a tighter low end and smoother top end for consistent tones across different setups1. Where the original offers two channels, the Single strips the idea down to one voice and three knobs, trading flexibility for directness.
Who uses it
Pete Thorn, who collaborated on the design, is listed on Carl Martin's artist page as using the PlexiTone Single3. Country guitarist Johnny Hiland is also listed as using it, both on the artist page and on the product page itself13.
Videos
Alberto Barrero
Goldmusicsrl
Mark Wein
Questions
Does the Carl Martin PlexiTone Single take a battery?
No. Carl Martin states that, like most Carl Martin pedals with internal charge pumps, the PlexiTone Single does not take a battery. It is powered from a standard regulated 9V DC supply with a center-negative input, and a DC-DC converter inside raises the internal operating voltage to plus and minus 12V. Plan for a dedicated or well-speced 9V output on your power supply rather than a battery compartment.
Is the PlexiTone Single true bypass?
Yes. According to Carl Martin, the PlexiTone Single features true bypass switching, so there is no tone coloration when the pedal is off. The single footswitch engages or bypasses the effect.
How much current does the PlexiTone Single draw?
Carl Martin lists the power draw at about 60 mA at 9V DC. That is more than many simple overdrives need, so it is worth checking what your power supply's outputs deliver before daisy chaining it with other pedals.
What is the difference between the PlexiTone Single and the original PlexiTone?
The Single is a compact, single-channel pedal built on the High Gain channel of the original Pro Series PlexiTone. Carl Martin describes it as having a tighter low end and smoother top end than the original, aimed at consistent tones across different setups. It drops the original's channel switching and secondary functions for direct access to Level, Drive and Tone.
Did Pete Thorn design the PlexiTone Single?
Carl Martin says the pedal was designed in collaboration with Pete Thorn, and it is sometimes dubbed the Pete Thorn edition. Thorn is listed on Carl Martin's artist page as using the PlexiTone Single, and guitarist Johnny Hiland is also listed as using it.
Sources (3)
- PlexiTone Single, Carl Martin (carlmartin.com), 2026
- Support - Carl Martin, Carl Martin (carlmartin.com), 2026
- Artists - Carl Martin, Carl Martin (carlmartin.com), 2026
