The Cicognani Bruto Mk. I is a multi-channel analog tube preamp pedal from Cicognani that can be used with or without a power amp. Into an amp it provides two channels of tube guitar tone, Sexy Crunch and Lead Super Lead; without an amp it becomes a three-channel tube amp with a balanced/unbalanced speaker simulator that can be plugged directly into a mixer or an external recording device1. It belongs to the wider family of preamp pedals, and the maker also describes it as an overdrive-style unit1.
This pedal has been discontinued by Cicognani Engineering1.
Channels and controls
Into an amp, the Bruto's two channels each have dedicated Level and Gain controls1. Each channel also carries a screwdriver-adjustable mid-cut control that allows the user to dial in the "bell curve" of the midrange frequencies1. An adjustable Solo Boost of 0 to 10 dB, operated by footswitch, is also included1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level (per channel) | Dedicated level control on each channel1 |
| Gain (per channel) | Dedicated gain control on each channel1 |
| Mid-cut (per channel) | Screwdriver-adjustable control to dial in the "bell curve" of the midrange frequencies1 |
| Solo Boost | Adjustable 0 to 10 dB boost, footswitchable1 |
Using it with and without an amp
The Bruto is designed to work in either role. Into an amp, it acts as a two-channel preamp and overdrive-style pedal, sitting in the same territory as other overdrive pedals and distortion pedals1. Used without an amp, the maker describes it as a three-channel tube amp with a balanced/unbalanced speaker simulator, so it can be plugged directly into a mixer or an external recording device1. That places it alongside dedicated speaker simulation pedals for direct recording and silent rigs.
Where it came from
The Bruto descends from an earlier design: in 2003 the Guru, Cicognani's designer, partnered with Donato Begotti to create the Brutus mini amp head1. The maker describes the Bruto as excelling at offering exceptional signal dynamics and the "sound on touch" that is so important to a guitarist1.
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Denny Bertone
Questions
Can the Cicognani Bruto Mk. I be used without a guitar amp?
Yes. According to the maker, when used without an amp the Bruto becomes a three-channel tube amp with a balanced/unbalanced speaker simulator that can be plugged directly into a mixer or an external recording device. Into an amp, it instead provides two channels of tube guitar tone.
How many channels does the Bruto Mk. I have?
Into an amp, the Bruto provides two channels, named Sexy Crunch and Lead Super Lead, each with dedicated Level and Gain controls. When used without an amp, the maker describes it as a three-channel tube amp with a speaker simulator.
What does the mid-cut control do on the Bruto?
Each channel has a screwdriver-adjustable mid-cut control that allows the user to dial in the "bell curve" of the midrange frequencies, shaping how the mids are cut on that channel.
Is the Cicognani Bruto Mk. I discontinued?
Yes. The maker's product page states that the pedal has been discontinued by Cicognani Engineering.
What is the Solo Boost on the Bruto?
The Bruto includes an adjustable Solo Boost of 0 to 10 dB that can be operated by footswitch, giving a player a volume lift for solos without changing the tone settings.
Sources (1)
- BRUTO MKI (multi-channel tube preamp) *discontinued*, Godlyke Distributing, Inc.
