The Cicognani TRIPLE DECKER is a three-channel analog guitar preamp with MIDI, built in a compact pedal size. Cicognani describes its sound as inspired by the sounds of an overdriven Plexi, and the pedal carries three channels plus a boost and a mute, with the boost available one per channel1.
Where it came from
Cicognani positions the TRIPLE DECKER as an evolution of the company's Double Decker. The maker says the aim was "not simply create a 're-edition' of that fantastic overdrive, but an improved and more complete evolution", describing the Double Decker as infamous in the sense of well known among players1. For players already familiar with the Double Decker's overdrive character, the Triple Decker extends the idea into a three-channel preamp format with MIDI preset storage.
Channels, boost and MIDI
The pedal's switching centers on what Cicognani calls the internal "MIDI relay switcher", which recalls and stores presets covering1:
- Three channels
- Three boosts, one per channel
- The mute
That means a player can store a favorite combination of channel and boost and recall it from a MIDI setup, rather than re-dialing settings between songs. The MIDI side handles switching and preset recall; the audio path itself remains fully analog1.
Recording and outputs
The TRIPLE DECKER has a "Rec/Out" output intended for connecting the pedal directly to a mixer or external recording devices. For recording at home or direct to a console, that means the preamp's signal can be captured without miking a speaker1.
Power requirements
Cicognani specifies a stabilized power supply capable of guaranteeing a maximum working voltage of 12VDC with 500mA continuous. The HISTORY SERIES, which the TRIPLE DECKER belongs to, is equipped with an internal voltage doubler circuit1.
The tube's preheating peak current can exceed 1A (1000mA), according to Cicognani. A supply rated only at the pedal's 500mA continuous figure may not cover that startup peak, so a dedicated supply rather than a shared daisy chain is the safe choice1.
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Cicognani engineering
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Questions
Is the Cicognani Triple Decker fully analog?
Yes. Cicognani describes the Triple Decker as fully analog. It is a three-channel tube preamp, and the MIDI circuitry is used for preset recall and switching rather than for processing the guitar signal, so the audio path stays analog from input to output.
Does the Cicognani Triple Decker have MIDI?
It does. The pedal has an internal MIDI relay switcher that recalls and stores presets: three channels, three boosts (one per channel) and the mute. That lets a player save favorite combinations and bring them back with MIDI program changes.
What power supply does the Cicognani Triple Decker need?
Cicognani specifies a stabilized power supply capable of guaranteeing a maximum working voltage of 12VDC with 500mA continuous. Because the tube's preheating peak current can exceed 1A (1000mA), the pedal needs its own dedicated supply rather than a shared daisy chain.
Does the Triple Decker have a recording output?
Yes. The pedal has a Rec/Out output intended for connecting directly to a mixer or external recording devices, so it can be recorded without miking an amplifier.
Sources (1)
- TRIPLE DECKER 3-Channel Tube Preamp w/ MIDI, Godlyke Distributing, Inc.