The Cusack Music Meta Plexi is an analog distortion pedal with a built-in boost channel, made by Cusack Music. The maker describes it as based on a classic amplifier preamp, with "all of the crank you've heard on classic records for decades"1. It first appeared at NAMM 2020 and was later added to Delicious Audio's list of the Best Plexi Pedals and Marshall-inspired Distortions2.
Controls and the Lead channel
The pedal carries Volume and Gain controls along with a classic three-band EQ, which Cusack Music describes as based on a Plexi tone stack1. A toggle switch selects between "Vintage" and "Modern" voicings1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Overall output level4 |
| Gain | Amount of distortion4 |
| Treble, Mids, Bass | Three-band EQ based on a Plexi tone stack1 |
| Vintage / Modern toggle | Selects the voicing1 |
| Lead footswitch | Engages the post-distortion Lead channel12 |
The second footswitch is the pedal's distinguishing feature. The Lead channel sits after the distortion section and adds a selectable 3, 6, or 9dB of volume boost without adding extra saturation, so solos come up in level rather than in fuzz14. The main distortion circuit must be engaged for Lead to be activated, so it works as a boost on top of the distortion rather than as a standalone clean boost1. Pedal of the Day's reviewer found that "this thing really kicks into high gear when you engage the Lead channel"4.
Where it came from
Delicious Audio first saw the Meta Plexi at NAMM 2020, noting that "this take on the classic Marshall tone gives you all the expected settings and control, plus a second footswitch (Lead)"2. Pedal of the Day reviewed it in writing, describing it as following in the footsteps of a certain hallowed, classic amplifier and saying it "instantly transform[s] your tone and send[s] you back to classic rock and metal heydays gone past"4.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's verdict was positive across the board: "High quality build, gorgeous sound, vintage look and feel…the Cusack Music Meta Plexi Distortion Boost has got it all." The same review counted true bypass circuitry, an all-analog signal path, and silent switching as "extra icing on the sonic cake"4. Delicious Audio also pointed to an enthusiastic written review of the pedal on TheGearPage forum2.
The Lead channel only works while the distortion side is on. Players looking for a standalone clean boost will need a dedicated boost pedal.
Related pages
For other takes on the same territory, see Distortion Pedals, Boost Pedals, and Preamp Pedals. Cusack Music's other distortion design, the Cusack Orthrus, takes a different approach to the same family of sounds.
Videos
Mike Hermans
60 Cycle Hum
Pedal of the Day
Questions
Does the Cusack Meta Plexi run on a battery?
Yes. Cusack Music lists the Meta Plexi as running on a standard center negative 9V DC supply or a 9V battery, though the battery is not included. Current draw is listed at approximately 19mA, which is light enough for most pedalboard power supplies.
Is the Cusack Meta Plexi true bypass?
Yes. Cusack Music specifies true bypass with silent switching, and Pedal of the Day's review likewise notes true bypass circuitry, an all-analog signal path, and silent switching.
How does the Lead channel work on the Meta Plexi?
The Lead channel sits after the distortion circuit and adds a selectable 3, 6, or 9dB of volume boost without adding extra saturation. The main distortion circuit must be engaged for the Lead channel to be activated, and a second footswitch brings it in and out.
What is the difference between Vintage and Modern on the Meta Plexi?
A toggle switch selects between Vintage and Modern voicings. Cusack Music does not detail the internal differences between the two settings on its product page, so the practical way to hear the distinction is to flip the toggle while playing.
Is the Meta Plexi based on a Marshall Plexi?
Cusack Music describes the Meta Plexi as based on a classic amplifier preamp, with a three-band EQ based on a Plexi tone stack. Delicious Audio placed it on its list of the Best Plexi Pedals and Marshall-inspired Distortions.
How much current does the Meta Plexi draw?
Cusack Music lists the current draw at approximately 19mA at 9V, which is a modest figure by pedal standards.
Sources (4)
- Meta Plexi British Distortion and Boost Pedal, Cusack Music
- Cusack Meta Plexi Overdrive/Distortion, Delicious Audio, 2021-01-25
- Deal Breaker Boost, Jacks on Every Side, Cusack Music
- Cusack Music Meta Plexi Distortion Boost, Pedal of the Day, 2022-07-23
