The Sol Invictus is a dual-channel distortion and preamp pedal from Virginia-based Hilbish Design, announced in June 2020. It carries the same circuit as the company's Beta Preamp, which has its roots in the classic SUNN Beta Lead and Bass amplifier, and Guitar World described it as boasting thick preamp tones based on that vintage amp123. Hilbish Design calls it "the super versatile dual channel distortion and preamp covers a lot of heavy ground!"1. Guitar World framed it as a two-channel preamp, Bi-Amp rig, drive pedal and direct box in one enclosure2.
The maker's product page listed the Sol Invictus as "Coming Soon" with an email notification option, so availability is limited at the time of writing1.
A dual-channel preamp based on the SUNN Beta Lead
The Sol Invictus is the pedal version of Hilbish Design's Beta Preamp. The maker states that it "features the same dual channel design, super dynamic drive controls going from clean tones to overdrive to all out fuzz, and three band active EQ"1. The circuit lineage runs back to the SUNN Beta Lead and Bass amplifier, a classic amp that the Beta Preamp design took as its starting point3. For a player, that means two independent preamp voices in one box, each able to move from a clean boost through overdrive and distortion territory to full fuzz, with active tone shaping on top.
The enclosure is 14-gauge powder-coated steel with custom artwork by graphic designer Mackie Osborne2.
The controls
Each channel carries the same set of controls, with the top row serving channel A and the bottom row serving channel B1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Controls the amount of gain, from clean boost to fuzzed out |
| Level | Controls the overall level of each channel |
| Bass, Mid, Treble | Three-band active EQ, can cut and boost, set center for flat response |
The three footswitches handle channel selection and bypass1:
- Bypass: with the instrument output, switches between the clean instrument signal and the effect signal; with any other output (CH A, CH B, line, balanced) it acts as a mute switch
- Both Channels: when activated, turns both channel A and B on
- A/B Toggle: toggles between channel A (red) and channel B (green)
Outputs and connections
The Sol Invictus has an unusually extensive input and output selection for a preamp pedal, which is what lets it serve as a preamp, a drive pedal and a direct box at once1.
| Jack | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Input | Instrument level input for guitar, bass, synth, or whatever other noise maker you have |
| CH A Out | Channel A output |
| CH B Out | Channel B output |
| INST Out | Instrument level output, for "effect pedal" operation into a guitar or bass amp |
| Line Out | Line level output for use with a power amp, mixing board, or DI |
| Balanced out | TRS balanced out for DI applications that require long cable runs |
The balanced TRS output is the connection that turns the pedal into a direct box for stage or studio use, while the Line Out feeds a power amp or mixing board directly1. Guitar World's announcement described the pedal as combining a two-channel preamp, Bi-Amp rig, drive pedal and direct box in a compact enclosure2.
Power
Hilbish Design specifies a 9V 200mA center negative supply1. That 200mA draw is worth noting: it is more than many small pedalboard supplies allocate per output, so plan the power layout accordingly.
Related pedals from Hilbish Design
Hilbish Design is known for collaboration pedals as well as its own designs. Pedal of the Day, reviewing the company's Pessimiser King Buzzo Distortion, noted that its "first foray into the heavy world of Hilbish Design effects was the incredible Red Fang Night Destroyer Distortion Preamp"5. The Night Destroyer shares the Sol Invictus's SUNN-inspired lineage. For more on the category, see Preamp Pedals and Bass Pedals.
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Questions
Can the Sol Invictus run both channels at once?
Yes. The two channels can be run individually or in parallel, selected with two footswitches. A Both Channels footswitch turns channel A and channel B on together, and an A/B Toggle footswitch switches between channel A (red) and channel B (green). The Bypass footswitch switches between the clean instrument signal and the effect signal when using the instrument output.
What power supply does the Sol Invictus need?
Hilbish Design specifies a 9V DC center negative supply rated at 200mA. Because of the current draw, a supply with enough headroom is worth planning for when building a pedalboard around it.
Is the Sol Invictus a DI box?
It works as one. Alongside the instrument-level output for feeding an amp, the pedal has a Line Out for use with a power amp, mixing board or DI, and a TRS balanced out intended for DI applications that require long cable runs. Guitar World described it as a two-channel preamp, Bi-Amp rig, drive pedal and direct box.
Can I use the Sol Invictus with bass?
Yes. The input accepts instrument level signals from guitar, bass, synth, or, in Hilbish Design's words, whatever other noise maker you have, and the instrument output is meant for effect pedal operation into a guitar or bass amp. The circuit's roots in the SUNN Beta Lead and Bass amplifier also point to bass-friendly origins.
What is the Hilbish Design Night Destroyer?
The Night Destroyer Distortion Preamp is a collaboration pedal between Hilbish Design and the band Red Fang, released in a limited run of 150 units in 2020, based on the SUNN Beta series amplifiers. Pedal of the Day noted it as an earlier point of entry into Hilbish Design's heavier effects.
Sources (5)
- Sol Invictus, Hilbish Design
- Hilbish Design's Sol Invictus offers a two-channel preamp, drive pedal and DI in one stunning enclosure, Guitar World, 2020-06-24
- New Sol-Invictus Preamp Pedal by Hilbish Design, Premier Guitar, 2020-06-29
- T-Fuzz - Hilbish Design, Hilbish Design
- Hilbish Design Pessimiser King Buzzo Distortion, Pedal of the Day, 2021-02-22
