The Master Effects Super Fifty is a compressor/limiter pedal based on the 1970s rackmount Ashly SC-50 Peak Limiter/Compressor. Master Effects calls it their interpretation of what they describe as the legendary vintage Ashly SC-50, and it is assembled by hand in Calgary, Alberta, Canada1. It belongs to the broader family of compressor pedals, but it works differently from most: like the SC-50, it is a line-level operating device, so it expects a signal that has already been brought up to line level1.
A pedal take on a rack unit
The Ashly SC-50 was a rackmount Peak Limiter/Compressor from the 1970s, and the Super Fifty carries that circuit into pedal form1. One way it keeps the character of the original is in its internal power: a switched-mode power supply generates ±15V from a standard Boss-style 9V input, which Master Effects describes as the equivalent of running the pedal with a 30V supply, giving plenty of headroom1. The circuit uses SMD JRC4558 and LM301 op-amps throughout1.
Because the Super Fifty is a line-level operating device, a guitar plugged straight in may not drive it properly. Master Effects states that a preamplifier must be used to bring instrument level signals up to line levels, otherwise the pedal may not operate as expected1. A preamp pedal ahead of it on the board is one way to do that.
The controls
The Super Fifty has five knobs and one switch1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of gain in the circuit |
| Ratio | Sets the compression ratio |
| Attack | Sets how quickly the compressor responds |
| Release | Sets how quickly it lets go |
| Output | Sets the output level |
| Limiter toggle | Engages the limiter portion of the circuit |
The toggle switch is what separates the two halves of the design: flipped on, it engages the limiter portion of the circuit, so the pedal can act as a limiter as well as a compressor1.
Price, shipping and warranty
The Super Fifty is priced at $239US plus shipping1. Shipping within Canada and the US is $20US, and shipping to the UK, Western Europe, Australia and Japan is approximately $60US1. For customers outside Canada, Master Effects notes that you are responsible for any customs, import or VAT charges your country levies on the pedal1. Orders typically ship within 2 to 4 weeks1.
Each pedal comes with a 1 year warranty on parts and labor, which does not cover damage due to using an improper power supply or other misuse1.
Questions
Does the Master Effects Super Fifty need a preamp?
Yes. The Super Fifty is a line-level operating device, like the Ashly SC-50 it is based on. Master Effects states that if you are using instrument level signals, a preamplifier must be used to bring the signal up to line levels, otherwise the pedal may not operate as expected. Plugging a guitar straight in will not give the circuit the level it was designed to work with.
What power supply does the Super Fifty use?
The pedal runs on a standard Boss-style 9V power supply. Inside, a switched-mode power supply generates plus and minus 15V to run the circuit, which Master Effects describes as the equivalent of running the pedal with a 30V supply, giving plenty of headroom.
Where is the Master Effects Super Fifty made?
Master Effects assembles the Super Fifty by hand in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Orders typically ship within 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does the Master Effects Super Fifty cost, and what does shipping add?
The price is $239US plus shipping. Shipping within Canada and the US is $20US, and shipping to the UK, Western Europe, Australia and Japan is approximately $60US. Customers outside Canada are responsible for any customs, import or VAT charges their country levies.
What warranty comes with the Master Effects Super Fifty?
Each pedal comes with a 1 year warranty on parts and labour. The warranty does not cover damage caused by using an improper power supply or other misuse.
What does the limiter switch do?
A toggle switch on the Super Fifty engages the limiter portion of the circuit, letting you use the pedal as a limiter in addition to its compressor function.
Sources (1)
- Super Fifty, Master Effects, 1970