The Mr. Black Challenger Deep is a reverb pedal from the maker's Black LTD. line of limited-run pedals, produced in a run of 59 pieces. Mr. Black describes its character as "reverb drawn from the ocean rather than the outer reaches of space," with reflections that are "deep, fluid and constantly shifting," rolling outward "like slow underwater currents."1
Sound and character
Mr. Black positions the Challenger Deep as an oceanic take on reverb rather than the ambient, space-themed reverb sound many pedals chase. The maker's own description is of a deep, fluid reverb whose reflections shift constantly, like slow underwater currents.1
It sits in a Mr. Black reverb range that also includes the SuperMoon, the Super Swell spring reverb, the Mini Reverb Universal Reverberator and the Eterna Gold Modified.1
Controls and specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | ~470KΩ |
| Output impedance | ~2KΩ |
| Power | 9VDC 2.1mm negative center-pin (>100mA regulated supply recommended) |
| Current draw | ~59mA @ 9VDC |
| Battery | Internal 9V battery (not included) |
| Bypass | True-Bypass |
| Dimensions | 2.65" x 4.45" x 1.85" (67.3MM x 113MM x 47MM) |
| Weight | 9.0oz (255g) |
All specifications from the maker's product page.1
The maker recommends a regulated supply of more than 100mA. At roughly 59mA of current draw, the Challenger Deep is within reach of most pedalboard power supplies, but a low-current daisy-chain output may not be adequate.
Price and availability
The Challenger Deep carries a regular price of $229.95, with a launch price of $199.95. As a Black LTD. release it is a limited run of 59 pieces, and Mr. Black notes that all Black LTD. sales are final.1
Mr. Black's policy on limited editions is explicit: "ALL LIMITED EDITION SALES FINAL! NO RETURNS/EXCHANGES/REFUNDS."1 Buyers should treat a Challenger Deep purchase as final at the point of sale.
Videos
R.J. Ronquillo
Questions
Is the Mr. Black Challenger Deep true bypass?
Yes. Mr. Black lists the Challenger Deep as a True-Bypass pedal, so when it is switched off your guitar's signal passes through without the pedal's circuitry in the way. That matters on a pedalboard where several effects sit between the guitar and the amp, since buffered stages can each add their own character to the signal.
Can the Challenger Deep run on a battery?
Yes. Mr. Black says the pedal can be powered either by a 9VDC 2.1mm negative center-pin supply, with a regulated supply of more than 100mA recommended, or by an internal 9V battery. The battery is not included, so you would need to supply your own.
Who designed the Mr. Black Challenger Deep?
Mr. Black credits the Challenger Deep as a Jack Deville original design. Deville is the designer behind the Mr. Black brand, and the pedal is part of the Black LTD. line of limited-run pedals.
Can I return a Mr. Black limited edition pedal?
No. Mr. Black states that all Black LTD. sales are final, with no returns, exchanges or refunds on limited edition pedals. The Challenger Deep is a limited run of 59 pieces, so the same policy applies to it.
How big is the Mr. Black Challenger Deep?
Mr. Black lists the Challenger Deep at 2.65 x 4.45 x 1.85 inches, or 67.3 x 113 x 47 millimeters, weighing 9.0 ounces, about 255 grams. That is a compact standard-format enclosure that fits a typical pedalboard slot.
Sources (1)
- Black LTD. Challenger Deep, Mr. Black
