The Mythos Cestus Treble Booster is a compact treble boost pedal from Mythos Pedals, described by the maker as "A Treble Boost for the rest of us." It is built around a Military Spec Silicon 2N2222A transistor and a classic treble booster topology, with a three-position toggle that changes how much low end enters the circuit.1
History
The Cestus Treble Booster uses a silicon transistor, and Mythos notes a practical difference that matters on a gigging pedalboard: "Unlike its Germanium brethren, this Silicon transistor version doesn't require a specific type of power and won't fluctuate in tone if the sun comes out at your next gig."2 In other words, it is less sensitive to power supply choice and to temperature changes than germanium-based treble boosters can be.
Controls and the three voicings
The front panel is simple: one knob and one toggle switch.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Set | Adjusts the output level. |
| Toggle Switch | Center is classic treble boost, up is Mid Range boost, down is a bass heavy Fat boost. |
The toggle works on the input capacitor. As Mythos explains it, "The input capacitor on a Treble Boost is what determines how much low end enters the circuit and we have decided to make" it selectable, which is what gives the pedal its three voicings rather than the single fixed response of a traditional treble booster.1
Silicon instead of germanium
Classic treble boosters often used germanium transistors, which come with practical quirks. As Delicious Audio put it:
"Unlike its Germanium brethren, this Silicon transistor version doesn't require a specific type of power and won't fluctuate in tone if the sun comes out at your next gig."
For a player, that means the Cestus behaves like a normal silicon pedal on a power supply and holds its voicing through a hot outdoor set, where a germanium booster can drift1.
On That Pedal Show
That Pedal Show covered the Cestus in a New Pedal Day episode with Mick and Dan, introducing the pedal at 10:10 and playing sounds from 11:55.3
Videos
Mythos Pedals
Mythos Pedals
Mythos Pedals
Questions
What transistor does the Mythos Cestus use?
Inside the Cestus is a Military Spec Silicon 2N2222A transistor, which Mythos says was chosen for its great sound in this circuit. Because it is silicon rather than germanium, Mythos says it does not require a specific type of power and will not fluctuate in tone if the temperature changes at a gig, unlike germanium versions.
What are the three modes on the Mythos Cestus?
A toggle switch selects the voicing. The center position is classic treble boost, up is a Mid Range boost, and down is a bass heavy Fat boost. The input capacitor on a treble boost determines how much low end enters the circuit, and the Cestus makes that selectable.
What circuit is the Mythos Cestus based on?
Mythos describes the Cestus as inspired by classic treble booster circuits, taking that topology and tweaking it to work for all players. The treble booster circuit it uses was built for R.J. Ronquillo's reworked SusMaryOsep! pedal, and the Cestus was re-released as a treble booster in February 2023.
How much current does the Cestus draw?
Mythos lists the current draw as approximately 10 mA, which is light enough for almost any pedalboard power supply.
How big is the Mythos Cestus?
The enclosure measures 4.82 inches long by 2.62 inches wide by 1.43 inches high, according to Mythos Pedals.
Does the Cestus change its tone with temperature?
No. Mythos says that unlike its germanium counterparts, the Cestus's silicon transistor version does not require a specific type of power and will not fluctuate in tone if the sun comes out at your next gig.
Sources (3)
- Cestus Treble Booster, Mythos Pedals
- Mythos Cestus Treblebooster, Delicious Audio, 2023-02-06
- New Pedal Day Maestro Agena, Mythos Cestus, Aclam Woman Tone, TC Bucket Brigade, That Pedal Show, 2022-12-13
