The SolidGoldFX Zeta DLX is an overdrive pedal with a built-in boost, made by SolidGoldFX. It is a souped-up version of the company's classic Zeta overdrive, adding a comprehensive array of control options on top of the original design. The boost is a directionally selectable independent JFET section: it can be used on its own, or configured to run before or after the drive channel, functioning as a level boost or a gain boost depending on where you place it.1
The controls
The pedal keeps the primary Volume, Tone and Gain controls of an overdrive, then adds a set of switches for finer shaping1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Primary output level control1 |
| Tone | Primary tone control1 |
| Gain | Primary gain control for the drive channel1 |
| Clipping switch | Selectable clipping to fine tune the drive sound1 |
| Body switch | Fine tunes bass frequencies1 |
| Mid switch | Fine tunes mid-range frequencies1 |
| Boost tone switch | Dedicated 3-position tone switch for control over the bass frequencies of the boost channel1 |
The clipping, body and mid switches work together to fine tune bass and mid-range frequencies of the drive, while the boost section carries its own 3-position tone switch for its bass response.1
The boost section
The independent JFET boost is the main addition over the standard Zeta. Because it can sit before or after the drive, it covers two jobs: pushing the drive harder for more gain, or lifting the level of an already-set drive sound. Used on its own, it works as a standalone boost pedal.1
"The independent JFET boost section of the Zeta Deluxe can be used on its own, or configured to run before or after the drive."
For more on where a boost like this fits on a board, see Boost Pedals, and for the drive side of the pedal see Overdrive Pedals.
Hearing it
Delicious Audio's product page points to a demo video of the Zeta Deluxe by Mike Hermans as the way to hear the pedal.1
Videos
SolidGoldFX | Diamond Pedals
SolidGoldFX | Diamond Pedals
SolidGoldFX | Diamond Pedals
Questions
What is the difference between the SolidGoldFx Zeta and the Zeta DLX?
The Zeta DLX (Zeta Deluxe) is a souped-up version of SolidGoldFX's classic Zeta overdrive. It adds a comprehensive array of control options on top of the original design, including selectable clipping, body and mid switches, plus a boost section with its own tone switch, giving far more fine-tuning of bass and mid-range frequencies than the standard Zeta.
Can the Zeta DLX boost go before or after the drive?
Yes. The independent JFET boost section can be configured to run before or after the drive channel, and it can also be used entirely on its own. Depending on where you place it, it functions as a level boost or a gain boost, so you can push the drive harder or keep it clean behind the pedal.
What do the body and mid switches do on the Zeta DLX?
The body and mid switches, along with a selectable clipping switch, let you fine tune the bass and mid-range frequencies of the drive sound. They sit alongside the primary Volume, Tone and Gain controls, so you can shape the low end and mid-range character of the overdrive without touching the main knobs.
Can you use the boost on its own on the Zeta DLX?
Yes. The JFET boost section is independent of the drive, so it can be used on its own as a standalone boost pedal. When used with the drive channel, you can set it to run before or after the drive, working as either a level boost or a gain boost depending on how you want to hit the circuit.
Sources (1)
- SolidGoldFx Zeta DLX, Delicious Audio, 2017-07-16
