The Subdecay Prometheus DLX is a resonant filter pedal that packs several filter effects into one box: autowah, envelope filter, step filter, random sample/hold filter, and what Subdecay calls a pixelated envelope filter1. It is an analog filter with digital control, so the filtering itself is analog while the modes, LFO shapes and tap tempo are handled digitally2. Subdecay describes it as "the most versatile filter pedal on Earth" and built it as a re-imagined Prometheus using what the company learned from The Quasar DLX21.
The pedal is discontinued. Subdecay lists it in its discontinued product category and the listing is out of stock, so it is now a used-market item1. A b-stock version sold for $275.00 in 20192.
The controls and modes
The Prometheus DLX selects between lowpass, bandpass and highpass filters, and offers nine mode settings that change what the controls do2. The WARP control and the TAP/HOLD footswitch serve different purposes in each of the nine settings, which is what lets one pedal cover so much ground2.
| Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| Analog envelope | Analog envelope, forward and reverse |
| Pixilated Envelope | Sample/hold envelope control |
| Step | Tap tempo step filter based on 7 LFO shapes |
| Warp LFO | Tap tempo LFO speed with wave shape warp |
| Manual LFO | Manually control LFO speed |
In step mode, the WARP knob adjusts the ratio between the step rate and the underlying LFO, from 1:1 to 1:1.5, and TAP/HOLD is used for tap tempo2. The underlying LFO rate is locked to the step rate, so the relationship between them holds when you change the step rate, with no readjustment needed2.
Two details are worth knowing for players who buy one used:
- An internal switch adds a dry signal blend to the bandpass filter, useful for keeping body in the sound when the bandpass path thins it out2.
- The expression pedal input can be used with any of the non-envelope functions, and the effect depends on the shape and mode settings. In trigger LFO mode the LFO shape is mapped to the expression pedal: a ramp wave gives a standard wah effect, a saw wave a reverse wah, and triangle or square waves give what Subdecay calls especially strange results2.
Power and connections: 9V to 18V
The Prometheus DLX runs on an external regulated 9VDC to 18VDC adapter with a negative center 2.1mm barrel plug, and draws less than 100mA2. The wide voltage range means it works on a standard 9V supply or on higher-voltage pedals power supplies rated up to 18V. There is no battery option; it is adapter powered only2.
Signal connections are a single input and output, with 1M input impedance and less than 1K output impedance, so it plays well with other pedals on a board2. Switching is true bypass through 3PDT switches, leaving the signal path untouched when the pedal is off2.
The two Subdecay listings give different enclosure dimensions: 4.625 x 3.5 x 2.125 in on one page1 and 4.7 x 3.7 x 1.2 in in the notes section of the other2. Weight is listed as 18 oz1.
Where it came from
Subdecay positioned the DLX as a re-imagined original Prometheus, applying circuit knowledge the company gained from The Quasar DLX2. It sits in a line of Subdecay filter pedals that includes the Proteus, the Proteus Auto Filter, the Prometheus V2 and the Prometheus 3 Dual Super Filter, along with the voice-controlled Vocawah. The pedal is hand made in Oregon in a die cast metal enclosure, built for durability2.
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Questions
Is the Subdecay Prometheus DLX discontinued?
Yes. Subdecay lists the Prometheus DLX in its discontinued product category, and both the standard and b-stock listings are out of stock. It was hand made in Oregon and sold for $275 as a b-stock item in 2019. Finding one now means the used market.
Does the Prometheus DLX have an expression input?
Yes. The expression pedal input works with any of the non-envelope functions, and the result depends on the shape and mode settings. In trigger LFO mode the LFO shape is mapped to the expression pedal: a ramp wave gives a standard wah effect, a saw wave a reverse wah, and triangle or square waves stranger results.
Does the Prometheus DLX work on bass?
Yes. Subdecay says the filter sweep goes above and below normal guitar frequencies and works well with other instruments such as bass and synthesizers. There is also an internal switch that adds a dry signal blend to the bandpass filter, which helps keep low end present.
Is the Prometheus DLX analog or digital?
It is an analog filter with digital control. The filtering itself is analog, while the digital side handles mode selection, the LFO shapes, tap tempo and the step and sample/hold functions. Switching is true bypass through 3PDT switches.
What warranty does the Prometheus DLX have?
Subdecay covers the Prometheus DLX with a three-year limited warranty. Blemished b-stock units were fully functional and carried the same standard three-year warranty, though b-stock sales were final.
Sources (2)
- Prometheus DLX, subdecay.com, 2021-10-22
- Prometheus DLX, Subdecay, 2019-04-12
