The Vertex Ultraphonix Special Overdrive MKII is an analog overdrive pedal that emulates the expansive midrange and cascading gain stages of the D*lightful amplifier, an ultra-rare American boutique amp. Vertex describes its sound as a "blooming midrange and screaming overdrive" with an articulate attack and smooth sustain, in the territory associated with players like Robben Ford and Larry Carlton1. It sits in the broader family of Dumble-style overdrive pedals, alongside the Vertex Ultra-Phonix HRM and the Vertex Steel String Supreme.
The controls: Level, Filter, Ratio and Master
The MKII carries four main controls, each aimed at a different part of the gain structure1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| LEVEL | Input gain control to fine tune pickup outputs, with up to 8dB of level compensation1 |
| FILTER | Sculpts the upper mids from 800Hz to 1.6kHz, adding presence and harmonic saturation1 |
| RATIO | Distortion and saturation control, part of the extra gain shaping added over the MKI1 |
| MASTER | Sets the pedal's final output level once the overdrive and EQ mix is dialed in1 |
Vertex describes the workflow in its own words: "Once you get the perfect mix of overdrive and EQ, use the \"MASTER\" volume control to set your final output level."1 The Level control is the headline addition: it lets players match the pedal's input to their pickups' output, from lower-output single coils to hotter humbuckers, with up to 8dB of compensation available.
MKI versus MKII
The MKII runs a 100% analog circuitry design, per Vertex1. Among its controls is the "FILTER" knob, which the maker describes as a way to add presence and harmonic saturation by sculpting the upper-mids from 800Hz1. It operates on 9VDC center-negative power, with an adapter not included1.
The 9VDC center-negative power requirement means the pedal needs a standard isolated supply or adapter, which is not included in the box1.
Where it came from
The Ultraphonix project has a long development history behind it. Vertex states that the R&D took over four years, from 2012 to 2016, and used five reference amplifiers, describing them as a half-dozen of the ultra-rare six-figure amplifiers the pedal is modeled on1. Mason Marangella is named as co-designer of the Ultraphonix, photographed around 2015 with some of those reference amplifiers1. The pedal is assembled in California1.
Vertex describes the MKII as a 100% analog overdrive1. The maker also backs it with a lifetime warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee return policy1. Its "FILTER" knob sculpts the upper-mids from 800Hz, adding presence and harmonic saturation according to Vertex1.
What reviewers and demos showed
On the published record for the MKII, Vertex's own description is the reference point: a 100% analog circuit, 9VDC center-negative power operation with the adapter not included, and a "FILTER" knob for sculpting the upper-mids from 800Hz to add presence and harmonic saturation1. The maker stands behind it with a lifetime warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee return policy1.
Videos
Vertex Effects
Vertex Effects
Buddy Blues
Questions
Is the Vertex Ultraphonix MKII true bypass?
Yes. Vertex specifies mechanical true bypass switching on the Ultraphonix Special Overdrive MKII, so the pedal's circuit is removed from your signal path when the effect is off. It is also a 100% analog circuit, running on 9VDC center-negative power.
What is the difference between the Ultraphonix MKI and MKII?
The MKII is one-third smaller than the original MKI and adds gain-shaping controls beyond the first version, including a Master volume, an input gain Level control with up to 8dB of level compensation, and a Filter knob for the upper mids. Vertex developed the MKII partly from MKI owner feedback.
Does the Ultraphonix MKII come with a power supply?
No. The pedal runs on 9VDC center-negative power, but the adapter is not included, so you will need your own supply or a spot on an existing pedalboard power source.
Where is the Vertex Ultraphonix made?
Vertex states the Ultraphonix Special Overdrive MKII is assembled in California. The pedal carries a lifetime warranty and a 30-day money back return policy.
Who designed the Vertex Ultraphonix?
Mason Marangella, Vertex Effects' founder, is named as co-designer of the Ultraphonix. The research and development took over four years, from 2012 to 2016, using five reference amplifiers.
Sources (1)
- Ultraphonix Special Overdrive MKII, www.vertexeffects.com
