The Westminster Effects Geneva Amp Sim is a preamp/DI pedal in a compact stompbox format. Westminster Effects announced it alongside two other new DI/preamp pedals, one for acoustics and one for basses, making three new models in the series. Pre-orders began June 25, 2018, with units shipping beginning July1.
What it does
Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio wrote that the Geneva Amp Sim V2 "replicates the oft-sought after tones of the Vox AC30," with one more gain stage than the amp it is based on2. Guitar.com described the pedal's crisp, Vox-y tones as blendable via the Top Boost knob, and noted that the Cab Sim feature brings air and "open-ness" when running direct through the pedal's XLR out3.
"It is usable as an overdrive, but it shines with its switchable cabinet simulator and XLR out"
The controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the pedal's gain stage, one more than the AC30 it is based on2 |
| Volume | Sets the output level2 |
| Bass | EQ knob for low frequencies2 |
| Treble | EQ knob for high frequencies2 |
| Top Boost | Blends the Vox-style top boost character into the tone23 |
The original announcement described the EQ as two-band, with the regular Volume and Gain knobs bringing the sound-sculpting options; the V2's write-up lists three EQ knobs, Bass, Treble and Top Boost23.
Running direct, to an amp, or in stereo
The Geneva includes both a 1/4-inch and an XLR output, which makes it, in Delicious Audio's words, "perfect as an analog option for running direct and an inexpensive option for running stereo"2. The V2 adds a 1/4-inch dry-through output, so you can bypass the Geneva at home, or run the Geneva's XLR to the PA while sending the 1/4-inch output to an amp on stage2.
The cabinet emulation is switched on and off with a toggle switch. In the off position, the Geneva works as a regular overdrive, which is the setting for feeding a real amp rather than running direct2.
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Questions
Does the Westminster Geneva have an XLR output?
Yes. The Geneva includes an XLR output alongside a 1/4-inch output, so it can run direct to a PA or recording interface. The V2 adds a 1/4-inch dry-through output as well, which lets you send the Geneva's XLR to the PA while running the 1/4-inch output to an amp on stage, or bypass the Geneva at home.
Can the Geneva's cabinet simulator be switched off?
Yes. On the V2, the cabinet emulation is switched on and off with a toggle switch. With the cab sim off, Westminster describes the Geneva as working as a regular overdrive, which suits players who are running the pedal into a real amp and cabinet rather than direct.
How much does the Westminster Effects Geneva cost?
Premier Guitar's 2018 press release gave a street price of $219.99 when the Geneva was announced alongside the Zurich Preamp and the Wittenberg Bass Preamp.
Can the Geneva be used as an overdrive pedal?
Yes. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio wrote that the Geneva is usable as an overdrive, but that it shines with its switchable cabinet simulator and XLR output. With the cab sim toggled off, the pedal works as a regular overdrive into an amp.
Can you run the Geneva in stereo?
Delicious Audio describes the Geneva as an inexpensive option for running stereo, using one unit per side, and as an analog option for running direct. The XLR output handles the direct signal, and the cab sim brings what Guitar.com called air and open-ness when running direct.
Sources (3)
- Westminster Effects Introduces New Preamp/DI Series, Premier Guitar, 2018-06-25
- Westminster Effects Geneva Amp Sim V2, Delicious Audio, 2020-11-18
- Westminster Effects launches three DI/preamp pedals, Guitar.com, 2018-06-26