DSM & Humboldt Simplifier DLX Zero Watt Dual Channel & Reverb Stereo Amplifier

The DSM & Humboldt Simplifier DLX is the natural progression of the original Simplifier — many weekend and worship guitarists’ favorite “zero-watt” analog amplifier. This pedalboard-sized stereo analog preamp and cab sim is every bit as versatile as having two fully independent amps at your feet. Dual independent signal paths allow you to meticulously dial in clean and dirt channels or, alternatively, run two wildly different tones in parallel to create elaborate wet/dry direct rigs. As with the original, each channel of the Simplifier DLX is driven by a triad of essential amp British and American amp tones. Only now, a 3-way Mode switch (Clean/Crunch/Lead) allows you to really slather on the saturation or dial up the dynamics in a hurry. Cab simulation and a new 3-way reverb can be dialed in per amp path, as can the Simplifier DLX’s simulated power tube emulation and critical feedback-based Resonance and Presence controls. Just like the original Simplifier, the Simplifier DLX makes a supreme pedal platform — its balanced TRS mono/stereo input stage and stereo FX return bring your boutique overdrives, stereo delays, and reverbs to life. Factor in a dedicated headphone out and aux in for live monitoring, an FX pass-through for handing off stereo effects to a pair of stage amps, low-noise stereo balanced XLR outs for sending signal to FOH, and a Spread switch that lets you achieve wide faux-stereo effects from mono guitar signals, and the DSM & Humboldt Simplifier DLX pedalboard preamplifier is a top-tier option for traditional players as well as those seeking to leave the amp at home.

The DSM & Humboldt Simplifier DLX is the brainchild of Manuel Jano Acevedo of Humboldt Electronics and Daniel Schwartz of DSM Noisemaker. The concept of the Simplifier line arose when both players knew they wanted to address their own gigging needs in a single fly-ready pedalboard solution. “Manuel is a worship player, so parallel amps with very nice cleans, with ‘bite’ and dynamics, were a must,” says Daniel. “I, on the other hand, am a heavier player, and I like 2-channel amps (for Rhythm and Lead) with stereo FX on the loop. So the Simplifier DLX really had to do it all.” And does it ever do it all. We feel the Simplifier DLX really expands on the original Simplifier’s sound and utility, with parallel signal paths, channel switching, and fully stereo signal chain.

Gigging guitarists require guitar amps that are great for accepting pedals, monitoring from the stage, and miking up for FOH reinforcement. The DSM & Humboldt Simplifier DLX brings these key functions to pedalboard-sized preamplifier that’s ready for prime time — no soundcheck required. Now you have the freedom to leave your amp and cab behind. The Simplifier DLX’s stereo balanced XLR outputs allow you to send a signal straight to a soundboard or stereo FRFR setup. Meanwhile, an onboard headphone amp lets you monitor yourself directly from your station to dramatically reduce stage bleed and increase isolation. All told, the DSM & Humboldt Simplifier DLX is a great way to save wear and tear on your amps, back, and ears.

The DSM & Humboldt Simplifier DLX makes a supreme stereo pedal platform. In fact, it’s by incorporating your pedals that this preamp really comes to life. A stereo FX return allows you to position your digital reverbs and ping-pong delays after the preamp and “power amp” stages to prevent and loss of signal or fidelity. Feed drive and compressor stomps directly into the input, and you’ve got a premium front end for serving up everything from Nashville cleans to blistering leads.

The Simplifier DLX’s twin analog preamps mimic the sound and handling of three essential amp voicings. Gain structure and midrange contour are unique to each voicing contained within. Two independent channels, each with their own 3-band EQ and Clean/Crunch/Lead switch, let you run wildly different tones in parallel or switch between them using the included two-button footswitch.

• AC Brit: A sweet, sparkling voicing based on a British icon known for its twinkling cleans and emotive verge-of-breakup grind.
• American: Supplies the quacky midrange and chunky bass of black-panel Deluxe. Sweet when clean; roars when pushed.
• MS Brit: Packs on the glassy gain and forward character of a Plexiglas-paneled vintage amp stack.

Analog Power Amp Sim

The interaction between power tubes and output transformer plays a big part in the stiffness, compression, and saturation characteristics of our favorite amps. The Simplifier DLX brings you a 3-way tube toggle (6L6/EL34/KT88) and those essential feedback- and series-based Presence and Resonance controls to emulate the power amp stage of a driven tube amp.

Multi-stage stereo reverb

Independent reverb sends per channel on the Simplifier DLX means you don’t have to sacrifice definition in your crunch tones when building ambient cleans and sultry soaks. Room, Plate, and Ether reverb styles supply a generous range of tones to choose from, even without any other pedals in tow.