Zenith Amplitude Controller

97
MAY 2021 GUITARIST
Tech Spec
ORIGIN: UK
TYPE: Boost, EQ and
compressor pedal
FEATURES: Buffered bypass,
OptoKick footswitch
CONTROLS: Comp, Blend, Level,
Bass, Middle, Treble, Q switch,
Frequency switch, Circuit Order
switch, internal trim pot for
Compressor Master Level,
bypass footswitch
CONNECTIONS: Standard input,
standard output,
standard Control input
POWER: 9V-18V DC adaptor
(not supplied) 280mA at 9V
DIMENSIONS: 70 (w) x 130 (d) x
65mm (h)
9
the Zenith operates like any pedal with
the footswitch bypassing the whole
effects (EQ and comp). However, you can
hold the footswitch down for a couple of
seconds and then use it to scroll through
all the modes. Flip/Flop mode uses the
footswitch to alternate between EQ and
comp, which is useful if you’re using the
pedal with a separate switcher for bypass
– the pedal’s footswitch then becomes the
effect selector. There’s EQ Always On and
the previously mentioned Comp Always
On modes, with the footswitch bringing
in the other effect. This is great if you
want one of the effects as an always-on
tonal component and then to bring the
other in when needed. We liked this when
running the effects in parallel, keeping
a touch of compression permanently on
and switching an EQ-enhanced boost in
when needed. In Comp Always On mode
the Level knob is inactive until the EQ is
switched in, so you can set it where you
want for the amount of extra kick needed.
Finally, there’s Cycle where subsequent
presses go from bypass to comp on to EQ
on to both on. Independent switching of
the EQ and comp circuits is also possible
via external footswitch.
It’s one of those pedals that just gives you
more: playing through it with some mild
compression, a little treble lift and a few
decibels of boost delivers a real enhanced
quality that is immediately missed when
bypassed. But that’s just one of a range
of practical functions it is capable of in
front of a decent amp. It can also be put
to use in an amp’s effects loop where,
with careful adjustment, you can use it to
attenuate volume to keep levels low while
still retaining the sound and feel of your
cooking amp.
VERDICT
Fully versatile as an always-on tonal
building block, a switched-in variation, or
a combination of both (in comp-only or
EQ-only mode), the Zenith could be the
perfect complement to your guitar and
amp, offering practical options to enhance
your core sound.
PROS Solid build quality; compact size;
natural-sounding EQ with midrange options;
smooth compression; substantial boost;
OptoKick footswitch
CONS Nothing we can think of
01. FRONT-PANEL
TOGGLE SWITCHES
These set up how the Middle
tone control operates: one
for Q, one for frequency
02. FOOTSWITCH
The GigRig OptoKick
footswitch offers silent
optical switching and is
also used to scroll through
the modes (indicated by
the state of the LED)
03. BLEND KNOB
This mixes between totally
dry sound and 100 per cent
compressed sound
04. LEVEL KNOB
This sets the pedal’s
master output level and
can supply up to 20dB of
boost if required
05. BASS, MIDDLE
& TREBLE KNOBS
These adjust the EQ – each
has a notched centre detent
position and offers 15dB
of cut or boost
06. REAR-PANEL
SWITCH
Choose whether compression
or EQ comes fi rst in the chain
or run them in parallel
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GIT471.peds_hamstead.indd 97 17/03/2021 12:16