Carl Martin AC-Tone

$99.99 to $169.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (1)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated June 27, 2026.

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Price

$169.00

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5.0 (3)

$99.99 9 available Used

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Average Price: $135

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

Price Tier

In the Overdrive Effects Pedals category, Carl Martin AC-Tone is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Carl Martin AC-Tone". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Unlock the classic chime and warmth of British tone with the Carl Martin AC-Tone, a meticulously crafted overdrive pedal that captures the soul of the iconic Vox AC series tube amplifiers. Designed for guitarists who crave versatility and rich, dynamic sound, this pedal is a tour de force of tonal possibilities. The AC-Tone features dual gain channels that allow you to seamlessly switch between two distinct overdrive settings, giving you the freedom to sculpt your sound with precision. Whether you're aiming for a subtle crunch or a full-bodied roar, the AC-Tone delivers.

With intuitive controls for Boost, Volume, Cut, Gain One, and Gain Two, this pedal provides an impressive range of overdrive textures, from clean and bright to gritty and aggressive. The 20 dB boost function ensures your solos cut through the mix with clarity and authority, while the pedal's responsiveness to your playing dynamics keeps every note expressive and alive. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Carl Martin AC-Tone is your ticket to authentic British-inspired tones that inspire creativity and elevate your performance.

Key Features:

Emulates the sound of Vox AC series tube amplifiers
Dual gain channels for versatile tone shaping
20 dB boost for enhanced sound projection
Controls for Boost, Volume, Cut, Gain One, and Gain Two
Responsive and dynamic overdrive tones

Product specs

Brand	Carl Martin
Model	AC-Tone Dual Channel
Finish	Black
Year	2010s
Made In	Denmark
Categories	Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Carl Martin AC-Tone overdrive pedal?: The Carl Martin AC-Tone is designed to emulate the classic British amp sound, delivering warm and rich overdrive tones reminiscent of vintage tube amplifiers.
How does the dual channel feature of the Carl Martin AC-Tone work?: The AC-Tone offers two channels of overdrive, allowing you to switch between different gain settings for versatile tonal options during performances.
Can the Carl Martin AC-Tone be used as a clean boost?: Yes, the AC-Tone includes a clean boost channel, providing a volume lift without altering your guitar's tone, ideal for solos or emphasizing certain parts of your performance.
Is the Carl Martin AC-Tone suitable for live performances?: The AC-Tone is well-suited for live performances, offering robust build quality and versatile tone shaping capabilities that can handle the demands of stage use.
Does the Carl Martin AC-Tone work well with other pedals?: The AC-Tone is designed to integrate smoothly with other pedals in your signal chain, maintaining clarity and consistency in your overall sound.

Videos

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Brett Kingman

Carl Martin : PlexiTone & AC-Tone (a quick look at)

Brett Kingman

Carl Martin: AC-Tone with Strat to Laney VC50 clean channel

Brett Kingman

Carl Martin: AC-Tone with Les Paul Std. to Laney VC50

Brett Kingman

Carl Martin: AC-Tone with Telecaster to Laney VC50

Brett Kingman

Carl Martin AC Tone overdrive pedal demo with Scero Tele & Dr Z M12

gearmanndude

Carl Martin AC-Tone Overdrive/Boost - DEMO

Victor Hugo Targino

A Vox-in-a-box with a Vox❓ Carl Martin AC-Tone with Vox AC15c1

The Tone Lounge

Reviews

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PROS

Authentic reproduction of Vox AC30 chime and ring
Versatile setup with two separate levels of drive
Built-in clean boost enhances sound without altering gain settings
Amp-like feel and sound, even through a single-channel amp
Cut knob effectively adds a treble boost
12V hardwired power supply contributes to pedal's performance
Switches between drive channels for easy sound adjustments
Boost knob offers substantial volume increase when needed

CONS

Lacks separate tone and volume knobs for precise control
Could use more overdrive for solos
Routing options are limited compared to modern pedal setups

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Carl Martin AC-Tone.

Comparisons

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The Carl Martin AC Tone is likened to the Vox AC30, providing a similar mid-range jangle characteristic of Vox amps.
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The AC Tone is perceived as a "boutique" pedal from a lesser-known brand, likened to more mainstream options but with a unique brand appeal.
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Features and functionality

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Users note the need to disable the bright mode on the Fender Twin Reverb when using the AC Tone for optimal sound quality.
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The pedal is a dual overdrive with an integrated boost function, appreciated for its versatility in tone shaping.
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Use cases and applications

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The pedal is praised for delivering a Vox-like tone at a budget-friendly price, appealing to those who miss the Vox mode on other amplifiers like the Fender Bassbreaker.
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User experience

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It's been highlighted as a reliable choice for emulating Johnny Marr's tone, adding credibility for fans of his music style.
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Owners note that despite the plain enclosure design, the pedal has endured over many years without functional issues, showcasing its durability.
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Build quality

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The AC Tone is described as having a large enclosure with a connected power cord, which some users found inconvenient over time.
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Value and pricing

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It's considered an underrated brand; despite its unexciting appearance, the AC Tone holds its own against more fashionable pedal brands.
Source

Critic Reviews

Carl Martin AC-Tone review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Carl Martin AC-Tone pedal delivers a versatile and focused tone reminiscent of a classic Vox AC30, making it a solid choice for guitarists seeking flexibility in their sound. With its dual drive channels and independent clean boost, musicians can easily dial in a range of tones from clean to crunch and lead. The pedal's layout is straightforward once familiarized, and it boasts sturdy construction with a mains-only power supply. However, the on/off 'select' LED can be misleading. Despite this minor flaw, the AC-Tone impresses with its ability to add a pleasant, smooth fuzz tone to any setup.

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