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Carl Martin AC-Tone Single Channel

$145.84 to $169.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (4)

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Price

$169.00

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3.4 (2)

$169.00

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5.0 (4)

$145.84 7 available New

$90.63 3 available Used

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$169.00

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Average Price: $149

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

Price Tier

In the Overdrive Effects Pedals category, Carl Martin AC-Tone Single Channel 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 2 merchants for "Carl Martin AC-Tone Single Channel". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Dive into the realm of classic British overdrive with the Carl Martin AC-Tone Single Channel. This pedal isn't just another addition to your rig; it's a gateway to the iconic sounds that have defined generations of music. The AC-Tone is more than a simple overdrive pedal; it's a meticulously crafted piece of gear designed to bring the nuanced, sweet, and crispy tones reminiscent of the legendary TopBoost amps of the late '60s right to your feet.

With its single channel design, the AC-Tone offers a versatile range of sounds, from a gentle breakup to a robust overdriven tone, rich in saturated mids. What sets this pedal apart is its ability to blend seamlessly with your playing style, offering two distinct overdrive settings plus a clean boost function for that extra push when you need it. Whether you're chasing the chimey clarity of a slight breakup or the full-bodied warmth of increased drive, this pedal adapts to your needs, allowing for an expression of pure musicality.

The built-in regulated (+-12V) power supply ensures that your tone remains consistent and dynamic, providing the necessary headroom to explore a broad sonic landscape. The Carl Martin AC-Tone Single Channel is not just a pedal, it's a musical companion ready to embark on a journey of exploration with you, unlocking doors to tones that resonate with the soul of British rock and beyond.

Key Features:

Single channel design with two overdrive settings and a clean boost up to 20dB
Low to medium gain range for sweet, crispy tones with a mellow midrange
Inspired by the legendary TopBoost amps of the '60s
Built-in regulated (+-12V) power supply for consistent tone and headroom
Versatile sound adjustments for personalized tone shaping

Product specs

Brand	Carl Martin
Model	AC-Tone Single Channel
Finish	Brown
Year	2010s
Made In	United States
Categories	Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Carl Martin AC-Tone Single Channel pedal?: The Carl Martin AC-Tone Single Channel pedal is designed to deliver a classic British amp sound, providing rich, warm overdrive tones reminiscent of vintage amplifiers.
Does the Carl Martin AC-Tone Single Channel pedal have multiple channels?: Yes, the Carl Martin AC-Tone Single Channel pedal features two channels of overdrive, allowing for versatile tonal options.
Is the Carl Martin AC-Tone pedal suitable for clean boost applications?: Yes, in addition to its overdrive capabilities, the Carl Martin AC-Tone pedal includes a clean boost channel for enhancing your guitar signal without adding distortion.
Can the Carl Martin AC-Tone Single Channel pedal be used for live performances?: Absolutely, the pedal's robust design and versatile sound options make it suitable for live performances, providing reliable and dynamic overdrive tones on stage.
How does the Carl Martin AC-Tone Single Channel pedal compare to other overdrive pedals?: The Carl Martin AC-Tone Single Channel pedal stands out with its ability to emulate classic British amp tones and its dual overdrive channels, offering more tonal flexibility than many standard overdrive pedals.

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 Single Channel Review

Har Maes

Carl Martin AC-TONE Single Channel

Coleman's Music

Carl Martin "AcTone Single Channel" / Demo by Alberto Barrero

Alberto Barrero

Carl Martin Single AC tone demo

Pedalmakers

Carl Martin ACTONE SINGLE CHANNEL / Demo by Alberto Barrero

Alberto Barrero

Reviews

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PROS

Nails the Vox amp sound with versatility
Gain knob offers wide range from clean to crunch
Responsive volume and cut knobs for easy tweaking
Quiet operation, even at higher settings
Well-built and durable design
Provides good value compared to similar pedals
Can replicate both AC15 and AC30 characteristics
Compact size compared to alternatives

CONS

Pronounced bass roll-off, hard to dial back in
Transition from overdrive to distortion feels tighter than an old Vox

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

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The AC-Tone is described as sounding better and being less complicated than the Top Boost in a Can pedal.
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The Carl Martin AC-Tone is specifically compared to the Vox AC30, praised for simulating its mid-range jangle at a more affordable price.
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The AC-Tone is compared to the Tech21 Liverpool for its Vox emulation, though the Liverpool offers switchable cab sim, unlike the AC-Tone.
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Features and functionality

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The pedal is praised for its Vox/British-voiced overdrive, providing a distinct tonal character not easily found in other pedals.
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The AC-Tone's cab sim cannot be disabled, impacting tonal options when connected to different setups or direct recording.
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User experience

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Some users note a slightly "choked" sound, indicating that the pedal may not suit all playing styles or preferences.
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One owner had to disable the bright mode on their Fender Twin Reverb when using the AC-Tone, highlighting its robust high-frequency output.
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When paired with an IR pedal, the AC-Tone's analog preamp provides a more immediate feel, preferred by some for live band mixes.
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Use cases and applications

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The pedal is noted for being used by Johnny Marr, suggesting its suitability for jangle-pop and indie rock styles.
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Some users prefer the AC-Tone for its clean sparkle and powerful EQ, making it more versatile for different musical styles than its competitors.
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Value and pricing

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Owners highlight that the pedal offers Vox-style tones for around $100, underscoring its cost-effectiveness compared to other Vox-style pedals.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners recommend modding the AC-Tone to bypass the internal cab sim for more flexibility in sound output.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

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Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

Verified via Photo

On the Carl Martin website's Artists page, Johnny is listed as a user of the single-channel AC-Tone pedal.

Andy Wood

Guitarist

Rascal Flatts

Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Andy Wood (@andywoodmusic) dated October 23, 2013, he is shown using the Carl Martin AC-Tone Single Channel. The post, captioned "Look who showed up for the sessions. Carl Martin sent me some toys to try out," provides clear evidence of his use of this gear.