Carl Martin PlexiTone

$142.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (15)

1 Critic Review

4 Reviews

Find out who is using Carl Martin PlexiTone

4 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (27)

$142.99 11 available Used

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Average Price: $143

Standard/Professional

$50

$176+

Price Tier

In the Overdrive Effects Pedals category, Carl Martin PlexiTone 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

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Description

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The Carl Martin PlexiTone is a powerhouse overdrive effects pedal that captures the legendary roar of a Marshall Plexi tube amplifier in a compact, stage-ready format. Designed for guitarists who crave that iconic British crunch and searing high-gain drive, this pedal offers a versatile dual-channel setup. With its two distinct channels, you can seamlessly switch between a robust crunch and an aggressive high-gain overdrive, making it perfect for both rhythm and lead playing.

The PlexiTone is not just about raw power; it also provides an optional 20dB of clean boost, giving you the flexibility to push your solos to the forefront or add a touch of brightness to your tone. Its intuitive layout includes controls for Boost, Level, Tone, High Gain, and Crunch, allowing you to dial in the perfect sound for any musical context. Whether you're chasing the classic rock tones of yesteryear or looking to carve out your own sonic identity, the Carl Martin PlexiTone is your ticket to a world of expressive possibilities.

Key Features:

Emulates the sound of a Marshall Plexi tube amplifier
Two channels: Crunch and High-Gain
Optional 20dB clean boost
Controls for Boost, Level, Tone, High Gain, and Crunch
Compact and durable design for easy transport and setup

Product specs

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

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Carl Martin PlexiTone?: The Carl Martin PlexiTone delivers a classic British Plexi-style overdrive with a rich, harmonic character. It offers two overdrive channels—crunch and high gain—plus a clean boost, making it versatile for classic rock to modern high-gain tones.
Does the Carl Martin PlexiTone work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?: Yes, the PlexiTone is designed to complement both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing a dynamic response and maintaining clarity across different guitar types.
Can the Carl Martin PlexiTone be powered with a standard 9V power supply?: The PlexiTone requires a 9V DC power supply, but for optimal performance, it is recommended to use a power supply with a higher current output, such as 12V DC.
How does the clean boost function on the Carl Martin PlexiTone?: The clean boost on the PlexiTone provides up to 20dB of clean gain, allowing you to enhance your signal without altering the core tone, ideal for solos or cutting through the mix.
Is the Carl Martin PlexiTone suitable for live performances?: Yes, the PlexiTone is well-suited for live performances, offering robust build quality and versatile tone-shaping options that can handle various stage environments.

Videos

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Pete Thorn

Carl Martin Plexitone (new 2012 model), demo by Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Carl Martin Plexitone demo, by Pete Thorn/ProGearDemos

Pete Thorn

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

Brett Kingman

Carl Martin - PlexiTone - Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Maybe the best Plexi Pedal today - Carl Martin Plexi Tone

Johan Segeborn

Carl Martin PLEXITONE - Music (to EVH) & Demo by A. Barrero

Alberto Barrero

Carl Martin PlexiTone Demo

BoyntonProAudio

Carl Martin - PlexiTone (No talk Gear Demo)

Haiko Heinz

Reviews

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PROS

Authentic Plexi sound without the actual amp
Versatile: from Hendrix dirty tone to Van Halen high gain
Dual-channel for distinct rhythm and lead tones
Boost function enhances clean tones significantly
Sturdy build quality
Eliminates need for multiple pedals for some users
Can transform any amp into a roaring Marshall
Offers a "Marshall in a box" with great versatility

CONS

Requires its own power supply, no battery option
Labels like "Select" and "Drive" can be confusing
High gain channel quality doesn't match the others
Naming convention may deter some purists

Owner Insights

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

User experience

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The PlexiTone delivers substantial sustain and excels in lead tones, with high gain activating almost immediately, making it less versatile but effective for high-gain applications.
Source

Comparisons

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The PlexiTone contrasts with more transparent overdrives like the Wampler Euphoria and Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret by providing a distinct, Marshall-like high-gain sound.
Source
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The Victory Sheriff preamp pedal is praised for its dual-channel setup and tube-driven sound, offering a more authentic tone compared to typical pedals.
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Tech 21 Hot Rod Plexi is suggested as a viable PlexiTone alternative, recommended for those seeking a straightforward plexi-style sound.
Source

Features and functionality

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Volume interacts significantly with gain, producing excessive levels for small spaces when both are maxed, even with a Fender Twin at low settings.
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The PlexiTone's buffers are highlighted as beneficial, but users seek alternatives with equally good buffer quality, like the Wampler Tumnus Deluxe with its switchable buffer.
Source

Use cases and applications

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The pedal fills a specific gap for users seeking Marshall-style gain and sustain, especially when using single-coil pickups like Fender CS69s.
Source
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Some users find the PlexiTone produces a "hollow" tone unless paired with another pedal like a Zendrive for added fullness and mix presence.
Source

Setup and maintenance

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The pedal's performance can vary significantly depending on the guitar and amp pairing, as experienced with a Fender Twin and a 70's reissue Strat.
Source

Critic Reviews

Carl Martin Plexitone Review

houstonmusicreviews.com

The Carl Martin PlexiTone delivers boutique Marshall Plexi sounds at a fraction of the cost. With a rugged build and integrated power supply, it’s a reliable companion, though limited by its US-only power compatibility. Its tonal versatility shines, particularly in blues and classic rock, but it lacks the gain needed for heavier genres. The manual is less helpful than one might hope, making operation initially confusing. Despite these shortcomings, its quality sound and value for money, especially with two gain channels and a boost, make it a standout choice for those seeking classic rock tones.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 15 Ratings

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1 star

jimmarchi1

41026

almost 8 years ago

pisses me off

I hate when pedal guys put pelxi in a pedal's name... it just pisses me off. This would be a decent distortion by another name. The high notes hold together pretty well. I suspect its a guv'nor based design or something. Got mine in a big trade+cash deal for one of my actual plexis (oh the irony) and sold it right off. Its just cheesy to name your pedals this way. its a distortion, there's no such thing as an amp ina box.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock

alteredstate

960

about 10 years ago

Marshall in a Box

Can go from a Blues Breaker to a JCM900, and the boost is an add plus. The "Select" and "Drive" labels are a little confusing, the probably should of said "Lead" and "Drive". Great Marshall in a box with versatility. A light setting on the "Drive" channel also sounds great on Bass for the 60's SuperBass sound.

walter_schivo

133

over 9 years ago

The real Plexi in a box!

here's a real pedal to have , 2 channel od/ dist with a wonderful and trasparent boost , you could play from the hendrix dirty tone to Van Halen high gain , I think It's the perfect pedal when you have a clean single channel amp .

Roles:

Guitarist