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Average Price: $98

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$80

$181+

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Description

The Cmat Mods Brownie is a powerhouse in a compact package, meticulously engineered for those seeking the legendary "Brown Sound" without the back-breaking effort of lugging around a full stack. At its heart lies the BSIAB (Brown Sound In A Box) circuit, crafted by the renowned Ed Guidry, delivering a robust, searing distortion that transports your riffs straight into the realm of iconic Marshall tones. A pedalboard-friendly size means it fits seamlessly into your setup, while its intuitive controls for level, gain, and tone offer endless tweaking possibilities, letting you dial in anything from subtle crunch to full-blown sonic aggression.

Whether you're diving into thrash, stoner, or heavy metal, the Brownie ensures your sound remains tight, focused, and unmistakably powerful. Its bright LED ensures visibility on the darkest of stages, so you can focus on your performance without missing a beat. Built for the modern guitarist who demands tone and portability, the Brownie is a testament to innovative pedal design that respects tradition while pushing boundaries.

Key Features:

  • BSIAB (Brown Sound In A Box) circuit by Ed Guidry
  • Compact size comparable to a Boss pedal
  • Controls for level, gain, and tone
  • Bright LED for easy visibility
  • Perfect for thrash, stoner, and heavy metal genres

Product specs

Brand CMATMods
Model Brownie
Finish Brown
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Distortion Pedals

FAQs

What kind of distortion can I expect from the Cmat mods Brownie pedal?

The Cmat mods Brownie offers a rich, vintage-style distortion reminiscent of classic British amp tones, perfect for classic rock and blues genres. It provides a dynamic and responsive sound that can be adjusted from mild overdrive to more aggressive distortion.

Does the Cmat mods Brownie work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the Cmat mods Brownie is designed to complement both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing clarity and punch regardless of the guitar type. It effectively maintains the character of your guitar's sound while adding its signature distortion.

Is the Cmat mods Brownie suitable for live performances?

The Cmat mods Brownie is well-suited for live performances, offering a robust build and consistent performance. Its dynamic range and tonal versatility make it a reliable choice for gigging musicians seeking a classic distortion sound.

How does the Cmat mods Brownie handle high volume levels?

The Cmat mods Brownie handles high volume levels well, maintaining clarity and definition without becoming overly compressed or muddy. Its design allows for a wide range of gain settings, making it adaptable to various performance environments.

What power supply does the Cmat mods Brownie require?

The Cmat mods Brownie requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for most guitar pedals. It can also be powered by a 9V battery for convenience during performances or practice sessions.

TheToneShack

TheToneShack

CMATMODS Brownie Overdrive Pedal Demo

Video thumbnail for CMATMODS Brownie Overdrive Pedal Demo by TheToneShack

CMATMODS Brownie Overdrive Pedal Demo

TheToneShack

TheToneShack

Video thumbnail for CMATMODS  BROWNIE Distortion - DEMO by Nikolay Karageorgiev

CMATMODS BROWNIE Distortion - DEMO

Nikolay Karageorgiev

Nikolay Karageorgiev

Video thumbnail for SelectGuitars - Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret vs. CMAT Mods Brownie by SelectGuitars

SelectGuitars - Catalinbread Dirty Little Secret vs. CMAT Mods Brownie

SelectGuitars

SelectGuitars

Video thumbnail for Cmatmods Brownie distortion pedal by thePedalHeadz

Cmatmods Brownie distortion pedal

thePedalHeadz

thePedalHeadz

Video thumbnail for Cmatmods - Brownie - Review and Demo by Ryan Smith

Cmatmods - Brownie - Review and Demo

Ryan Smith

Ryan Smith

Video thumbnail for Cmatmods Brownie Dist vs Joyo Crunch Dist by Junior

Cmatmods Brownie Dist vs Joyo Crunch Dist

Junior

Junior

Video thumbnail for CMATMODS BROWNIE by Tim Calloway

CMATMODS BROWNIE

Tim Calloway

Tim Calloway

Video thumbnail for My Neighbor's Pedals - CMAT Mods Brownie | Tom Strahle | Pro Guitar Secrets by Tom Strahle

My Neighbor's Pedals - CMAT Mods Brownie | Tom Strahle | Pro Guitar Secrets

Tom Strahle

Tom Strahle

Video thumbnail for Thorstens Tone Talk #3 - Cmatmods Brownie & Voodoo Lab Wahzoo by Public Peace

Thorstens Tone Talk #3 - Cmatmods Brownie & Voodoo Lab Wahzoo

Public Peace

Public Peace

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentically replicates the Marshall "brown sound"

  • Highly responsive to pickup changes

  • Provides both high and low gain options effortlessly

  • Warm, smooth, and articulate sound

  • Excellent bottom end and definition

  • Great for heavy music with saturated gain

  • Easy to dial in with no bad sounds

  • Handmade quality with value pricing

  • Long sustain with crisp low end

  • Can be modded for more gain if desired

CONS

  • May lack gain for solos on certain setups

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Cmat mods Brownie.

Comparisons

  • The Cmat Mods Brownie is noted as an "early VH in a box," suggesting it excels at replicating early Van Halen tones compared to other pedals discussed.

    Source
  • The Wampler Pinnacle is praised for capturing the Van Halen sound better than the MI Crunch Box and Wampler Plexi Drive for those seeking a Marshall Plexi tone.

    Source
  • The Cmat Mods Brownie is mentioned alongside the Wampler Plexi Drive and Lovepedal Superlead as part of a group known for achieving a "Marshall in a box" sound.

    Source
  • The Brownie is less frequently compared to the MI Audio Crunch Box, which is another contender in the "Marshall in a box" category, noted for its performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Fuzzrocius Cat King offers a master tone control, diode blending, and separate distortion and clipping controls for each channel.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Fuzzrocius Cat King is used for both overdrive and heavy distortion, with a feedback loop that adds creative flexibility once mastered.

    Source
  • The Cmat Mods Brownie is favored for its ability to effectively replicate Eddie Van Halen's "brown sound," making it a popular choice for fans of Van Halen's tone.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of the Cmat Mods Brownie appreciate its ability to clean up nicely, allowing a guitar's pickup character to shine through with clarity.

    Source

Critic Reviews

STOMP BOX STEALS: OVERDRIVE-CMAT MODS Brownie ...an old school Plexi with a massive raw low end !!!

stompboxsteals.blogspot.com

The Cmat Mods Brownie is a standout Plexi-style pedal, praised for its massive low-end and dynamic response, especially at 18 volts. While not groundbreaking, its raw tone and detailed overtones are compared favorably to pricier options, including the M.I. Crunch Box, with the Brownie offering similar quality at a lower price. Some may find it lacks the refined edge of more expensive pedals, but its affordability and impressive sound make it a must-try for rock enthusiasts. Overall, a highly recommended choice for those seeking a robust, classic Marshall distortion.

positive

Brownie Review: The Brownie does something else which is sweet. | CMATmods | Guitar Effects | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

This review paints the CMATmods Brownie as a stellar addition to any pedalboard, particularly for those chasing vintage rock and R&B tones. Praised for its wide overdrive range and clear, smooth sound, it stands out for its ease of use and robust build. The pedal receives high marks for its ability to handle cascading gain stages with finesse, making it a versatile tool for gigging musicians. While it may not suit metal enthusiasts, its performance with classic gear like the '53 Tele and PRS guitars suggests it's a worthy investment for others. Overall, it’s a compact, reliable powerhouse that justifies its price tag.

positive

[review] CMATMODS Brownie (by LordRiffenstein) | Effects Database

effectsdatabase.com

The CMATMODS Brownie, inspired by the BSIAB circuit, promises Marshall-like tones with high gain and sustain. While the pedal delivers a solid rock sound, its tone control is limited, often sounding harsh or overly compressed. It works better with single coils than humbuckers, which might surprise some users. Though it offers versatility with switchable JFETs, the impact is minimal, and it struggles to blend seamlessly with certain amps. This makes it a finicky choice for band scenarios. Overall, a decent high-gain pedal, but not without its quirks.

Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
javiertheworm

A very wide range pedal from slight Overdrive to creamy smooth

The CMAT Mods Brownie is a distortion pedal that sounds like a Marshall on 11. The renowned “brown sound” is here in spades and this pedal provides excellent attack and crisp low end with long sustain and lots of gain. Not for the weak of heart the CMAT Mods Brownie hearkens to the classic EVH tone but does so much more.

javiertheworm

has a nice sound but very little output

peterglavanov

Cmat mods brownie

A good Marshall style pedal with tone of gain!

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