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Description

Elevate your guitar's sonic capabilities with the Custom Tones LLC Ethos Clean II Preamp. This meticulously crafted guitar preamp is designed for musicians who seek pristine clean tones with exceptional depth and clarity. Inspired by the legendary Dumble amplifiers, the Ethos Clean II offers a diverse tonal palette that captures the essence of boutique amp sound without the hefty price tag. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, this preamp ensures your sound remains distinct and full-bodied.

What sets the Ethos Clean II apart is its all-analog design, which faithfully replicates the warmth and dynamic response of tube amplifiers. The preamp features a comprehensive set of controls, including Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass, and Presence, allowing precise tone shaping to suit any musical genre or playing style. With a dedicated Bright switch, it enhances high frequencies, making it perfect for cutting through a mix without losing tonal integrity. The Ethos Clean II also includes a built-in speaker simulator, providing a consistent sound whether you're plugged directly into a PA system or recording interface.

The Ethos Clean II is a versatile tool for any guitarist, offering both an effects loop and a headphone output for silent practice. Its rugged construction ensures it stands up to the rigors of touring, while its compact size makes it easy to integrate into any pedalboard setup. Musicians will appreciate its true bypass switching, ensuring that your signal remains uncolored when the preamp is disengaged.

Key Features:

  • All-analog design inspired by Dumble amplifiers
  • Comprehensive tone controls: Gain, Treble, Middle, Bass, and Presence
  • Bright switch for enhanced high frequencies
  • Built-in speaker simulator
  • Effects loop and headphone output for versatile use
  • True bypass switching
  • Compact and rugged design suitable for pedalboards

Product specs

Brand Custom Tones
Model Ethos Clean II Preamp
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Overdrive and Boost Pedals, Preamps

FAQs

What type of tones can I expect from the Ethos Clean II Preamp?

The Ethos Clean II Preamp delivers a warm, clean tone with a rich harmonic content, ideal for genres like jazz and blues. It offers a versatile clean sound that can be further shaped with onboard EQ controls.

Is the Ethos Clean II Preamp suitable for use with both electric and acoustic guitars?

Yes, the Ethos Clean II Preamp is designed to work well with both electric and acoustic guitars, providing a clear and articulate sound that enhances the natural tone of your instrument.

Does the Ethos Clean II Preamp have any built-in effects?

The Ethos Clean II Preamp primarily focuses on delivering clean tones and does not include built-in effects like reverb or delay. However, it pairs well with external effects pedals for added versatility.

Can the Ethos Clean II Preamp be used as a standalone amplifier?

The Ethos Clean II Preamp is designed to function as a preamp, requiring connection to a power amplifier or a powered speaker to drive a speaker cabinet effectively.

How does the Ethos Clean II Preamp handle overdrive and boost?

While the Ethos Clean II is primarily a clean preamp, it offers a smooth overdrive when pushed, suitable for subtle warmth and dynamic response. It also includes a boost function to enhance your signal without altering the core tone.

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Ethos Clean II preamp/OD, demo by Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for Ethos Clean II preamp/OD, demo by Pete Thorn by Pete Thorn

Ethos Clean II preamp/OD, demo by Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for Ethos Clean II part 2 by Mike Hermans

Ethos Clean II part 2

Mike Hermans

Mike Hermans

Video thumbnail for Dumble Overdrive Special - Tones in a box - Ethos Clean II Custom Tones By Davey Woodford . by Davey Woodford

Dumble Overdrive Special - Tones in a box - Ethos Clean II Custom Tones By Davey Woodford .

Davey Woodford

Davey Woodford

Reviews

PROS

  • Superior to some tube-driven D-preamps in tone and dynamic response

  • Offers sustain for an almost unnatural amount of time at low gain

  • Provides clear, sparkling tones and heavy, thick blues drive

  • Highly touch-sensitive, revealing the nuances of the player's technique

  • Versatile tone shaping with multiple switches for tonal variations

  • Clean tones comparable to high-end amps like Fender Twin Reverb

  • Effective with both 9V and 18V for different dynamics

  • Maintains clarity while enhancing input signal quality

  • Compatible with effect loops for extended setup options

  • Encourages extended play sessions with its engaging sound

CONS

  • Requires time to tweak switches and knobs for optimal drive tones

  • Reveals imperfections in playing technique, demanding higher skill

  • Some players might miss the "sag" characteristic of tube amps

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Custom Tones LLC Ethos Clean II Preamp.

Features and functionality

  • The reverb is analog but the rest of the pedal, except the reverb, is completely analog.

    Source
  • The Ethos Clean II Preamp offers a wide clipping range, from Larry Carlton's warm overdriven sound to a Plexi tone with HRM assistance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Running the sim out direct to FOH and using a 30 watt palm-sized amp for stage volume is effective for gigging.

    Source
  • Owners who enjoy Larry Carlton's tones prefer using the boost feature for a "La Grange" vibe.

    Source
  • Pairing the Ethos Clean II Preamp with a Source Audio Collider on a Pedaltrain Nano provides a compact yet versatile rig, praised for its tonal range.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report shedding up to 75 lbs of gear for gigs with this pedal.

    Source
  • The high cut knob is especially useful for tuning the top end to specific needs.

    Source
  • The unit features nearly 30 knobs and switches, requiring significant tinkering to dial in ideal tones.

    Source
  • Ethos Preamp owners express that this is the primary drive pedal in their setup, claiming it transforms their musical experience and reduces the need for additional pedals.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • TLE and HRM mods are essential for single-coil pickups like the Classic 50s Telecaster to avoid muddiness and enhance sparkle.

    Source

Comparisons

  • For Dumble tones like "Kid Charlemagne," alternatives such as Dumkudo or using an EQ pedal to boost mids might be considered.

    Source
  • The Ethos Twe-1 is highlighted as a superior option for Trainwreck Express tones, offering a Dumble-like experience that surpasses traditional tube preamps in capturing this sound.

    Source
  • An owner compares the Ethos Preamp's HRM EQ feature to the circuit of a Dumble amp, enhancing the mid control missing from classic amps like the Blackface Princeton Reverb.

    Source

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Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Custom Tones LLC Ethos Clean II Preamp, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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analogueheart

analogueheart

Gear IQ 62

2 alternative and related items for Custom Tones LLC Ethos Clean II Preamp, curated by the Equipboard community.

Custom Tones LLC Ethos Clean-Fusion II Preamp
similar sound mod

The Clean-Fusion II is an expanded version of the Clean II, with a second 'Fusion' OD Channel.

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