Home
... Musical Instruments
Guitar Pedals & Effects
Distortion Effects Pedals
DSM & Humboldt Electronics
DSM & Humboldt Electronics Black Clouds High-gain Distortion and Boost Pedal

DSM & Humboldt Electronics Black Clouds High-gain Distortion and Boost Pedal

$279.00 to $299.00 Price Tier: High-end

2 Critic Reviews

0 wishlisted

1 saved

Page last updated Jul 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated April 3, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (2)

$279.00

View Deal

5.0 (1)

$279.00

View Deal

$299.00

View Deal

Average Price: $286

High-end/Boutique

$80

$181+

Price Tier

In the Distortion Effects Pedals category, DSM & Humboldt Electronics Black Clouds High-gain Distortion and Boost Pedal is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "DSM & Humboldt Electronics Black Clouds High-gain Distortion and Boost Pedal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Unleash the storm of sound with the DSM & Humboldt Electronics Black Clouds High-gain Distortion and Boost Pedal, a formidable ally for any guitarist seeking to explore the depths of distortion. This pedal is engineered to deliver an unparalleled high-gain experience, featuring an ultra-flexible 3-band EQ and three distinct modes of operation — Normal, Preamp, and Mid Boost — allowing you to shape your sound with precision. Whether you're diving into the brutal realms of metal or carving out crisp, clean tones, the Black Clouds pedal has you covered.

The built-in X-Gate noise gate is a standout feature, ensuring your signal remains clean, even in the most saturated settings. With a secondary footswitch offering up to 20dB of Master Boost, this pedal is designed to give you that extra push when you need it the most. The Pre-preamp Boost and Tone controls add even more versatility, allowing you to achieve a consistent response across various setups.

Perfect for both classic amp setups and modern digital rigs, the Black Clouds ensures your sound remains cutting-edge and clear, no matter the configuration. Dive into a world of sonic possibilities and let the Black Clouds pedal be your guide through the storm.

Key Features:

Ultra-high-gain distortion with three modes: Normal, Preamp, and Mid Boost
Built-in 3-band EQ for comprehensive sound sculpting
X-Gate noise gate for clean and noise-free operation
Master Boost provides up to 20dB of additional gain
Pre Boost and Tone controls for enhanced definition and response
Suitable for traditional amps and modern modeling systems

Product specs

Pedal Type	Distortion
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
EQ	Active 3-band EQ
Controls	Pre-Tone, Pre-Boost, Master Boost, Gain, Level
Power Source	9V-18V DC power supply (sold separately)
Power Usage	40mA
Height	2"
Width	3.74"
Depth	4.7"
Weight	0.8 lbs.

FAQs

What type of power supply does the DSM & Humboldt Black Clouds Distortion pedal require?: The DSM & Humboldt Black Clouds Distortion pedal requires a 9V-18V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It has a power usage of 40mA.
Can the DSM & Humboldt Black Clouds Distortion pedal be used with both electric guitar and bass?: Yes, the DSM & Humboldt Black Clouds Distortion pedal can be used with both electric guitar and bass, providing high-gain distortion and a boost function suitable for various musical styles.
What are the key controls on the DSM & Humboldt Black Clouds Distortion pedal?: The DSM & Humboldt Black Clouds Distortion pedal features controls for Pre-Tone, Pre-Boost, Master Boost, Gain, and Level, in addition to an active 3-band EQ for versatile tone shaping.
How does the DSM & Humboldt Black Clouds Distortion pedal differ from other distortion pedals?: The DSM & Humboldt Black Clouds Distortion pedal offers a unique combination of high-gain distortion and a boost function, along with an active 3-band EQ, allowing for precise tonal adjustments and enhanced versatility in sound crafting.
Is the DSM & Humboldt Black Clouds Distortion pedal suitable for metal music?: Yes, the DSM & Humboldt Black Clouds Distortion pedal is well-suited for metal music, thanks to its high-gain capabilities and comprehensive EQ controls, which allow for aggressive and precise tone shaping.

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DSM & Humboldt Electronics Black Clouds High-gain Distortion and Boost Pedal.

Features and functionality

0 0

The "pre-tone" feature acts like a tilt EQ on input, optimizing feel and response for rhythm or lead, and compensating for different guitar voicings.
Source
0 0

The pedal includes a dual-sided boost function: a pre-boost mimicking a clean Tubescreamer for mid boost and compression, and a post boost for additional volume.
Source
0 0

The onboard noise gate, despite lacking controls, is designed with DSM Humboldt's reputation for clever engineering, hinting at effective but simple noise management.
Source
0 0

Users incorporate the Black Clouds as part of a multi-pedal setup alongside fuzz and crunch pedals, indicating its integration flexibility for diverse metal tones.
Source
0 0

The Black Clouds pedal can achieve a chug-heavy tone when used with a variety of setups, indicating its flexibility in producing extreme metal sounds.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

It's suggested that the Black Clouds competes with high-gain pedals like the Solar Chug and Empress Heavy, indicating its target market is high-gain enthusiasts.
Source
0 0

The DSM & Humboldt Black Clouds is likened to the Klirrton Grindstein for brutal death metal sounds, suggesting its suitability for extreme metal genres.
Source
0 0

The Black Clouds is compared to pedals like the Boss Metal Zone and Revv G3, suggesting its versatility across high-gain metal genres.
Source

User experience

0 0

Although not yet released in the US, UK users have availability, indicating early international rollout could affect initial user reviews.
Source
0 0

Owners appreciate the pedal's ability to articulate and chug with precision when used in front of a high-gain amp, highlighting its suitability for detailed metal playing.
Source
0 0

Users note the pedal's extreme gain capabilities, stating that even with the gain dialed back, it provides a substantial amount of distortion for aggressive styles.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The Black Clouds is noted for its modern high-gain capability, making it a preferred choice for contemporary metal styles on a Marshall 6100 amp setup.
Source
0 0

Some users pair the Black Clouds with tube amps like the Peavey Valveking for a heavy, clean-to-dirty transition using a Tubescreamer clone as a boost.
Source

Critic Reviews

DSM & Humboldt Electronics Black Clouds High-gain Distortion and Boost Pedal review on pedal-of-the-day.com

pedal-of-the-day.com

The DSM & Humboldt Black Clouds High-Gain Distortion pedal is a powerhouse for those seeking aggressive, articulate tones. Its standout feature is the X-Gate, ensuring a quiet operation while delivering powerful chugs with a unique amp feel. The pedal's 3-band EQ and dual boost functions offer extensive customization, adapting to various setups effortlessly. However, the pedal's intensity might be overwhelming for beginners or those seeking subtlety. It's a versatile tool for creating djenty percussive breakdowns, but not for the faint-hearted. Overall, a solid choice for high-gain enthusiasts looking for a robust and dynamic distortion experience.

positive

Full Review