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DSM & Humboldt Electronics Simplifier

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$224.10 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (8)

4 Reviews

Newer option

DSM & Humboldt Electronics Simplifier mk2

$359.00 - $389.00

Find out who is using DSM & Humboldt Simplifier

10 community setups

5 wishlisted

44 saved

Page last updated Jun 10, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 10, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (20)

$224.10 2 available New

$179.99 13 available Used

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Average Price: $202

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the Amp & Cabinet Simulators category, DSM & Humboldt Electronics Simplifier is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The DSM & Humboldt Simplifier is a sleek, stylish amp-in-a-box and cab sim equipped with a host of pure analogue parameters and useful stereo connections. Craft your own unique sound in a hands-on, visceral approach.

Product specs

Brand	DSM & Humboldt Electronics
Model	Simplifier
Finish	Silver
Year	2010s
Categories	Cabinet Simulators, Preamps
Pedal Format	Standard

FAQs

What type of power supply does the DSM & Humboldt Electronics Simplifier require?: The DSM & Humboldt Electronics Simplifier requires a standard 9V DC power supply, with a center-negative polarity, typical of most pedalboards.
Can the DSM & Humboldt Electronics Simplifier be used with both electric and bass guitars?: Yes, the DSM & Humboldt Electronics Simplifier is designed to accommodate both electric and bass guitars, providing versatile amp and cabinet simulation options for each.
How does the DSM & Humboldt Electronics Simplifier differ from traditional amp simulators?: The Simplifier offers a fully analog signal path, providing a more natural and responsive feel compared to digital simulators, and includes features such as stereo outputs and a variety of cabinet and mic simulations.
Is the DSM & Humboldt Electronics Simplifier suitable for direct recording?: Yes, the Simplifier is ideal for direct recording, offering stereo outputs and comprehensive amp and cab simulations that allow you to capture a full guitar sound without a physical amp.
Does the DSM & Humboldt Electronics Simplifier work well in a live performance setting?: The Simplifier is well-suited for live performances, providing reliable amp and cab simulation options that can be run directly to a PA system, eliminating the need for a traditional amplifier on stage.

Videos

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Pete Thorn

TINY ALL ANALOG AMP+CAB SIM! HUMBOLDT SIMPLIFIER

Pete Thorn

Reviews

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PROS

Extremely versatile with a variety of tones and settings
Naturalistic, organic tones without digital brittleness
Great for both live performances and home recording
Compatible with a wide range of pedals, including stereo effects
Offers detailed control over resonance, presence, and mic placement
Provides high-quality sound directly to PA systems
Compact size with a lot of features for its footprint
Superior sound and options compared to more expensive competitors

CONS

Learning curve to dial in specific sounds
No built-in reverb in the original model (though MK2 addresses this)
Some concerns over build quality and durability
Cab Sim cannot be turned off in favor of Impulse Responses (addressed in newer DLX model)
Knobs and fittings may come loose or fall off, requiring careful handling

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DSM & Humboldt Electronics Simplifier.

Features and functionality

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The mic placement control effectively manages high frequencies, allowing quick adjustments during live performances to resolve issues like excessive top end.
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The headphone amp in the Simplifier often underperforms, especially with higher impedance headphones, leading users to rely on audio interfaces for better sound quality.
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The cab resonance control is noted for being particularly effective, allowing users to adjust low-end rumble and achieve desired sub-bass response between 40-120Hz.
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The FX loop on the Simplifier is crucial for achieving stereo effects, making ping-pong delays sound impressive through headphones.
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Users appreciate the EQ/preamp interaction, noting that low preamp gain results in smoother EQ curves, allowing for a more transparent tone.
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The AUX input is essential for integrating backing tracks or other audio sources, enhancing practice sessions by allowing users to play along seamlessly.
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The Simplifier can directly connect to PAs or DAWs without needing a DI box, simplifying live rig setups and recording processes.
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Use cases and applications

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When used as a pedal platform, directing audio through dual XLR outputs into an interface can yield better results with studio monitors compared to direct headphone use.
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For live gigs, the unit works well in DI setups, pleasing front-of-house engineers with minimal EQ adjustments needed, ensuring a reliable in-ear monitoring experience.
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The Simplifier Bass Station can closely replicate the sound of an Aguilar Tone Hammer with Ampeg 4x10, offering consistency for users familiar with those setups.
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Owners use the Simplifier for silent practice in shared living spaces, allowing them to maintain high volume levels without disturbing family or neighbors.
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User experience

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Owners find that adjusting the headphone volume precisely is crucial, as small changes can drastically affect sound clarity and quality.
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Some users report issues with distortion pedals sounding subpar, likening the tone to a basic solid-state amplifier, possibly due to the input's limited headroom or bandwidth.
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Setup and maintenance

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It’s advised to use a Truetone C7 power supply for optimal performance, as poor power sources can negatively affect sound quality.
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Mods and upgrades

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Users recommend using a Mooer Audiophile micro pedal as an external headphone amp to enhance the Simplifier's headphone output quality.
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Adding an Echoplex preamp pedal, like the Chase Tone Secret Pre, can enhance drive pedal tones before hitting the Simplifier, smoothing the signal path.
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Comparisons

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Compared to Tech21 and Darkglass, the Simplifier is praised for its semi-transparent tone, making it ideal for users who prefer to add character through other pedals.
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The Simplifier is praised for its straightforward, all-analog design compared to the Strymon Iridium, which offers more digital flexibility but requires a computer for full functionality.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

wjpmitchell

106

about 5 years ago

Sounds good, worried about longevity

I danced around buying one of these for months, and , ultimately, I'm glad I did, but it's not without concern. My primary amplifier is a 60 watt 2x12 Fender Hot rod DeVille III. I fully expected to be getting the Simplifier to simulate that amp for home recordings, and maybe fool around with the other ones here and there. The Fender sound doesn't exactly mimic my amp (not that they were aiming for it), but it's damn close. I really surprised myself falling in love with the Marshall simulation actually. There are a ton of usable settings and I really love the option to manipulate the mic position, the cab size, and the tube type. However I'm very concerned about the quality and how long this piece of equipment is going to hold up. I bought it new and right out of the box several of the knobs fell off. I did my best to lightly tighten them, but the metal used on the fork potentiometers is very soft, and no matter how lightly I tighten it I was bending the potentiometer. I've had to tighten the knobs about a dozen times in the month that I've owned it. I've also had other random metal and plastic fittings come loose and fall off and I've already lost one of them. Luckily, this thing isn't going to get much travel, but I am wondering whether or not I should just return it in exchange for a walrus ACS or iridium.

I'd still recommend because it still sounds fantastic, just with caution.

jp_belanger

619

about 4 years ago

Would give it 4 stars if the new DLX model didn't exist

This little box really surprised me with its tonal versatility. It's hard to fault it because it packs so much in such a small footprint, for a really fair price.

The only thing I (and many other users) wish this model had was turning off Cab Sim and be able to use Impulse Responses instead. Fortunately this has been fixed with the new DLX model, and one could hope DSM will release the single channel Simplifier in a new form, with cam sim off switch. What makes this feature so appealing is that since the Simplifier has onboard analog power amp simp, you can connect it to cheap IR loaders (not just Two Notes, Mesa or Suhr) and get more realistic results out of it.

I never tried it live but would have no problem to. DSM stuff is extremely solid and well thought.

_paulpalmer_

351

over 5 years ago

Better than iridium

Although the iridium has more expensive components, the simplifier clearly surpasses it in sound and options, the Chilean brand hit the nail on the head with what a modern guitarist needs and more with a pandemic in the body.

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Rock Pop Folk, World, & Country

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