Our 10w Enigma circuit draws inspiration wholly from the esoteric circuitry of the legendary Dumble Overdrive Special amplifiers of the late 70s and 80s at a very manageable 10w, with onboard 'Metro Zero Loss FX Loop' and foot switchable overdrive. Each unit is hand wired in true point to point style one at a time and meticulously constructed to mil-spec standards.
Clean Tones
Starting with the Volume control, this sets the amount of clean content as the Treble, Bass and Mid controls set the frequency response of the amplifier, both in clean mode and in overdrive. 'Bright' and 'Mid' toggle switches have been added to further adjust the range, as well as shift certain qualities of the top end and midrange structure. From glassy, bouncy cleans, reminiscent of mid 60s Fender black panel amplifiers to thick, midrange presence and much more, one can sculpt many different tones from the simple but effective front end that offers phenomenal clarity and dimensional qualities.
Overdrive
This is where the party really starts! Our Enigma circuit faithfully captures the often fabled and elusive harmonic qualities of the classic Overdrive Special amplifiers without the six figure price tag or prohibitive 100w power output. Featured is a dedicated 'Overdrive' control to set the amount of overdriven content and a particularly useful 'Ratio' control that adjusts the overdriven output prior to the 'Level' control that acts as a global master volume, affecting both clean and OD levels. The harmonics generated by these circuits is typically characterized as complex, present and replete with lower mid fullness that came to be known as the "Dumble sound", though there is no single model that is the Dumble sound as several decades offer myriad changes to the same model name and the results can be very different. It is why we have decided to offer our configuration of the venerable topology in addition to creating something that is unique to each unit, affordable and a very fresh take on what is possible from smaller form factors these days. An OD switch has conveniently been placed on the front panel to manually actuate the overdrive circuit or set for use via foot switch. A lengthy foot swich is included with every purchase!
Voicings
Several voicing are offered to best accommodate each end user. We strive to keep Dumble's original ideology alive by voicing each unit based on several of his original designs that span decades, from the late 70s to the 90s. It doesn't stop there as we also offer a couple that deviate substantially from the original ODS options. Voicings include, but are not limited to:
Classic - This is the earliest circuit voicing that began to sound like the quintessential ODS tones that most associate with the Dumble sound. This circuit is a bit more scooped with large variations in tone control response relative to the latter. The Mid toggle switch is wired like the original 'Deep' switch wiring that scoops the mids. Several variants are available for this model, including high and low options with varied gain. Think 80s Larry Carlton, Eric Johnson's 'Zap', Robben Ford's 'Talk to Your Daughter' record, Gregor Hilden, later Steve Farris, etc.
Skyline - This is the circuit that has probably been heard most as it is based on the 90s Robben Ford sound after his amp was updated. Vocal like OD and complex harmonics. Excels with a multitude of guitars as it can cover a wide range of tones. A big difference found in the Skyline updates, other than the component values, was the modification from the 'Deep' switch circuit to the 'Mid' switch wiring, providing a midrange hump that provides more of a Marshall like character. Variants are available for this model as well, including high and low plate options with varied gain.
Ripper - Our version of the circuit with the same name, with Marshall characteristics and more gain. Unlike the original ODS design as we have not typically preferred it. Snarling mids in OD and lovely cleans.
Gainmaster - This voicing can be likened a bit more to that of our Dark Gene Red model in the excessively high gain nature of the circuit. A work in progress, this circuit is also a deviation from original ODS frequency response. More upper mid cut, brighter, and with the ability to roar!
Metro Zero Loss FX Loop
Each Enigma amplifier comes stock with the Metro Zero Loss FX Loop, optimally calibrated before shipping. We have also included a toggle switch between the 'Send' and 'Return' jacks to bypass the loop. We would like to thank George and his team at Metropoulos Amps for granting us permission to use and market their fantastic loop!
About our Enigma amplifier:
Running in true class A operation, the Enigma circuit's cathode biased output section can support 6L6, EL34 and 6V6 power tubes without the need for any bias adjustment. The preamp can be summed up as two separate sections: clean and overdrive. The two preamp tubes are both 12AX7/ECC83. Both clean and overdrive circuits are optimized for the gain and internal specs of the 12AX7 but we certainly understand that many enthusiastic folks do love to roll tubes and we always encourage experimentation to ideally tailor an amp to the player's taste. Following in the style of the original topology, we also include an "overdrive trigger" trim pot internally that is exponentially useful when setting the content of the overdrive section, range of the OD control and can be tailored to the specific taste of the user. We welcome adding notes when ordering to accommodate as best we can when setting this control. The overdrive section is followed by the Metro Zero Loss FX Loop that is ideally placed just before the output section and even adds a bit of headroom when utilizing pedals, such as delay, reverb, etc. The size of the unit is considerably larger than the mini Dark Gene amps, but still very conveniently compact at only 10 3/4" width, 7" depth and just 7" tall (includes output tube), weighing roughly 7 lbs. Additionally, we have had custom power and output transformers designed to offer international mains voltage accommodation, higher output and additional shielding!
Enigma Features
- 10w Output Power
- Power Tube: EL34, 6L6 or 6V6 (no biasing necessary)
- Preamp Tubes: 12AX7/ECC83 x2
- Custom Voicing
- Channel Switching (footswitch included)
- Onboard Metro Zero Loss FX Loop (w/ bypass switch)
- Toggle Switches for 'TOP' & 'MID'
- 4 & 8 ohm Output Impedance Taps
- 120vac or 240vac @ 50/60Hz (hardwired)
- International Orders (add note at checkout for 240v option)
- Includes IEC Plug & 8' Power Cord
