EarthQuaker Devices Plumes – Just Another Tubescreamer?
Yet another Tubescreamer pedal variant, but is it worth a look?
EarthQuaker Devices already has a highly regarded Tubescreamer in the Palisades pedal range. But the new Plumes is cheaper, more compact and has its own approach to the Tubescreamer circuit.
EarthQuaker Devices Plumes
The new Plumes pedal is an independent interpretation of the venerable Tubescreamer circuit – ” More headroom, less noise and much better sound quality.” In reality this means they’ve done away with the 4558 IC and the classic BJT transistor buffer. Instead, a JFET OpAmp is now installed in their place and the impedance raised to a full 10 megohms.
Earthquaker Devices Plume with three Modes and a relay based true bypass · Source: Earthquaker Devices
Three clipping modes
In addition to the usual Level, Tone, Gain controls, three Modes can be selected via a mini-switch :
- 1. Symmetrical clipping through two LEDs (Crunch)
- 2. OpAmp distortion for a gentle boost
- 3. Asymmetrical clipping of a silicon diode.
Mode 3 should be closest to the original Tubescreamer sound, but with more output and a finer resolution.
New tone knob
EarthQuaker devices did not seem to be completely satisfied with the regular operation of the tone control.
“The lows are fat and tidy, the heights bright and cutting without killing the centers.”
The whole thing is rounded off by the so-called Flexi-Switch. The True Bypass is relay-based and allows either a permanent or momentary power on.
Does it need that?
If I want the sound of a Tubescreamer overdrive pedal, why not just buy one? Those who like to spend more money can buy the 400-dollar Maxon OD808-40K as a collector’s item.
Just Another Tubescreamer?
Not at all.
In fact I think it offers a lot more than a bog standard version and the pricing is exceptionally good as well. So I would say it’s worth a punt if you are in the market for a Tubescreamer style overdrive/boost. The new EarthQuaker Devices Plumes is available from 03/08/2019.
RRP – USD 99
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