Origin Effects Cali76-TX and Cali76-TX-L pedals: Reissuing a classic 1176 emulation
Cali76 pedal reissued in two versions
Origin Effects has a new pair of pedals in its range, the Cali76-TX and Cali76-TX-L. These two limited edition pedals for guitarists emulate, no less, the fabled 1176 FET compressor circuit.
When guitarists talk about premium effects pedals, they mean either boutique, hand-made pedals or high-quality effects of the kind you find in recording studios. Origin Effects falls into the second category. Pedals like the Revival Drive and the Cali76 Compact Deluxe – the little brother of the current reissue – have cemented its excellent reputation among guitarists.
The Cali76-TX and -TX-L pedals are limited-edition reissues of the original large-format Cali76. The difference between the two is the transformer. Origin says that the TX has a custom transformer with an iron core for light saturation and more harmonics overtones at higher volumes. The TX-L is has a Lundahl transformer that, according to Origin, gives you highly linear performance, more transparency at the low end and a flat phase response. Sounds like it’s the better choice for bass work or studios.
Cali76: Compact vs Big Box
Compared to the Compact model, however, the big versions lack one thing. Yes, you get Ratio, Attack, Release, Output and Input/Comp controls. But the Dry control is missing. Surely there would have been enough space here? But then I suppose it would not be a faithful reissue of the original…
Pricing
The TX version is priced at 645 EUR/639 USD (RRP), while the TX-L is 765 EUR/749 USD (RRP).That’s a good deal of money. However, you are getting a 1960s-style 1176 compressor in pedal form here, made in England to a very high standard with quality components. Expect fantastic, tour-ready build quality throughout.