Few amplifiers command such high prices on the second-hand market as the Dumble Overdrive Special, renowned for its exemplary dynamics and unmatched sustain. The sound of this particular amplifier embodies a clear vintage touch while remaining pleasantly full and open, complemented by an outstanding clean tone. Now, Universal Audio's UAFX Enigmatic '82 Overdrive aims to capture the magic of these rare originals in a pedal with cabinet simulation, packing the expertise of the California-based vintage and modelling specialists into a compact format.
The Universal Audio UAFX Enigmatic '82 Overdrive features six controls, some with dual functions, allowing users to adjust distortion, level, tone, compression, and spatial components, while three additional switches provide further configuration options, including a built-in speaker simulation based on the renowned OX Amp Top Box. Since almost every Overdrive Special is unique - varying even among models used by legends like Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and John Mayer - Universal Audio ensures flexibility by allowing users to modify the virtual circuitry through the pedal's controls and the free UAFX app, offering a choice of four preamp/power amp combinations, two input topologies, a virtual preamp boost, and various tone stack and bright capacitor parameters for a truly customisable experience.
The Universal Audio UAFX Enigmatic '82 Overdrive shrinks an amplifier legend into pedal size, with complete circuit modelling and built-in cabinet simulation allowing for quick demo and studio recordings, home rehearsals, and a consistent on-stage sound. Using the four-cable method, the pedal can even be used to expand a real tube amplifier with an effects loop, while its top-notch clean sound and versatile cabinet simulation provide exceptional tonal diversity. Users can switch between 1x12" Greenback 25, 2x12" D65, and 2x12" Brute configurations, with six additional models ranging from 1x12" to 4x12" cabs available upon registration. Settings can be saved conveniently at any time using the preset button, offering a quick way to access a second sound alternative.
Few manufacturers can draw upon a wealth of audio engineering experience comparable to that of Universal Audio. The company's founding father Bill Putnam, along with his friend Les Paul, have an admirable reputation as trend-setting music producers and developers of legendary analogue studio technology. Putnam recorded Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Sarah Vaughan, and was Duke Ellington's favourite sound engineer. He developed the famous 1176 Peak Limiter and distributed the Teletronix LA-2A level amplifier. This earned him a posthumous "Technical Grammy Award" in 2000. In 1999, Putnam's sons, Bill Putnam Jr. and James Putnam, re-founded Universal Audio, transferring their father's analogue vision and craftsmanship to the digital music world. Their product range includes audio interfaces, dedicated DSP farms, and a variety of plug-ins, as well as analogue hardware devices.
With the UAFX Enigmatic '82 Overdrive, Universal Audio caters to enthusiasts and those seeking a unique, rare original that has a truly distinctive vintage sound, perfect for expressive Blues Rock. Known for its detailed, component-level circuit modelling, Universal Audio delivers authentic sound quality, a wide dynamic range, a realistic feel, and the signature sustain of the originals. Offering fully adjustable volume and a ready-to-record setup, this pedal is perfect for stage use, as a channel extension for existing amplifiers, or simply for playing at home.
Modelling - made by Universal Audio
Universal Audio is a leading player when it comes to modelling studio technology, effect devices, and tube amplifiers. The circuitry of often rare originals is meticulously measured, right down to individual components, capturing specific values and characteristics. The result is a virtual digital model that faithfully recreates the sonic traits of the original, including the effect that its various controls and switches have on the sound. Depending on the device being modelled, other defining elements and accessories are also incorporated.