Catalinbread Formula No. 55

Catalinbread Formula No. 55
Catalinbread is the name that comes to mind when one thinks of the term “foundation overdrive,” in fact, Catalinbread coined the term. When the company comes out with a pedal that it says sounds like a 100-watt Tweed amp, you had best believe it does.
We played it. Believe it.
Let’s just get this out of the way: the gain range on the Formula 55 is incredible. In fact, there was so much range, it couldn’t fit on one knob. A pushbutton switch in the center of the pedal switches from Lo[w] to Hi[gh] gain modes, with Hi beginning where Lo leaves off. In short, that’s double the gain. Let’s talk about that gain for a second.
The Tweed Deluxe is a versatile amp. It was designed by Leo Fender to NOT distort. He even warned about how to combat distortion should the amp run too hot. Because aspiring rockers gave that warning the middle finger, we have rock ‘n’ roll. A cranked Tweed Deluxe may very well be the sound of rock ‘n’ roll—just ask Neil Young.
Fortunately, the Lo mode gives us those eggshell-walkin’ crystal clean tones—the kind of spanky, whistle-clean sounds that Leo Fender dreamed about when he laid down for bed. Pushing that switch in gives some grimy, greasy rock foundation that is the stuff of legends. Control both with the Volume knob.
Catalinbread has included two tone knobs: an overall Tone knob with whose function you’re familiar, and a Presence control that is centered at around 5kHz, which adds bite or smoothness to the pedal’s character. The Volume knob act as the gain control with the Master dial controlling the output level.
If that’s not enough, the Formula 55 can be powered by 18 volts, for those of you running pedals in front. This opens up the headroom dramatically, much like a real amp, and processes other effects or hotter pickups seamlessly. There’s a lot to love about the Formula 55, and we think you’ll find it compliments your other pedals nicely, but it packs enough of a wallop to use as someone’s only stompbox as well.

Catalinbread Formula No. 55 Features:

Hi-Lo pushbutton supercharges the gain level with a ton of versatility
Presence knob throws your signal to the front of the mix
Made in USA
Standard 9v center-negative power operation (can be powered by 18v, adapter not included)

www.music-blvd.com 179.99USD