DSM & Humboldt: SIMPLIFIER DLX - Zero Watt Dual Channel & Reverb Stereo Amplifier

Two fully independent preamps, each with three gain stages; multistage stereo reverb, headphone output, XLR and unbalanced outs (the latter with cab sim defeat option); enough routing options to satisfy most applications and some you may not have thought of and, the most important thing - great analog sound. If you're looking for a central hub with which to base your pedal collection or simply a fine desktop recording assistant, the Simplifier DLX should be considered.

Today's tools:

Guitar: 2018 Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas HH HT Ash. Stock
Power Supply: Eventide PowerMax by Cioks
Mic: Samson Airline77 (me)
Camera: iPhone 11 Pro and Canon D60
Soundcard: PreSonus Quantum & Fractal Audio Systems Axe-FX III
Computer: 2017 Apple iMac Pro, 2.5 GHz 14-Core Intel Xeon W, 64 GB 2666 MHz DDR4, Radeon Pro Vega 64X 16 GB
Software: Logic Pro X, Apple Final Cut Pro X, Compressor.

[Millennial_Mike]

Worth mentioning that the "red channel" has slightly different gain processing, making it better for gain... whereas the "green channel" has gain processing that better suits clean / crunch

[scottolgard]

Received this last week and have been blown away by it so far. Used it live last Friday and it was one of the best sounds I've had in a live setting.
I haven't had confirmation on this yet, but I suspect that the name has a bit of a double meaning. Yes it does simplify your rig, but I also wonder whether the name points to the fact that it 'Sim'ulates your am'plifier'... sim+plifier.

[jeffs.]

We need more products like this on the market. Thanks for the video!

[rangerdoc]

I've tried dozens of pedals & modellers this past year in search of the perfect MIAB. After trying this, I sold all the others I had, including the Iridium. It just sounds better.

[MercutioUK]

Hadn't seen this before, but it's a super-intriguing unit and not ridiculously expensive either. Nice demo mate :)

[falkorock]

Thanks for testing the Humboldt pedal! FR

[sseltrekab]

great demo of a great product (tasty playing 2)...been seriously considered this pedal...

[Widdy]

I'm seriously thinking of pairing my Hx Effects in loop of the DSM!

[n_phaneuf]

A bass one would be amazing. Lot of us players who double on upright and e bass could have one pedal with different sounds for each.

[andrewmaher]

Brett, Thanks for a great demo... May I please ask a question about that "EVH" tone you have in the vid?
(Marshal, Lead, EL34, stack, plate reverb). Is there anything else going on, or is it only the Simplifier, with just its onboard reverb?
Thank you.

[jackguitarfreak]

I would simply choose this over hx stomp!

[siddharthmody]

Great review Brett, sold me on this. Really sounds good, I don't like IRs, this is a god send.

[Reyvil]

Sounds like it's still not taking heavy drives too well like the first version. Still great units.

[EscapeTheOverture]

Really cool ambient noodling lol. Sweet little amp

[harshtrivedi]

This box is genius, are you loping any additional pedal in this recording? I noticed when I tried this out it couldnt get me enough gain for high gain stuff like palm muting.

[davidramos]

So wait are you getting all distortion from this one box ????

[iacopomosca]

I would like to know, if possible, what types of cabinets are "modeled". Marshall? Fender? I apologize for the possibly stupid question.
It is not a digital product and there is no mention of IR, but is there a reference to the cabinets?
Thank you and you are great.

[yzimsx]

I just got a Simplifier DLX and I really like the Channel A's Clean mode. But channel B seems to be very, very quiet!? Even with the level and gain controls maxed out and in Lead mode, it is much quieter than channel A with level and gain below middle and in clean mode. I wonder if the device is faulty? Input mode is MONO, and going into the input with a mono plug.

[solarkantarid]

What an amazing discovery (today!) I was looking at the two notes Revolt... I know you've reviewed both, this one seems to be drawing me in more as it sounds so good!

[hienvu]

Hi Brett. Have you had a chance to try the Friedman IR-X? I was ready to buy this then saw that unit. I like that it has a boost for each channel but it lacks reverb and the ability to run the two channels in stereo. The Friedman does sound amazing but I thought the DSM sounded pretty good too. If they both have really good analog tube amp "feel" and a close enough in sound/feel quality, I may go with the DSM at least for now. I like the option of running both channels together plus I can grab a like-new DSM for $300. I'd love to get some thoughts on this. Thanks!