Vertex Effects Ultra-Phonix HRM Overdrive Pedal Reviews
The Vertex Effects Ultra-Phonix HRM delivers the blooming midrange and screaming overdrive of the ultra-rare American boutique amplifiers that players have been coveting for decades. This overdrive emulates the HRM (Hot Rubber Monkey) tube modification that was performed on amplifier #0214. This modification resulted in an expansive midrange with a burning-hot British-style tone stack. When you turn it on, it will unleash your guitar's full-throated potential with an articulate attack and smooth sustain that's reminiscent of players like John Mayer and Joe Bonamassa. If you're a tone chaser, the Ultra-Phonix HRM overdrive pedal from Vertex Effects will help you achieve the D-style tone you've been dreaming of.
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Highest Rated Reviews
Vertex Ultra- Phonix HRM Overdrive Pedal
Ok, I purchased this pedal after buying the other Vertex Ultra-Phonix OD Pedal a few months ago. This latest version has the HRM mod found in one of the coveted Dumble Amps that few of us can afford to own, the first thing about this pedal as opposed to the earlier one is the fact that You have to sit down and learn to use the small adjustment knobs, the two large knobs are simple and to the point, the three small knobs are the secret to the pedal, when you turn them even a little, it changes the dynamics of the pedal. In other words, THEY WORK. This pedal certainly brings an EL- 34 grind to the sound, which works quite well when You take the time to LEARN the pedal. Vertex includes a little card with suggested settings, and they work well, but You will do well to sit down and learn how to tweak in Your sound. You will be rewarded well for the effort! The pedal is Awesome! It seems to love single coils and humbuckers equally. And it just adores P-90s !!! My only minor complaint is that the small filter knobs are not easy to see when playing, they would be a tad better if Vertex would color the tops of them( I used a silver sharpie and it worked beautifully). A very minor thing considering the tone and sound of the pedal. In short, Well worth the price of admission! Also, using a compressor with this pedal makes it really shine and sing! Many Thanks to Jared Kalish and Sweetwater for always coming through for me! Many Thanks!
Great Tone
I like the amount of different tones I can get out of this pedal.
The best, most nuanced OD pedal I have.
I have both of the Ultra-Phonix line pedals, and this one is the most reactive and tweak-able of the bunch. This one has the el34 characteristic overdrive I usually favor. The HRM works especially great in clean style 6V6 and 6L6 style amps (fender and such... use it in front of a Princeton Reverb and Dr. Z Z plus) to give a sweet overdrive and distortion quality that is not readily available in these styles of amps. My Marshall tends to like the boost properties of the regular Ultra-Phonix better. The HRM has more EQ and tone controls than the regular Ultra-Phonix, but it really benefits from having them. Yes, it is a pedal that you will have to play around with the settings more so than a plug and go 3 knob, but I have found the versatility quite satisfying. Great tone, especially with my Gibsons.
Dumble meets Marshall
I was in The market for a new drive pedal. I got the new Mxr Timmy pedal and it's pretty nice. But it's a low to mid range type of od. I was hoping for a little more. So, I found a preview of this pedal on YouTube. The vid was done by Sweetwater.
My rig is a 2019 Prs special 22 and a Rivera Jazz suprema req. Think - tricked out deluxe. I use a J rockett archer (silver) as a boast.
First off - the control layout of this pedal is garbage. Two good sized knobs then three small, short knobs all pushed between the two bigger knobs. Almost impossible to see the direction the knobs are facing. What a shame.
But, does this thing RIP!! Put it infornt of my amp with the archer. WOW!! This thing is like a HUGH Marshall in a box. Very hot saturation if you want. There is a midrange hump that is adjustable. Very handy. But more then that. The clarity of this pedal. It's like a dream. I have PRS 58/15 pickups and I love the neck. Fat and sweet! But the bridge was just not hot enough for me. With this app deal in the mix - both pickups sounded soooo multidimensional!! Like 3D for your ears!! Unbelievable. Absolutely Unbelievable. I've never heard of this type of clarity in any pickups ever.
The pedal comes with a card with some default setting. "Britiah Sizzel" is my fav. Full, Hot, Chewy, and Bold. This pedal reacts intuitively with your volume and tone of your guitar. Work both knobs and fine a wealth of usable tone!
Overall - It's a 3 dimensional expression of OD/Dist. It is worth its weight in gold. I've never been in the same building with a Dumble so I can't comment on that end of this pedal. But this pedal kills it. In every way possible. I'm giving it a 4 star only because of the control layout. If your looking to freshen up your sound, gain clarity in tone or just in need of a change. This pedal maybe the answer. Excellent for Beck, Perry, Slash, early Clapton or hot rod Marshall sounds.
