AC-Tone
- Three-in-One Channel Configuration - Two independently voiced overdrive channels for preset switching (ranging from mild chimey breakup to healthy saturated drive) plus an independent clean boost channel delivering up to 20dB of boost, providing three distinct tones accessible via footswitches for maximum versatility
- Classic British TopBoost Voice - Inspired by legendary late-1960s TopBoost amplifiers, delivering sweet, crispy low-to-medium gain overdrive with characteristically mellow midrange and chimey top-end sparkle that captures the essence of British AC-style tone in a compact pedal format
- Dual Overdrive Preset System - Two overdrive channels voiced alike but independently adjustable allow you to set one for slight breakup rhythm tones and the other for more saturated lead sounds, or configure them however your playing style demands for instant channel switching during performance
- High-Headroom ±12V Design - Built-in regulated ±12V power supply (via DC/DC converter on post-2016 units) provides exceptional headroom and dynamic response with 58dB signal-to-noise ratio and up to +80dB maximum gain, ensuring professional-grade tone quality and clarity at all drive settings
- Professional Danish Craftsmanship - Hand-made in Denmark with premium components and solid construction (820g/1.81lbs), featuring Volume and Cut (treble) controls plus independent Gain controls for each channel, housed in a robust 186mm enclosure designed for reliable gigging performance
All about Carl Martin AC-Tone
The Carl Martin AC-Tone is a premium British-voiced overdrive pedal that brings the legendary tone of classic late-1960s TopBoost amplifiers to your pedalboard in a versatile three-channel format. Designed as a spiritual companion to the PlexiTone, the AC-Tone specializes in that sought-after chimey, crispy British character with sweet mellow midrange that defined an era of rock music.
At its core, the AC-Tone features two independently adjustable overdrive channels that share similar voicing but can be set to completely different gain levels. This preset capability allows you to configure one channel for slightly overdriven rhythm work with that characteristic AC chime and jangle, while setting the second channel for more heavily saturated lead tones with enhanced midrange and drive. The low-to-medium gain range ensures the overdrive remains sweet and musical, never veering into harsh distortion territory.
Adding to its versatility, the AC-Tone includes a third channel: an independent clean boost providing up to 20dB of transparent boost. This can be used to push either overdrive channel harder, add volume for solos, or simply brighten and enhance your clean tone. All three channels are footswitchable, making the AC-Tone an incredibly practical solution for players who need multiple gain stages without tap-dancing across multiple pedals.
The pedal features straightforward controls including Volume for overall output level, Cut for treble adjustment (allowing you to tame brightness or add sparkle as needed), and independent Gain controls for each overdrive channel (Gain One and Gain Two). The intuitive layout makes dialing in your tone quick and easy, whether you're after soft, open chimey breakup or more aggressive crunch.
Like most Carl Martin professional pedals, the AC-Tone incorporates a built-in regulated ±12V power supply (DC/DC conversion on units built after January 2016), providing the headroom necessary for clean, dynamic response and preventing the compression and muddiness that can plague lower-voltage designs. This high-voltage architecture contributes significantly to the AC-Tone's ability to maintain clarity and touch sensitivity even at higher gain settings.
Hand-made in Denmark with Carl Martin's legendary attention to detail and component quality, the AC-Tone delivers studio-grade performance in a road-worthy package. Whether you're chasing classic British Invasion jangle, crunchy rock rhythms, or singing lead tones with that unmistakable AC character, the AC-Tone provides three channels of authentic British-voiced overdrive that responds beautifully to your playing dynamics and guitar's volume control.
The AC-Tone is the perfect choice for players who love British amp character but need the flexibility of multiple preset gain stages and the convenience of pedal-format portability—all without compromising the sonic quality that has made Carl Martin a trusted name among professional guitarists worldwide.
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