Contour & Boost
- Dual Sweepable Filter Design - High Pass filter operates from 65Hz to 440Hz (low cut) and Low Pass filter from 440Hz to 8kHz (high cut) with fixed crossover at 440Hz, providing independent control over low and high frequency content for precise tonal sculpting and contouring
- Phase-Linear High-Headroom Circuitry - Built with premium components and internal ±12V regulated power supply delivering exceptional 80dB signal-to-noise ratio, only 0.01% THD distortion, and maximum headroom for studio-quality sonic clarity with critical midrange emphasis for electric guitar
- Up to 12dB Clean Boost Range - Each filter provides up to +12dB of boost, allowing you to shape and enhance your tone or add substantial clean volume for solos while maintaining pristine signal integrity and tonal character
- Versatile Tone Shaping Applications - Perfect for making Strats sound like Les Pauls, creating amp/speaker simulation for direct recording, adding loudness effects, or fine-tuning your sound in any creative way—ideal placement is after distortion pedals to maximize tonal control
- Professional Direct Recording Solution - Especially suitable for direct-to-tape or PC recording when paired with a line driver, delivering professional studio-quality guitar tones without miking amplifiers; handmade in Denmark with internal power supply (post-2016 models use 9V DC with innovative DC/DC conversion)
All about Carl Martin Contour & Boost
The Carl Martin Contour & Boost is a professional-grade equalizer and boost pedal that brings studio-quality tone shaping capabilities to your pedalboard. Designed specifically for electric guitar and bass, this Danish-made pedal utilizes phase-linear circuitry with high-quality components to ensure exceptional sonic clarity while emphasizing the crucial midrange frequencies that define great electric guitar tone.
At its core, the Contour & Boost features a sophisticated dual-filter system with a fixed crossover frequency at 440Hz. The High Pass filter (low cut) operates from 65Hz to 440Hz, while the Low Pass filter (high cut) covers 440Hz to 8kHz. Both filters are independently sweepable and offer up to 12dB of boost, giving you unprecedented control over your instrument's frequency response. This design allows you to sculpt your tone in virtually any way imaginable—from subtle enhancements to radical transformations.
The pedal's phase-linear design ensures that your signal remains coherent and artifact-free, while the internal ±12V regulated power supply (on units built after January 2016, powered by external 9V DC with innovative DC/DC conversion circuitry) provides the headroom necessary for clean, transparent operation even at extreme settings. With an impressive 80dB signal-to-noise ratio and only 0.01% THD distortion at 0dB, the Contour & Boost delivers performance that rivals dedicated studio equipment.
The Contour & Boost excels in numerous applications. Use it to make your Stratocaster sound more like a Les Paul, or vice versa. Dial in convincing amp and speaker simulation for direct recording to tape or computer. Create loudness effects that add presence and punch to your tone. The pedal is particularly effective when placed after distortion or overdrive units in your signal chain, as this allows the filters to shape the already-distorted tone without being limited by subsequent clipping.
For direct recording enthusiasts, the Contour & Boost has proven invaluable. Simply route your signal: Guitar → Effects → Contour & Boost → Line Driver → Recording Interface/Mixer. This setup delivers professional, amp-like tones without the need for microphones or loud monitoring, making it perfect for home studios and late-night recording sessions.
With its compact diecast housing (120 x 95 x 56mm), true studio performance, and handmade Danish quality, the Carl Martin Contour & Boost is an essential tool for guitarists and bassists who demand precise tonal control and pristine signal quality. Whether you're sculpting the perfect recorded tone or fine-tuning your live sound, this pedal provides the professional-grade performance you need.
Hear it in action
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