PlexiTone Single
- Captures the core voice of the Pro Series PlexiTone in a compact, pedalboard-friendly format.
- Based on the original High Gain channel, with tighter low end and smoother top end for consistent tones across different setups.
- Operates internally at ±12V for extra headroom and dynamic response, powered by a standard 9V supply.
- Minimalist control layout: Level, Drive, and Tone for straightforward, intuitive operation.
- Designed in collaboration with Pete Thorn for a balanced, immediate high-gain overdrive that integrates easily into any rig.
All about Carl Martin PlexiTone Single
PlexiTone Single was developed to capture the core voice of our Pro Series PlexiTone in a more focused, pedalboard-friendly format. Designed in close collaboration with Pete Thorn, the goal wasn’t to reinvent the sound — it was to refine how it behaves across different amps and setups.
The gain structure is directly based on the High Gain channel from the original PlexiTone. What’s changed is how the pedal responds in real-world use. The low end is tighter and more controlled, while the top end is slightly smoother, making it easier to dial in consistent tones regardless of amp or speaker configuration. The result is a high-gain overdrive that feels immediate and balanced rather than aggressive for its own sake.
Despite its compact size, PlexiTone Single operates internally at high voltage via our DC-DC converter design. Powered from a standard regulated 9V supply, the circuit runs at ±12V internally — just like the original AC-powered PlexiTone. That added headroom allows us to use the same high-quality components and preserve the dynamic response and clarity that define the Pro Series.
The control layout is intentionally minimal: Level, Drive, and Tone. No channel switching, no secondary functions — just direct access to output, gain, and high-frequency shaping. It’s a straightforward design built for players who want a dedicated high-gain voice that integrates easily into modern rigs.
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FAQ
Quick answers about this pedal — shipping, power, use-cases and more.
What is the PlexiTone Single?
The PlexiTone Single (sometimes dubbed the Pete Thorn edition) is a compact, single-channel overdrive/distortion pedal derived from the classic Carl Martin PlexiTone. It was designed in collaboration with guitarist Pete Thorn. Essentially, it captures the high-gain channel of the original dual-channel PlexiTone, but in a smaller pedal with just one footswitch and three knobs (Gain, Tone, Level). Pete had Carl Martin tweak it for a tighter low end and slightly smoother highs to work well with a variety of amps.
How does it sound compared to the big PlexiTone?
The Single PlexiTone has the same gain structure as the High Gain mode of the original, so it’s still that roaring British stack sound. However, Pete Thorn’s input led to a “tighter bottom-end and slightly softer high frequencies” than the original, meaning it’s a bit more refined out of the box. Users often describe it as very amp-like, with dynamic response – if you roll back your guitar volume, it cleans up nicely like a Plexi would. It’s capable of everything from mid-gain crunch to full, singing lead distortion (the Gain knob range is very wide). Overall, if you love the PlexiTone’s tone but only need that one high-gain voice, the Single delivers it with perhaps even more compatibility across different amps thanks to those subtle EQ tweaks.
Can the PlexiTone Single do lower-gain classic rock tones or is it only high-gain?
It’s surprisingly versatile. While voiced for high gain, if you keep the Gain knob down, it absolutely can do classic rock crunch. Pete Thorn himself has demonstrated getting “barely breaking up” bluesy tones with it. The pedal’s Gain goes from a light overdrive (around 9 o’clock) to a saturated distortion (past 3 o’clock). So you can cover AC/DC-ish rhythm grind at lower gain settings and then dime it for ’80s hair metal sustain. One review noted you can go from “low gain overdrive to insane Plexi on 11” – which sums it up. The Tone knob has a broad sweep, allowing you to soften the brightness for lower gain settings or let the treble through for cut at higher gain.
Is it true bypass and how do I power it?
Yes, the PlexiTone Single features true bypass switching (no tone coloration when off). It runs on a standard 9V DC power supply. Like most Carl Martin pedals with internal charge pumps, it does not take a battery. Power draw is about 60 mA. It actually has an internal DC-DC converter to run at ±12V internally (just like its big sister) for better headroom, but you only need to supply it with a normal 9V external source. Use a regulated supply – minimum 100 mA available is more than enough.
Does the PlexiTone Single stack well with other pedals?
ery well, indeed. Because it’s designed to behave like an amp channel, you can boost it or drive it further with another pedal. Hitting it with an overdrive or a clean boost in front can yield even more sustain (just like boosting a Marshall amp). Likewise, since it’s true bypass, you can place time-based pedals after it easily. Pete Thorn often demonstrates running delay and reverb after the Single PlexiTone for huge lead sounds – it takes those effects as an amp would. Just remember the pedal has a lot of output on tap; unity volume is around noon on the Level knob or below, so there’s headroom to use it as a boost itself if needed. But yes, you can absolutely stack something like a Tube Screamer into the PlexiTone Single for a mid-humped higher gain lead, or run the PlexiTone into an amp’s already gritty channel for layers of drive (just watch overall noise when stacking multiple gains).
