Kool Amplification - Dark Matter

Dark Matter

This product is out of production and replaced by de Marvell Deluxe amplifier: https://www.koolamplification.com/Products/Amps/Marvell-Deluxe

At the end of 2020 we had the luminous idea to design an ultra high gain overdrive style version of the already quite hot rodded Marvell. 
Therefore we added an extra gain-stage to the Marvell circuit and a modified feedback circuit with the addition of a resonance knob to control the thundering low end of this brand new beast.

The result is a staggering contemporary tone rooted in the trusted plexi tone but with a gain range that takes you from plexi hot to nuclear blast. 

Featuring super ultra wide gain range, super tight low-end, fast attack, big fat plexi mids and endless sustain and the ability to make it chug like a mtrfckr!

Worldwide delivery - 14 days money back guarantee
Free shipping in the EU
This product is customizable

Channel 1 "68 Plexi Clean"

Imagine a super clean version of the orginal 68 plexi with a hint of TwinR. Huge, fat and open 3d tubemagic in action. A perfect platform for all pedals. Dial it all the way up and boost it with a clean boost pedal, and you're in 70's ACDC heaven. Milder setting with a strat and some fuzz or tube-screamer and you'll go from SRV to Hendrix.

Channel 2 "Extreme Plexi Overdrive"

Technically this is a a '68 Plexi with a “double Jose Arredondo style'' tube driven pre-amp booster integrated in the circuit. The result is a ultra-wide gain range, ranging from subtle 80's crunch to nuclear overdrive. What makes this channel so special is the ultra-tightness of the bass, allowing you to cut through any mix, literally endless sustain and gain, while retaining the fattest plexi tone imaginable. 
Loud & Louder Attenuator
The foot-switchable 'Loud & Louder Attenuator' alows you to attenuate and boost the overal power of the amp from 20 to 50 Watts. As it is footswitchable you can set 'Loud' for rythem guitar and 'Louder' for solo.

True bypass effects loop (foot-switchable) 

The effects loop is buffered by 12AU7 tube. Adding the 12AU7, for several reasons, is not the cheapest solution but the 12AU7 does this job best as it affects the original signal least. The effects loop’s volume knob enables you to amplify, attenuate or balance the signal. Last but not least: You can true-bypass the effects loop with the footswitch! Tech talk: True bypass is achieved by a double relay switch at the front- and back of the loop. When the loop is being bypassed the loop physically disappears from the signal path. 
A 'level knob' is added to level, boost or attenuate the signal.

Main Features:

  • 2 independent channels
  • Channel 1 = '68 Plexi Clean
  • Channel 2 = Modern Plexi Overdrive
  • Bright switch on channel 1
  • Channel switch
  • Loud & Louder Attenuators: from 20 watt 'rehearsal room' levels to 50 watt 'Rock Arena' levels
    (no tone/sustain loss at low volumes, no need for power-soak)
  • Ultra wide gain range control on both channels for ultimate gain versatility
  • Channel 1 controls: Gain and Master
  • Channel 2 controls: Gain and Master
  • Shared controls: Middle, Treble, Bass, Presence, resonance, Loud, Louder
  • True bypass effects loop with level control
  • Footswitch (channel, effects loop, 2x Loud & Louder attanuator)
  • Outputs 4, 8, 16 Ohm or 2x16, 2x8 Ohm

20 to 50 Watt Specification:

  • Output: 20 to 50 Watts R.M.S. (Loud & Louder)
  • OVERTONES transformers, custom made in BRITAIN
  • 2 x TAD Premium EL34B-STR power tubes
  • 4 x pre-amp tubes:
    1x Tung Sol 12AX7
    2 x 12AX7 JJ
    1 x 12AU7 JJ (effects loop)
  • Outputs 4, 8, 16 Ohm or 2x16, 2x8 Ohm
  • Head weight: approx. 16 kg
  • Handsoldered PCB / handwired in the Netherlands 
    by Kool Amplification

Finish & Construction:

  • Handmade A to Z bij Kool Amplification
  • dimensions head: H=25 cm W=51 cm D=25 cm
  • 13 ply lightplex
  • Kool corner construction
  • Tolex: 'BLACK COMET’ / custom tolex: no extra charge

Dark Matter manuals