Description
Step into the heart of a classic British recording studio with the Catalinbread Airstrip Console Pre-a stompbox distillation of the famed Trident A-Range console that defined the UK recording scene from the late '60s through the early '80s. Fusing discrete germanium circuitry, a custom transformer, and an op-amp inspired by vintage UREI designs, the Airstrip covers everything from warm, "mastered" cleans to full-blown, amp-melting fuzz. Whether you're chasing Lou Reed's velvety grit or Frank Zappa's brash freak-outs, this pedal brings console-style richness and color directly to your pedalboard.
Inside the Airstrip, the magic lies in its flexible gain structure, allowing you to shape your sound in nuanced ways. Dial back the Push control for a mild, harmonically rich boost, or crank it for a collapsing wall of fuzz. The Volume knob provides ample headroom, perfect for that "pre-mastered" clarity or pushing your amp's front end. Meanwhile, the Filter knob lends a gentle treble roll-off at lower settings or a bright top end at higher ones, helping you fine-tune your final tone. And with the Trim control adjusting the preamp's internal gain, you'll find fresh possibilities for sculpting your tone-be it subtle saturation or gnarly distortion that oozes personality.
Designed for players seeking a console-quality front end, the Airstrip embraces the unpredictable allure of transformer- and germanium-based circuits-plus the added benefits of modern reliability. Whether you're playing through a tube amp, modeling rig, or direct to a recording interface, you'll discover a lively, three-dimensional character that stands out from other preamps. Elevate your sound with the quintessential vibe of a vintage recording desk in a ready-to-rock pedal format.
Specifications:
Push: Sweeps from mild saturation to collapsing wall-of-fuzz gain
Volume: Governs overall output and headroom; ideal for clean boosts
Filter: Gentle treble filter; cuts highs at minimum, adds sparkle at maximum
Trim: Adjusts the internal preamp gain for subtle drive or heavier saturation
Circuit Design: Discrete germanium/transistor console preamp with transformer; vintage-inspired UREI op-amp
Power: Standard 9V DC, center-negative
SKU: AIRSTRIP