A high-gain storm is surely brewing: DSM Humboldt’s Black Clouds was designed to be the ultimate high-gain distortion pedal, packed to the brim with versatile EQ and boost options. The core of this 2-piece pedal is the ultra-high-gain distortion section — featuring three flexible modes and a full 3-band EQ — that unlocks an endless assortment of metal-tinged possibilities, from brutal breakdowns to tones that dive down to the depths of djent-y mayhem. Moreover, the Black Clouds also boasts a secondary footswitch to access this pedal’s powerful Master Boost section, with up to 20dB of gain available even when bypassing the distortion side. Best of all, the mighty 3-way X-Gate switch enables the Black Clouds’ built-in noise gate for squeal-free tones on even the most saturated settings. Add in the flexible Pre-preamp Boost and Tone controls, and the DSM Humboldt Black Clouds represents a crushing evolution in the world of high-gain guitar pedals!

THE X-GATE

Black Clouds is an unapologetically high-gain piece of kit; of course, where there is gain, there is often unwanted noise. Thankfully, DSM Humboldt built a noise gate straight into the Black Clouds with a 3-way switch that toggles three settings: Off, Both, and Boost. The more metal-inclined guitarists will love how fast and tight this gate’s response is, and it’s also simple to use. Switch over to your preferred setting and start chugging — no knob-twiddling required.

A TRIO OF MODES

To accommodate everyone from classic guitar-into-amp players to modern modeling maestros, the Black Clouds boasts three different modes of operation.

Normal: The simplest of the Black Clouds’ modes, this setting is ideal for guitarists utilizing a traditional amplifier setup.

Preamp: This mode is fine-tuned by DSM Humboldt to excel with guitarists running into IRs, power amps, or digital modeling systems. It sports a sharper, brighter tone to cut through any mix.

Mid Boost: Sometimes, your lead tones just need a little extra girth. Mid Boost cranks up your signal’s midrange for a fuller, meatier feel.

KEY FEATURES

• The ultimate high-gain lead guitar pedal, with a plethora of additional EQ and boost options
• 3 different modes of operation to adapt to a wide variety of configurations: Normal, Preamp, and Mid Boost
• Built-in X-Gate noise gate keeps your signal clean and clear when you’re not playing
• Full 3-band EQ to sculpt every facet of your sound
• Exceptionally broad range of gain on tap, from a slightly boosted sound to brutal djent tones
• Master Boost gives you up to 20dB of clean boost that can be added to your signal even when the pedal is disengaged
• Pre Tone control allows you to quickly achieve a consistent response across drastically different pickup configurations
• Pre Boost adds up to 30dB of gain before the preamp circuit while simultaneously enhancing your definition and midrange response

KNOBS : Master Boost, Level, Gain, Pre Boost, Treble, Mid, Bass, Pre Tone

SWITCHES : Bypass, Boost, Mode (Normal/Preamp/Mid Boost), X-Gate (Off/Both/Boost)

VOLTAGE : 9-18V DC (Center Negative)

‍