Carl Martin Quattro
Danish FX specialist updates its analogue multi-FX
Carl Martin's first attempt at a non-programmable multi-FX was impressive because of its organic analogue tone.
However, the first version of the Quattro featured a more niche vibrato effect where a mainstream modulation effect such as a chorus might have been a better option. Happily, the MkII model arrives with compression, overdrive, delay and chorus onboard.
The compression circuit has been tweaked to make it less ‘invisible’, but aside from that there are few changes.
The Quattro is housed in a rugged all-in-one metal unit with integral mains adaptor and trailing lead, idiot-proof controls, a tap-tempo switch for the delay and choice of two gain levels for the overdrive.
Along with the single instrument input we get stereo/mono outputs plus a handy FX loop (placed after overdrive but before chorus) to add in one or more additional, primarily drive-based effect.
Sounds
Not only are the individual effects high quality, they create - in combination - a wonderful organic tone that's noticeably different from many modern multi-FX units. The chorus widens the appeal while the dual overdrives can be used for differing textures and/or gains for rhythm/lead tones.
MusicRadar Rating
Pros
Inclusion of chorus. Excellent sounds. Easy to use
Cons
Lack of a save function means that you just need a chinagraph pencil to mark your control settings!
Verdict
The addition of chorus makes this a tempting purchase. There are no push-button menus, no programmability but also no patch leads. It’s a convenient ready-to-go multi-FX for those of us that love old-style FX and their sound
Review Policy
All MusicRadar's reviews are by independent product specialists, who are not aligned to any gear manufacturer or retailer. Our experts also write for renowned magazines such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Computer Music, Future Music and Rhythm. All are part of Future PLC, the biggest publisher of music making magazines in the world.
Specification
Effect Types
Chorus Compression Delay Overdrive






