DSM and Humboldt Simplifier mkII Amp/Cab Simulator

The DSM and Humboldt Simplifier mkII is an update to a device manufactured by a team of two Chilean builders whose first version took the guitar world by storm back in 2020. An all-analog, great-sounding, stereo amp and cab simulator with an incredible amount of controls and options.

Talking about “update” is a little reductive in this circumstance, because the new Simplifier features completely redesigned preamps that offer a wider gain range and a more dynamic response, and also a new Speaker type knob, and a plate-style Reverb at the end of the chain which was the top request of the user base.

The pedal has also a redesigned layout that facilitates access to all controls (EQ knobs in particular, in this version as big as the other ones). Another new feature is the heavy- duty aluminum enclosure, with all metal switches for maximum endurance.

We added the Simplifier mkII to our comprehensive article about the best cab simulation pedals.

DSM and Humboldt Simplifier Mk2 Specs

• WEIGHT: 360 grs (0,8 lb)
• Dimensions: 120 x 70 x 45 mm (4,7 x 2,7 x 1,8 inches)
• Power supply requirements:
• Voltage: 9 to 12V DC regulated
• Connector: 2.1mm DC jack, Center negative
• Current consumption: 150mA
• Recommended supply current: 200mA and up
• Input Impedance:
• Input: 1Meg Ohm L & R return: 1Meg Ohm
• Output impedance:
• Send: 1K Ohm
• Unbalanced Outputs: 4.7K Ohms
• Balanced Outputs: 100 Ohms
• Headphone amp specs:
• Power: 135mW into 32 Ohms.
• * Use with 16, 32, 64 and 96 Ohm Headphones.
• * Loss of power can occur with higher impedance headphones.

DSM and Humboldt Simplifier mkI

Launched at NAMM 2020 at our very Stompbox Booth, the DSM and Humboldt Simplifier is a fully analog amp and cab emulator that features a true analog preamp that recreates in fine detail the most popular clean channel preamps, a power amp sim and dual independent Cab sims with spread control. Stereo FX loop, headphone amp with Aux input for monitoring or silent practicing, two XLR DI out, and two bypassable ¼-inch jacks round up the features. There is also a Bass version of it.

This beast packs a heck of a lot of goods in a small case, in particular considering it’s an analog circuit, so make sure you check the specs and more detailed info under the videos.

We added the DSM and Humboldt Simplifier to our list of the Best Amp Modeling Pedals and Cab Simulators. It made our list of the Best Guitar Pedals of 2020.

Here’s the video we shot at our NAMM 2020 Stompbox Booth.

Integrate your pedalboard adding full stereo routing directly to a PA System, Amps, Audio Interfaces or anyting you need with its 4 simultaneous outputs (2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4 bypasseable outs), stereo effects loop, headphones out and aux in with the DSM and Humboldt Simplifier.

3 CLASSIC PREAMP
Simplifier features a 100% true analog preamp that recreates with obsessive detail the most useful and popular clean channel preamps in the market

AC BRIT:
Classic AC30 sparkly and tridimensional sound. A true British heritage since the 60’s.

AMERICAN:
Classic blackface deluxe sound. Sweet and dynamic with a balanced response. By far the most used amp on studio recordings

MS BRIT:
Classic clean-to-crunch vintage plexi style amp. The sound that defined rock music.

GENUINE PASSIVE PREAMP TONE STACK
A key part of a tube amp sound and response is the tone stack behavior. The tone stack on the Simplifier is a genuine configurable three band classic amplifier topology, keeping the same feel, response and interaction of the original amp.

POWER AMP SIM
This stage is an accurate approximation of the interaction between the power tubes, output transformer and global feedback, which produces a particular frequency response for different tubes and speakers.

PRESENCE:
Controls the hi-mids response just like the feedback based presence control on tube amps. Turn it up to cut through the mix or turn it down to sweeten aggressive distortions.

RESONANCE:
Controls the low-end and resonance peak caused by transformer-speaker interaction in tube amps. Now you can control the dampening factor and get super tight low-end clarity and authority.

POWER TUBES SECTION:
3 way toggle switch that mimic the different response of classic tube types:

EL34: Complex mid response with a compressed feel.
6L6: A more open and dynamic response with deeper bass and sparkling highs.
KT88: Similar to 6L6 but with improved low-end range, perfect for bass or 7+ strings guitars.

STEREO CABSIM
Tweakable Cabinet simulator that takes the heritage and experience of ©DSM Noisemaker developing the most useful and innovative cabsims of the market.

You can easily dial two independent cabinet simulators panned LEFT – RIGHT with MIC POSITION controls that responds as a real CENTER/OFF AXIS microphone position adjusting the precise amount of high-end roll off you look for.
A three way toggle switch allows you to choose independent cabinet STYLE for each side. 1×12 Combo, 2×12 or big 4×12 cabinet simulations that you can combine with any of the 3 preamp voicings, adding an extra dimension to your sound development.

SPREAD CONTROL
This unique feature of the DSM and Humboldt Simplifier allows you to create a pseudo stereo imaging, by shifting the phase of one channel on selected key frequencies. It will make your sound bigger and 3 dimensional, even if you are using a mono configuration.
This spread is useful to get that “dual Cab” sound with realistic physical separation, very useful for recording on a stereo track, or playing with headphones.