Thank you
I just want to say that MASSIV is probably the best preamp pedal I've ever used. It's fantastic, knocked my Benson right off the board. It's exactly the sound I've been searching for. I hope you get rich selling them!
Description
Specification
Reviews
5
Freqscene Massiv
Massiv is a really versatile amp overdrive and boost pedal. I based the amp overdrive section on the preamp circuit of an early 70's Hiwatt DR103 amp. Hiwatts have a really HUGE and clean-ish drive sound and take pedals really well. They are not super high gain amps, so if you're looking to play metal this probably won't be for you. This has a beautiful open and glassy edge-of-breakup sound. But can get more saturated like a cranked amp with the boost circuit on as well. I use this as my always-on drive sound and can cover a lot of ground with all the options and combinations this pedal offers.
The EQ is more flat/neutral than a mid-pushed Marshall or a mid-scooped Fender. The three band EQ is really useable at all ranges. A lot of the controls are slightly interactive like the old Hiwatt circuit.
The secret sauce here is I coupled the output of the amp overdrive section with a Triad Magnetics transformer that adds a really pleasing amp-like sag and note decay. Once I compared it with and without the transformer, I knew I had to add them, even given the extra expense.
Both the overdrive and boost are independent and can be used on their own or combined.
The boost section has a "CLIP" toggle switch that adds some clipping, so you can have a clean boost or a slightly dirty boost (more noticable when boost knob turned up higher). The other toggle switch changes the ORDER of the boost and overdrive when they are both on. Boost into overdrive will make the pedal more saturated and compressed. Overdrive into boost will be louder, less compressed and more clean sounding aka MORE MASSIV!
Details:
- High quality Triad Magnetics transformers
- Soft-touch silent relay footswitches
- As always, these are built to order meticulously with love and may take a few days or more to ship
- NOTE: Power. There are two versions. If your pedal says "9V" please use only 9V. Some of these say "9-18V" and are built to handle up to 18V. But in my tests they sound best at 9V. Higher voltage doesn't increase the headroom but rather changes the transistor biases. I designed this to be perfect at 9V.
| Title | Massiv Preamp |
|---|---|
| Category | Curent Pedal Lineup |
| SKU | MA-1 |
| Condition | new |
| Color | White Hammer |
5.0
5 reviews
The Drive Sound I've been chasing
I've been on something of a journey testing different drive/preamp/fuzz pedals over the last year. The Massiv is THE one for me. It stacks up against EAE / Benson / anything else, and in my opinion accomplishes what I'm going for even better. The preamp is always on, and the boost is perfect for a higher gain sound or making a chorus louder more quickly. Seriously check this out if you're on the fence, you won't regret it.
No bad sounds in this beast
New favourite low gain overdrive/preamp. This thing sounds incredibly good in front of a dirty amp, a clean amp, and as a preamp. Extremely versatile too with the 3 band EQ and the boost you can get so many different sounds. I’m mostly impressed by how good it sounds in front of my clean amp.
Freqscene Massiv
Pleased to say, I just received the Massiv and plugged it in, and it exceeded my expectations. This is the drive sound I’ve been looking for! I like that it’s not as mid-pushed as the Citadel I’ve been using. Although that’s a great pedal, I feel like the Massiv has a truly ‘amp-like’ feel. Coupled with the boost for extra saturation, it’s pretty much all the dirt I need. Got my clean sound, switch on the amp set for just past the edge of breakup, and hit the boost when I just wanna blast away. Can’t say enough good things about it; build quality is super solid, it’s apparent. This is never leaving my board. Can’t recall now where I first came across the Massiv, but I’m glad I did. Thanks Freqscene!
Always on.
Fell in love right out of the box. I went from thinking it was something that would come in handy sometimes to replacing a pedal on my board. 10/10 would buy again.
Customer Reviews
5.0 / 5 · 5 reviews
Thank you
I just want to say that MASSIV is probably the best preamp pedal I've ever used. It's fantastic, knocked my Benson right off the board. It's exactly the sound I've been searching for. I hope you get rich selling them!
John · 2025-01-11
The Drive Sound I've been chasing
I've been on something of a journey testing different drive/preamp/fuzz pedals over the last year. The Massiv is THE one for me. It stacks up against EAE / Benson / anything else, and in my opinion accomplishes what I'm going for even better. The preamp is always on, and the boost is perfect for a higher gain sound or making a chorus louder more quickly. Seriously check this out if you're on the fence, you won't regret it.
Nick · 2025-06-15
No bad sounds in this beast
New favourite low gain overdrive/preamp. This thing sounds incredibly good in front of a dirty amp, a clean amp, and as a preamp. Extremely versatile too with the 3 band EQ and the boost you can get so many different sounds. I’m mostly impressed by how good it sounds in front of my clean amp.
Fred · 2025-03-21
Freqscene Massiv
Pleased to say, I just received the Massiv and plugged it in, and it exceeded my expectations. This is the drive sound I’ve been looking for! I like that it’s not as mid-pushed as the Citadel I’ve been using. Although that’s a great pedal, I feel like the Massiv has a truly ‘amp-like’ feel. Coupled with the boost for extra saturation, it’s pretty much all the dirt I need. Got my clean sound, switch on the amp set for just past the edge of breakup, and hit the boost when I just wanna blast away. Can’t say enough good things about it; build quality is super solid, it’s apparent. This is never leaving my board. Can’t recall now where I first came across the Massiv, but I’m glad I did. Thanks Freqscene!
Scott from the Midwest · 2025-01-11
Always on.
Fell in love right out of the box. I went from thinking it was something that would come in handy sometimes to replacing a pedal on my board. 10/10 would buy again.
Conner · 2025-02-28
