Creation Audio Labs Mk 4.23 Who has one?

[Ventura]

best
pedal
evar

 

[xXDaveyJonesXx]

best
pedal
evar

Inclined to believe you. My standard puts a genuine smile on my face. I can hardly believe it. A buddy of mine hooked up to it for his first time and couldn't believe it either. His vintage tube screamers were not only bypassed, but neglected all together that day. Just kept saying, "It's so true!" And it is. Crystal fugg'n clear.

 

[Ventura]

yeah, I've never been able to find one. Not sure why they quit making it

It will end up being one of those ever-so-sought-after pedals.

It'll surpass the Klon in aftermarket superiority.

Serious.

 

[Enjolras56]

If you are going to go on the search for one of these, all I can stress is that it has to be the 48V model. Not sure why, not sure what it is, the regular Mk.4:23 is solid - a beautiful stomp - and is apparently designed JUST like the 48V Pro model but with less boost - more within usable limits or what not. Even looks identical. Whatever. But there's something to the Pro model that is just business.

I mean, I'd never use this pedal's power past 50% of its capabilities, but what it does for that first 50% is just exquisite, and does sound better than the 100% range of the standard 4:23 pedal. I just can't explain why (quality and selection of circuit components, unaccounted artifacts, headroom ability, cleaner power, etc).

yeah, I've never been able to find one. Not sure why they quit making it

What the guys at CAL told me was that "the market wasn't ready for a 48v pedal yet"'even though their belief in the product was strong.
No multi-tap power supply has a 48v tap, it can only be used with its included wall wart, etc.

 

[Ventura]

What the guys at CAL told me was that "the market wasn't ready for a 48v pedal yet"'even though their belief in the product was strong.
No multi-tap power supply has a 48v tap, it can only be used with its included wall wart, etc.

I sure as shit don't mind using the wall wart in amongst the rest of my PP2+ and ISO5 units.

Just glad I nailed a "Pro" when I did. I think I've had over 10 requests from buddies and PMs here on RT asking if I'd ever sell it.

No.

 

[Shark Diver]

yeah, I've never been able to find one. Not sure why they quit making it

It will end up being one of those ever-so-sought-after pedals.

It'll surpass the Klon in aftermarket superiority.

Serious.

yeah, I would buy one in a second if I could ever hunt one down.

 

[crankyrayhanky]

necro bump...
I ditched my pedal board and the 423 went in the closet.
After a few monthsI took it out and it didn't work...so I called CAL
1 year warranty, they were super cool, answered a few questions, had it fixed along with an free upgraded input jack and a battery connector within a week. Awesome customer service!

 

[Ventura]

And the part ya left out about how awesome it made your amp sound?

 

[Beyond Black]

What if you have a loose amp that you want to tighten up? Does it tighten like a regular clean boost, or does it just boost the loose signal and make it more?

 

[crankyrayhanky]

not a tightener, it just makes everything more, as if you're blaring on 10 and yields supreme reactivity from player<>fretboard

for amps that need tightening I go guitar>423>bb+>amp
Or insert OD of your choice, 0 or little gain dialied in, the BB+ adds a tight attack I really like

Regardless, the 423 sound great on every amp I have tried- except the Kemper that has a Pure Boost option, which is how my pedal board & 423 went into seclusion for too long....but it slays in front of an amp, especially at low to moderate volume levels

 

[Ventura]

What if you have a loose amp that you want to tighten up? Does it tighten like a regular clean boost, or does it just boost the loose signal and make it more?

Ya, that's not its forte. That said, if you're pushing you power section into maximum saturation, it'll add to this; but it's not a typical "boost" pedal. It simply - and very cleanly, clearly, and perfectly transparently - takes your signal and ramps up the dBs of it going into the amp. It's also highly dynamic - seems to make everything with the guitar/fingerboard/player/amp respond in a more heightened way, in a good way.

 

[Beyond Black]

not a tightener, it just makes everything more, as if you're blaring on 10 and yields supreme reactivity from player<>fretboard

for amps that need tightening I go guitar>423>bb+>amp
Or insert OD of your choice, 0 or little gain dialied in, the BB+ adds a tight attack I really like

Regardless, the 423 sound great on every amp I have tried- except the Kemper that has a Pure Boost option, which is how my pedal board & 423 went into seclusion for too long....but it slays in front of an amp, especially at low to moderate volume levels

Yeah, I've got a Maxon OD-9 and a Boss SD-1 that I use to boost and tighten a few of my amps. Just curious if this pedal also tightens. My Friedman KS Marshall sure as hell doesn't need tightening, but I may try this out as a boost for the hell of it. Thanks.

 

[Beyond Black]

What if you have a loose amp that you want to tighten up? Does it tighten like a regular clean boost, or does it just boost the loose signal and make it more?

Ya, that's not its forte. That said, if you're pushing you power section into maximum saturation, it'll add to this; but it's not a typical "boost" pedal. It simply - and very cleanly, clearly, and perfectly transparently - takes your signal and ramps up the dBs of it going into the amp. It's also highly dynamic - seems to make everything with the guitar/fingerboard/player/amp respond in a more heightened way, in a good way.

I'm in. Great Christmas gift idea. Thanks man.

 

[Ventura]

I'm in. Great Christmas gift idea. Thanks man.

Well justified purchase for yourself, most certianly

 

[thegame]

It simply - and very cleanly, clearly, and perfectly transparently - takes your signal and ramps up the dBs of it going into the amp. It's also highly dynamic - seems to make everything with the guitar/fingerboard/player/amp respond in a more heightened way, in a good way.

Sounds very cool but I'm thinking it may be too much of a good thing using this pedal with EMGs, given their built in boosted nature and very sensitive feel.

 

[crankyrayhanky]

Still sounds great with my EMG808s, but definitelyway better with passives....but then I'm about sick of the EMG sizzle at this point

 

[Ventura]

It simply - and very cleanly, clearly, and perfectly transparently - takes your signal and ramps up the dBs of it going into the amp. It's also highly dynamic - seems to make everything with the guitar/fingerboard/player/amp respond in a more heightened way, in a good way.

Sounds very cool but I'm thinking it may be too much of a good thing using this pedal with EMGs, given their built in boosted nature and very sensitive feel.

Yes. It would take the "suck" from the EMGs and boost it incredibly. Which would be too much suck.

Still sounds great with my EMG808s, but definitelyway better with passives....but then I'm about sick of the EMG sizzle at this point

Yep.

Now, back to my sly comment to thegame above... Apologies, I had to. It was wide open for the attack and I couldn't help m'self

 

[boonekerley]

I know I'm resurrecting a super old thread, but it's just about the only place I've found mention of the Mk.4.23 48V. I just picked one up through Guitar Center (used) for a steal. When I got it in the mail, I was shocked to find that it takes 48v power and came with a power supply. I already own one that is 9v, so I didn't realize that they made them in 48v.
I can't find much about this pedal, so please tell me what you know. When where they made? What makes it different from the 9v? What is it's value? etc?

Thanks!

 

[crankyrayhanky]

48v users swear they are the holy grail- CONGRATS!
I never tried one, but my 9v was very cool.

 

[boonekerley]

48v users swear they are the holy grail- CONGRATS!
I never tried one, but my 9v was very cool.

I just got done trying it out. It's definitely capable of WAY more boost than the 9v. Running it full out into my JHS Muffuletta resulted in some really cool fuzz tones. I use my 9v as an "always-on" pedal because of how much it fills out my tone, but I also use it to control the volume difference between different guitars. I don't think this one can fill that role because of how much boost it provides, even with the knob all the way down.

I didn't a/b the two versions side by side, so I can't say for sure if I noticed any other difference. I'll have to give that a try next week when I get back in town.

I think I'll keep my 9v on my board because it's easier to power and because of the role that I have the 9v filling, but I'm definitely happy that I snagged this one. At $49.99 in excellent condition it was definitely a steal that I'm happy to place on my pedal shelf next to my 48v Holy Fire! Plus I like the matte finish, since my other one is mirror like.