Model feT
Model feT
The Model feT is a transistor-based preamplifier designed around the legendary Sunn Model T amplifier. Those who have played the original know that while it excels at heavy tones when pushed, it is far more than just an amp for stoner rock and doom metal. In fact, on its own it is a fantastic mid-gain amplifier with a tone that is dark, yet clear and present—making it an exceptional pedal platform.
Most famous Model T tones come from putting a distortion or fuzz in front of the amp. Thus, the Model feT is designed to sound good on its own and with other pedals stacked in front. This pedal goes beyond the standard triode-to-JFET emulation approach with the inclusion of an emulated power amp. This broadens the range of gain and—in the true spirit of the original amp—allows for massive headroom and volume output. This greatly expands its capabilities beyond a typical drive pedal: the Model feT can be used directly into a power amp, cab simulation, or DAW.
Electrical Specifications
Bypass: Relay switching with true bypass
Input impedance @ 1 Khz: 500kΩ
Output impedance @ 1 Khz: 1kΩ
Power: 9V DC, 2.1 mm center negative barrel. The current draw is 65 mA.
We recommend a regulated, isolated power supply rated for 100 mA minimum. Our pedals do not accept batteries. Use of an incorrect power supply may cause permanent damage.
Controls
Normal: turn clockwise to add gain from the parallel “Normal” channel, which has a neutral voicing. Higher settings produce a thicker gain sound. The normal channel is fully muted when this control is at zero.
Brite: turn clockwise to add gain from the parallel “Brite” channel, which is voiced for extra midrange and sparkle. Adds bite to the drive tone at higher settings. The “Brite” channel is fully muted when this control is at zero.
Bass, Midrange, Treble: 3-band FMV EQ with the same moderately mid-scooped voicing as the original amp: highly interactive and nonlinear, but familiar.
Master: sets overall output volume. This control is capable of high volumes in order to access quieter clean settings and to properly drive an external power amp.
Changelog
V3.8 (2022)
Slight changes to PCB layout to facilitate manufacturability. No sonic changes.
V3.7 (current release as of November 2020)
- New mechanical format (changed enclosure shape, knob spacing, jacks, etc)
- Added power supply over-voltage shutdown circuit and ESD protection
- Increased fidelity of simulated power amp stage for improved EQ response and lower noise
V3 (2018)
- Surface mount PCB
- Soft-touch relay bypass switching
- Added 18V supply for JFET portion of the circuit, for increased headroom and bass responseV2 (2017)
- New control layout, smaller footprint, enclosure changed to 1590BB style (previously 1590XX)
- Internal presence control removed, fixed at optimal settingV1
- Initial release