Universal Audio, the high-end pedal manufacturer well known for its effects and amp modeling, is hitting back with a new pedal, theEnigmatic ’82 Overdrive Special Amp.
This new addition to the UAFX series promises to recreate the mythical sounds of the Dumble Overdrive Special (ODS) amps used by giants such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer, Carlos Santana, Robben Ford and Joe Bonamassa.
Let’s find out what this pedal has to offer fans of D-Style sounds, and why it could well become a must-have for pedalboard fans of these legendary amps.
A journey through 3 decades of legendary amps
The Enigmatic ’82 is a faithful model of the ODS amplifiers manufactured between the 1970s and 1990s. Universal Audio has pushed the boundaries of emulation by capturing not only the sounds of these amps, but also their nuances according to the era and place of manufacture. From the Santa Cruz of the 1970s to the famous Los Angeles models of the 1980s and ’90s, the pedal covers an entire sonic palette.
Fans of Stevie Ray Vaughan, for example, will find the warmth and power of its compressed overdrive, while John Mayer fans will appreciate the softer, cleaner tones, ideal for expressive leads or crystalline rhythms. With just a few clicks, this pedal offers incredible sonic flexibility, capable of adapting to any type of playing or repertoire.
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo Heritage Ed.
Custom mode to shape your sound
Enigmatic ’82 doesn’t just model amps. With its Custom mode, it allows users to go even further in personalizing their sound. This mode gives access to detailed settings inspired by Dumble amps, allowing you to adjust the amp’s characteristics as closely as possible to your tastes. You can choose from several output tube and power supply configurations, adjust the EQ to suit different ODS eras, and even apply the famous Hot Rubber Monkey (HRM) mode to achieve the compression and overdrive characteristic of the “D-Style” sound.
Jazz or Rock? Why not both?
With its Jazz and Rock modes, the Enigmatic ’82 lets you navigate between crystal-clear cleans and harmonically rich overdrives. Jazz mode offers warm, subtle tones, perfect for complex chords and subtle rhythms. Rock mode, meanwhile, packs a punch, ideal for punchy leads and powerful rhythms that easily break through the mix.
Album sound thanks to dynamic speaker modeling
The Enigmatic ’82 is also distinguished by its use of Dynamic Speaker Modeling, an innovative technology from Universal Audio that faithfully recreates the interaction between microphone and loudspeaker. The pedal features 9 classic microphone and speaker combinations, such as the famous 1×12 Black GB25, 2×12 Boutique D65 and other configurations used on legendary sessions. These models provide sounds that are ready to be recorded directly, whether for live or studio use.
The UAFX application for further information
For those who want even more control and options, the UAFX app lets you access artist presets, save your own settings and explore unique sound combinations. Whether you’re looking for the signature sound of one of your favorite guitarists or want to experiment, this app is an indispensable complement to the pedal.
Retail price: €429
Further information Universal Audio website.
