Cetus (Kraken) - Maybe the Best PedalPCB High Gain Distortion?

[Dirty_Boogie]

I present to you... The Krakhead - the Kraken V1 high gain preamp pedal. Built it earlier this week, but finally got round to doing the enclosure and wrapping things up today. This is a killer pedal! Such a usable range of gain - from classic metal, to scooped high gain distortion. Great with a TS before it, or any decent OD after it. Initially had quite a lot of high frequency whine from the charge pump, especially when combined with certain other pedals on my board, but I splurged and finally bought a Truetone CS12 1-Spot Pro isolated power supply - what a difference from the cheap power bricks I've been using up to now. Anyway, I highly recommend this build. And for your viewing pleasure...

 

[owlexifry]

Looks great!
been real keen to try this one out.

how do you think this compares to a Tyrian Distortion? (revv G3) - i was quite impressed with that circuit (when run through FX return of EL34 amp)

 

[Dirty_Boogie]

Looks great!
been real keen to try this one out.

how do you think this compares to a Tyrian Distortion? (revv G3) - i was quite impressed with that circuit (when run through FX return of EL34 amp)

Thanks!

I had the G4 for some time. I liked it - definitely very modern-sounding high gain. It sounded terrific in the effects loop, but terrible in front of the amp. I think the Kraken is more versatile, and works great into the front of the amp. I figured if it sounded even half as good as the Victory Kraken amp, it would be a keeper.

 

[Dirty_Boogie]

Quick follow-up to this post... Still loving the Cetus/Kraken, but find the noise floor is a bit higher than I was hoping for (yes, somewhat to be expected with a high gain pedal). Anyone else build one, and how do you find the noise level? Anyone have the original to compare it to?

In this video, I have a noise gate before the pedal, so you're not hearing any hum or other noise from the guitar - just the Cetus (powered by a high-end isolated power supply) into a Quilter solid state pedal amp:

 

[owlexifry]

Quick follow-up to this post... Still loving the Cetus/Kraken, but find the noise floor is a bit higher than I was hoping for (yes, somewhat to be expected with a high gain pedal). Anyone else build one, and how do you find the noise level? Anyone have the original to compare it to?

In this video, I have a noise gate before the pedal, so you're not hearing any hum or other noise from the guitar - just the Cetus (powered by a high-end isolated power supply) into a Quilter solid state pedal amp:

honestly, that doesn't seem to be much more of a noise floor than any other high gain distortion ive ever used. i'd say that's normal.

also, bro, that was a tease. not even one chug or a powerchord