In Tape Op #159, we published an overview of the UAFX Pedal line. This summer, the UAFX Amp pedal line expanded with two new models: the ANTI 1992 High Gain, and the Enigmatic’82 Overdrive Special. Though their form, physical size, rear panel, and connectivity options are similar to the Lion ’68 Super Lead, the ANTI and Enigmatic pedals are two unique offshoots unto themselves. Coupled with updates to the UAFX Control app (which quickly connects to each pedal via Bluetooth), you are presented with a pair of useful additions to consider depending on your guitar tracking approach.
Leading off, the ANTI 1992 High Gain Amp is fire-alarm red with a tone reminiscent of a Peavey 5150, and you won’t be using it for its clean channel; it is a full-throated metal pedal. Much like the Lion ’68 Super Lead, a benefit I can use over and over with the ANTI is cranking the Pre Gain and Output while recording in my home studio, disturbing no one (as the Output control is not dependent on speaker volume), without sacrificing tone. It is the sort of technological advancement that defies logic, especially if you have any experience with older amp modeling and/or self-recording obnoxiously loud guitars. I struggled to find a workaround for creating feedback swells, as no pedals like these have fully replaced the acoustic nature of “real” amps.
The Enigmatic’82 Overdrive Special is a representation of the mythical Dumble Overdrive Special amplifier. Connected via Bluetooth with the UAFX Control app, you are given an at-home version of the process Alexander “Howard” Dumble went through with his clients when he was building custom pieces. The chain begins by choosing the power of your amp, adding your input/gain controls, dialing in FET trim while you play along, and listening to how your interaction/performance is reacting to each modification. From there, you have toggles for adding Preamp Boost (although that limits your ability to handle EQ down the line), choices for your Tone Stack EQ (which are different flavors of gain), and an OD Trim slider, all of which leads to the HRM (Hot Rubber Monkey) Overdrive EQ, an optional, passive, post-gain tone stack. There are many ways to drive off the edge of the map while you “Build Your Own Dumble,” so I would suggest starting with the dozens of editable presets. Each has helpful names like “Jangle Clean,” “Big HRM Brute OD,” and “Woody Single Coil.” They sound good, but, more importantly, you can observe their settings from the edit screen of the app, which gives you a window into how to make the Enigmatic work for you or your visiting guitar players. A helpful FAQ menu within the app defines each option, helping you along the way.
I found the Enigmatic’82 Overdrive Special useful for two reasons: First, as Anthony Razo and Andrés noted in our previous UAFX pedal review [Tape Op #159], these can be used on the road. The Enigmatic has a range so vast that if paired with something like the UAFX Evermore Studio Reverb [#159], you have a setup that competes with 60-pound plus vintage tube amps. Second, I find that the tone I choose when writing a song varies from the tone I want when I am tracking. The Enigmatic can bridge those expanses while covering a lot of ground as you explore your track in its various stages of development.
Bonus: I found that the UAFX Control app had added features for previous UAFX releases, making it easy to get under the hood, edit and save presets, and reference starting points across the entire line of products. If you purchased a UAFX pedal previously, it seems that they are making refinements to UAFX Control app to keep these pedals refreshed and worthy of their initial investment.
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