With an extensive background as the lead tech for a pro audio retailer and the service manager for a console manufacturer, Alex “Skip” Welti founded Creation Audio Labs in 2003. He began working as a mobile tech for studios around Nashville, repairing everything from consoles to guitar amps in his shop. Somehow, Alex and his team found time to develop a few original stompboxes for the most demanding users. Not surprisingly, Creation Audio Labs units were recently spotted on some notable pedalboards.
The MK.4.23 is a straightforward and powerful clean boost pedal. It takes clean to a whole new low, with published self-noise specs of greater than -140 dBu in buffer mode and greater than -115 dBu noise floor at full +24 dBu boost. Circuit refinements are ongoing, and a current MK.4.23 measured greater than -148 dBu self-noise in buffer mode. Building on that foundation, the 9 VDC power input is internally stepped up to 72 VDC. The result is unparalleled resolution and dynamic range. The best adjective to describe the MK.4.23 sound is natural. The field is getting crowded with clean boost pedals that sound relatively compressed, processed, or band-passed at lower volume levels due to an uneven frequency response. They can’t compete with the MK.4.23 in terms of smoothness, resolution, bandwidth, and power.
The MK.4.23 is transformerless but it doesn't amplify instrument noise in proportion to the boost level as one might expect. It’s an excellent alternative to the typical DI and mic preamp combo for direct recording. Low output synths can also benefit from the clean boost and high headroom. On stage, the line level output of MK.4.23 can be properly balanced with a device such as the Pye Audio PX2 [Tape Op #166] transformer interface and sent to a FOH console. Although the MK.4.23 is quite transparent-sounding and offers only a single control knob and footswitch, it really brings instruments to life before they hit an amp or interface input. I find that strangely addictive as it draws me in, making me feel closer to the music.