Origin Effects has added to its Halcyon range of overdrive pedals with the Halcyon Blue, which is inspired by Marshall’s iconic ‘90s Bluesbreaker pedal.
That pedal was reissued by Marshall last year, with the firm saying it reproduced the original format “exactly” – and so Origin Effects has clearly seen an opportunity to go one step further.
This new homage is said to “capture the Bluesbreaker magic” while new features ensure fresh ideas are brought to the table.
It has been built around Origin’s proprietary Adaptive Circuitry, which helps generate the original’s vintage character but vies for improved playability and “boutique-style modded tones” to boot.
It becomes the third pedal in the Halcyon series, following the Halcyon Green and Halcyon Gold pedals – which mimicked the majesty of the Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer and Klon’s infamous Centaur boost pedal, respectively.
Here, its Adaptive Circuitry empowers players to change the pedal’s tone in response to volume knob tweaks and dynamic playing.
Pulled back, the pedal promises to deliver a “sparkling clean tone” free of mid-hump. Give it both barrels and a “faithful Bluesbreaker tone with a warm and prominent midrange” shows itself.
A second voice mode is another notable upgrade from its ‘90s progenitor. Joining the faithful BB mode is a higher gain MOD voicing, which has a different clipping characteristic and extra warmth in the mids that are a dime when pushed through single-coils.
A Dry control also augments its Level, Drive, and Tone parameters. It aids players searching for a little more definition with their edge-of-breakup tones. Equally, it says it can make for a more convincing drive tone when placed before a clean amp.
The pedal also boasts premium components, a high-quality buffered bypass, and a “tough-as-nails brushed stainless steel enclosure” so it can withstand the heaviest of boots.
“The Halcyon Blue Overdrive is a new and unique take on the classic Bluesbreaker tone,” its creators say. .
The pedal is available today and costs $299 + tax.
Visit Origin Effects for more information.
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