Constable V2
OverviewThe Kingsley Constable is a tube guitar preamplifier modeled after the classic "plexi" design of the late 1960's. It is designed to push a power amplifier directly but may also be used into the effects return of a guitar amplifier effects loop. While the most authentic plexi tones are achieved by using one of the above methods, the Constable also features a mode of operation that attenuates its output to allow it to be run into the front end of a guitar amplifier or in front of other guitar effects pedals, for a clean boost or mild to medium drive pedal.
The Kingsley Constable uses two 12ax7 tubes running at high voltage (around 270VDC) to get the most authentic valve tone out of its hand wired circuit.
Update - V2The Constable has been up-dated and V2 is now shipping. While all the V1 sounds are still available, V2 has a more versatile feature set, including switchable Master Volumes and an additional treble reponse mode.
V2 FeaturesAs on V1, the full feature set of a plexi preamplifer is provided, including controls for Volume 1, Volume 2, Treble, Middle and Bass. There are now two Master volumes - the front panel "Master" as well as a second Master volume on the back panel, which is activated by stepping on the left footswicth (labeled "M.Lift"). This gives the ability to footswitch between two different output levels, which can be used for rhythm and lead volumes, or for two levels of drive when using the Constable to drive a power amp into overdrive.
The 3-way "Output" switch offers full output in position 3 (line level), attenuated output in position 2 (instrument level) and attenuated output with treble roll-off mode in position 1 (instrument level). Use full output mode for driving a power amp directly, especially when using the Constable to dive a power amp into overdrive. Use the attenuated mode when you don't want to drive the power amp hard or when not wanting to drive any subsequent effects (like delay and reverb) into overdrive. Lastly use attenuated with treble roll-off mode when running the Constable into the front of a typical guitar amp (without some treble compensation a preamp will tend to sound too bright when driving the input of a regular guitar amp).
"Volume 1" is the brighter of the two volumes and "Volume 2" is darker with a ful bass response. "Volume 1" features a choice of two bright caps, selectable via the 3-way "Bright 1" switch. Set to position 3 gives the classic upper mid bite and aggression associated with plexi amps. Position 2 on the "Bright 1" switch reduces the bright cap for a more moderate brghtness response. When the "Bright 1" switch is set to position 1, the bright cap toggles between these two values when stepping on the "M.Lift" footswitch. In this way you can select a moderate bright response for rhythm playing and then step on the left footswitch for a more aggressive bite (accompanied by the second Master volume for a boost if desired).
As with V1, it should be noted that a large part of the plexi tone comes from the preamplifier driving the power amplifier hard. Most of the overdrive or distortion in a plexi amp comes from the phase inverter and some from the power tubes. The preamplifier alone only produces moderate breakup capabilities. As such the Constable will produce the most authentic plexi type drive tones when driving a power amplifier directly. Having said that, setting the Master volume lower will still provide great plexi tones and if more drive is requires, the Constable responds very well to being pushed by other pedals.
Power requirements:
12VDC @ 500mA, with a center positive 2.1mm plug.
The Constable ships with its own power supply, which works at any mains voltage from 120VAC up to 240VAC, allowing use in most countries around the world. However, a pin adapter plug may be required depending on the particular country.
If you wish to use an alternative power supply please make sure that it has the right specs and in particular note the center positive polarity requirement.
Measurements:
The Constable measures 5.25” wide x 5” deep. The front is 1.75” tall, sloping up to 2” at the back.
Weight: 1.8 lbs (815g)
V1 FeaturesThe full feature set of a plexi preamplifer is provided, including controls for Volume 1, Volume 2, Treble, Middle and Bass. There is aslo a defeatable Master Volume, as well as a 3-way "Master" switch and a 3-way "Mode" switch.
Position 1 on the Master switch attenuates the output for driving the front end of a guitar amplifier or for running into other effects pedals. In this mode the Constable becomes a clean boost or mild to medium drive pedal. Master switch position 2 allows full output for driving a power amplifier directly, while keeping the Master Volume control active. Master switch position 3 defeats the Master Volume control for the most authentic plexi control set.
The "Mode" switch determines the function of the left footswitch. In Mode 1 the left footswitch toggles between channel 1 and channel 2 (Volume 1 and Volume 2). In Mode 2 both channels are active simultaneously. This is like using a Y-cable to jumper the two channels on a 4-input plexi amplifier. In Mode 3 the left footswitch toggles between channel 2 and channel 1 plus channel 2.
Channel 2 provides the fullest, fattest sound, whereas channel 1 is considerably brighter, with cutting upper mids. By combining channel 1 and channel 2 (by using Mode 2 or Mode 3), a very wide variety of tones and responses are available.
It should be noted that a large part of the plexi tone comes from the preamplifier driving the power amplifier hard. Most of the overdrive or distortion in a plexi amp comes from the phase inverter and some from the power tubes. The preamplifier alone only produces moderate breakup capabilities. As such the Constable will produce the most authentic plexi type drive tones when driving a power amplifier directly.
Power requirements:
12VDC @ 500mA, with a center positive 2.1mm plug.
The Constable ships with its own power supply, which works at any mains voltage from 120VAC up to 240VAC, allowing use in most countries around the world. However, a pin adapter plug may be required depending on the particular country.
If you wish to use an alternative power supply please make sure that it has the right specs and in particular note the center positive polarity requirement.
Measurements:
The Constable measures 5.25” wide x 5” deep. The front is 1.75” tall, sloping up to 2” at the back.
Weight: 1.8 lbs (815g)
Check out the Constable on "That Pedal Show":
Constable plus other Kingsley pedals into the Seymour Duncan PowerStage 700 power amplifier:
Video Clips