team opinion : I don't like to agree with what the specialized press says, but the Ramble FX Marvel Drive 3 bent the Plexi like game. I know it's always tricky to talk about a “like an amp” effect pedal because often it's a big joke (I denounce today!). Since the launch of Effects Area, I've had the opportunity to see many pedals claiming to emulate a Marshall Plexi. Honestly, apart from Weehbo Plexdrive most have fallen into oblivion.
And then the Ramble FX arrived. Damn, my whole world is falling apart. Praised by the press and some Youtubers, I was initially skeptical. But once plugged in, that skepticism gave way to deep satisfaction. These comments are my own, but for once this effects pedal justifies its price in nine, period.
So, here we are in the presence of a Marshallesque overdrive oriented Low Gain. Yes because let's not forget that a Marshall Plexi does not go further than the crunch. On this side the bet is amply respected. The pedal sounds very natural, delivers a slight compression and a small bump in the mids so characteristic of the British brand. Gain at 9 o'clock, we can consider arpeggios on the edge of crunch, just waiting to saturate if you attack a little harder. When you push the gain to the maximum, you can easily find the sounds dear to AC/DC as well as to most Hard Rock bands of the 70s.
Control level, the pedal is really close to the legendary amp it emulates. The progressiveness of the knobs is welcome because the pedal adapts to what you give it. The 9V/18V switch is quite new and turns out to be formidable. If many pedals (I am thinking of Fulltone or the Suhr) can be powered by 9V or 18V, the latter require a dedicated power supply capable of delivering this voltage. Here, the Ramble FX Marvel Drive 3 has an internal transformer capable of switching from 9V to 18V with a conventional power supply. Yes it is quite amazing.
In 9V, the pedal will sound slightly more compressed, and therefore “modern” (if we dare to use this term). In 18V, more airy.
In short, you will understand, this pedal is a success. The model offered here for sale is in new condition, sold with its original box and its Goodies. Find our effects pedals in action on our channel Youtube.