B85 audio - Thor

This effect was developed in collaboration with Ján Firek, the bassist of the band Melodius Deite.

B85 Audio – Thor is a preamp/distortion and compressor combined in a single unit.

The Preamp has controls for TREBLE 18 kHz, HI MID 2.3 kHz, LO MID 300 Hz, and LOW 100 Hz. The amount of distortion can be adjusted with the DRIVE potentiometer, which directly affects the VOLUME potentiometer. The balance between clean and distorted sound is set with the BLEND potentiometer. Distortion can be further shaped with two toggle switches, ULTRA HI and GRUNT, which independently adjust the saturation of the high and low frequencies.

Additionally, the effect features a compressor function with controls for COMP.VOL, which sets the compressor’s output level; ATTACK, which affects how fast the effect kicks in (Left → fast attack, the compressor starts compressing immediately / Right → slow attack, the signal passes for longer unaffected, compression starts more slowly); SUSTAIN, for controlling the compression strength (Left → less compression - shorter sustain / Right → more compression - longer sustain); and a toggle switch FREQ to adjust the frequencies, allowing the compressor to also function as a frequency booster.

The Preamp and compressor operate independently, so each can be turned on separately or together. The effect has one IN input and two outputs. The OUT output is standard for connection to an amplifier or another effect, while the D.O. (Direct Out) output features a cabinet simulation (Ampeg SVT 610), which can be activated with the CAB SIM toggle switch and a TRS DI box, allowing you to send the signal either to a PA engineer or directly to an audio interface for recording. Next to the D.O. output is a ground lift switch; when the red LED under the switch is lit, the ground is disconnected.