Spaceman Effects Apollo VIIb Cadet: Preamp / Overdrive

Overview:

The Spaceman Effects Apollo VIIb is the true, fully realised preamp and overdrive section from the legendary Voyager tremolo series, perfectly isolated into a compact, pedalboard-friendly enclosure. The "b" in the name represents a complete overhaul and "correction" of the original Apollo VII. When Spaceman founder Zak Martin returned to the brand in 2024, he discovered that the original release had been altered from his intended vision. By changing over 60% of the components and refining the gain structure, clipping balance, and overall frequency curve, the Apollo VIIb finally delivers the exact Voyager preamp tone that Spaceman fans originally asked for.

The Tone:

This is nothing like your typical "screamer" overdrive. The Apollo VIIb is a medium-gain drive with a highly natural tone structure that offers a full-yet-focused frequency range. You can expect rich, complex textures, incredible touch sensitivity, and highs that are full of sparkle without ever getting shrill. Using your guitar's volume knob and the pedal's controls, you can dial in everything from a chimey, amp-like clean boost to a blooming "wall of fuzz".

Controls & 3-Way Clipping

Alongside standard Gain, Level, and Tone controls, the Apollo VIIb features a powerful 3-position toggle switch that gives you access to three distinct clipping textures:

• VOY (Semi-Symmetrical LED): The original clipping from the Voyager pedal series. It offers a complex blend of odd and even-order harmonics, resulting in a dynamic, defined overdrive with stunning clarity and an organic feel.
• ALT (Asymmetrical Diode): A brand-new clipping option exclusive to the VIIb. This setting increases even-order harmonics for a smoother breakup, offering incredible articulation where harmonic distortion appears in lush layers as you increase the Gain.
• Boost (+): Removes the clipping diodes entirely. This mode is significantly louder, much less compressed, and provides pronounced odd-order harmonics that will make your tone aggressively sparkle through any mix.

Available in Two Builds

Whether you are a gigging musician looking for pedalboard practicality or a collector seeking premium craftsmanship, the Apollo VIIb is available in two distinct series:

• Cadet Series (This model): Designed for everyday reliability and accessible pricing, the Cadet series features a repeatable SMD-based design. It stands out aesthetically with a rugged raw metal enclosure and a screen-printed faceplate.
• PDX Custom Series: Built to the highest boutique standards, this version features a fully analog circuit using only through-hole components. It is 100% hand-soldered and wired in Portland, Oregon. It boasts mechanical true-bypass, a battery power option, an indestructible engraved vinyl faceplate, a large jewel indicator, and a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Technical Specifications:

• Dimensions: 2.6" W x 4.73" D x 2.17" H
• Weight: 10 - 10.5 ounces
• Input Resistance: 1Meg Ohm
• Power: 9V DC (center-negative)
• Switching: True-Bypass