DSM & Humboldt Simplifier Mk II

An Analog "Amp-in-a-Box" Designed Like a Real Amplifier, MKII Version

The Simplifier MKII follows DSM Humboldt's philosophy: to offer a complete, immediate, and organic amp experience, but in a pedal format. Here, no menus or latency: everything is analog, and each section (preamp, power amp, speaker cabinet) is adjusted like on a real rig. The MKII version pushes the concept further with a very refined stereo approach (routing, reverb, effects returns) and great freedom to combine amp types and speaker simulations.

Who Is the Simplifier MKII For, and In What Contexts Does It Excel?

The DSM Humboldt Simplifier MKII is aimed at guitarists who want a credible amp tone without hauling a head or cabinet: touring musicians, home studio users, all-in-one pedalboard enthusiasts, or guitarists in silent stage setups. It suits both intermediate and professional levels thanks to its precise controls and low noise.

In terms of styles, it covers a wide spectrum: blues and vintage rock in clean and crunch tones, pop and indie with wide stereo, as well as more aggressive rock relying on the power amp section and speaker simulation to add body. In the studio, it becomes an excellent "front-end" for quick, clean recording with consistent tone; live, its balanced DI outputs facilitate direct connection to a console or PA system.

Controls and Sections: A Complete, Configurable, and Intuitive Chain

At the heart of the Simplifier MKII, the preamp section offers three carefully calibrated voicings. The PreAmp Type selector switches between worlds: AC BRIT for bright highs and a three-dimensional feel, USA for smooth, balanced tones highly responsive to playing dynamics, and MS BRIT for the plexi range, from snappy cleans to biting crunch.

The power amp section is not just a "master volume": it reproduces the behavior of a tube push-pull stage, with natural compression, clipping, and frequency response variations that give a lively touch under the fingers. You have essential tools to adjust attack and foundation: Drive of the power amp, Presence to open the upper spectrum, and Resonance to reinforce lows and impact. The choice of power amp type changes the model's topology (tube, bias, feedback) to tailor the "punch" and overall feel to your guitar and playing style.

The speaker cabinet simulation is designed to be truly usable in real situations: two independent simulations can be used in left/right panning, helping to create a wide and clear stereo image. Each side can receive a cabinet style via a three-position switch: 1x12 combo, 2x12, or 4x12. To refine the texture, the speaker color knob changes the mid-high signature: "black" position inspired by American combo-type speakers (balanced and smooth), "blue" for present but never harsh mids, and "green" for more defined and "rock"-character tone.

Finally, the Simplifier MKII stands out with its modern playing options: built-in stereo reverb to instantly thicken the sound, stereo effects loop Return to integrate your modulation/delay/reverb effects while preserving width, and headphone amplifier with volume control and auxiliary input for practicing with a metronome, playbacks, or backing tracks.

The Sound

The character of the Simplifier MKII lies in a highly sought-after zone: organic, responsive, and free of digital harshness. Cleans retain air and nice separation, while crunch tones gain density without collapsing, with dynamics that follow guitar volume and pick attack well. The power amp section and presence/resonance controls allow shifting from a more controlled "studio" sound to a "cab on stage" feel with more low-end push and high-end bite.

The speaker simulation, combined with the choice of style (1x12, 2x12, 4x12) and speaker color, serves as a true sonic "finish": you can soften an overly bright single-coil pickup, thicken a humbucker guitar, or brighten a busy mix, all while maintaining a clean and usable stereo image for live or recording use.

Technical specifications

Effects	Preamp, Modeling Processor, Bass Preamp / DI Box	Type	sector
Format	Pedal	Use	electric guitar
Cabinet Simulator	2	Color	White
EQ	3 channels

𝗜𝗻𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲		Connector	2.1 mm DC jack, center negative
▸ Input	1 M?	Current Consumption	120 mA
▸ Return L and R	1 M?	Recommended Power Supply Current	200 mA or more
𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲		Dimensions	120 x 70 x 45 mm
▸ Send	1 k?	Weight	360 g
▸ Unbalanced Outputs	4.7 k?	Power Supply	not included
▸ Balanced Outputs	100 ?	Required Voltage	9 to 18V DC (regulated)
Power	135 mW at 32 ?	Consumption	120 mA
Headphone Compatibility	16, 32, 64, and 96 ? (power loss may occur with higher impedance headphones)	Recommended Power Supply	200 mA or more
Required Power Supply	9 to 18V DC regulated