Ghost Note Audio - ICBM Pantera Style preamp distortion

Please note; This is a preamplifier, and not a distortion pedal. Read more about this below.

Based on the Randall* Warhead X2.

Introducing the ICBM, a high-gain preamplifier pedal that captures the raw power and aggression of the legendary Randall Warhead X2 amplifier. The ICBM delivers the signature sonic brutality of Dimebag Darrell’s iconic amp in a compact, pedalboard-friendly format. Whether you're chugging through detuned riffs or soaring through high-gain solos, this pedal provides all the firepower you could possibly need.

The Clean channel delivers a pristine clean sound with no almost no distortion. The Lead channel delivers a thick, aggressive rhythm tone with plenty of bite, perfect for palm-muted gallops and articulate power chords. Switch on the Boost mode, and you'll have plenty of gain to pull off those legendary Dimebag squeals with ease. The pedal's active 5-band EQ lets you sculpt your tone with precision, ensuring you can dial in anything from bone-crushing lows to razor-sharp highs.

The pedal is housed in a rugged, all-steel enclosure, and is built to withstand the punishment of gigging metal guitarist. It has relay-based true bypass switching and soft-touch footswitches.

About Preamplifiers

This is a preamplifier, and not a distortion pedal. We do not recommend connecting this device to the input of a normal guitar amplifier. Instead, it is best used in one of the following ways:

Connected to the Effects Return / Power Amp Input of a guitar amp
Connect your guitar to the pedal input, and connect the pedal output to the effects return. This bypasses your amplifier's built-in preamp, and the signal goes through the pedal instead.

Connected to a dedicated power amp
Some examples include the Seymour Duncan Powerstage, Harley Benton GPA-100, or the Mooer Baby Bomb.

Connect the pedal directly to an audio interface
For recording purposes, the pedal can be connected to either an instrument or line-level input on your audio interface. Using a speaker cabinet simulation plugin, such as an Impulse Response (IR) loader, to emulate the effect of a speaker cab is highly recommended.

Controls

Bass and Treble - Provide a classic, semi-active tonestack (traditional design with a buffer).

Mid - The boost or cut of the parametric, active EQ stage.

Sweep - Sets the center frequency of the Mid control.

Presence - boost or cut the high end, using an active EQ stage.

Density - boost or cut the lowest frequencies, using an active EQ stage.

Channel 1

Gain - Controls the gain on the clean channel. Note - the channel is very clean, so in practice this works more like a second volume control!

Volume - Controls the overall output volume of the clean channel.

Channel 2

Gain - Controls the gain on the drive channel.

Volume - Controls the overall output volume of the drive channel.

Boost - Engaged an additional gain stage in front of the drive channel, to add even more compression and gain.

Channel Switch - Switches between the Clean and Drive channels.

Active Switch - Engages or bypasses the pedal with a relay (true bypass).

The original

The Randall Warhead X2 is a legendary solid-state amplifier known for its high-gain tone, massive low-end response, and razor-sharp articulation. Designed in collaboration with Dimebag Darrell, this amp was built to deliver his iconic sound, with minimal need for tweaking or additional effects. Its aggressive voicing, combined with an ultra-tight attack, allows for precise riffing and blistering solos, perfectly suited for both heavy, down tuned playing styles, and wild whammy-bar solos.

The heavy use of active equalization means the circuit has a very distinct sound; one that's clearly born from the tone of Pantera and isn't afraid to show it. But it also means it might not be everyone's first choice, and is very much a case of either loving or hating it, as it can be difficult to dial out that signature EQ curve.

Features

True Bypass with Relay switching.

Soft-touch footswitches.

Internal voltage-boost mechanism ensures circuit runs at same voltage as the original amp.

Rugged 16 gauge (1.6mm) steel enclosure with textured powder coat finish.

Solid aluminium knobs.

Technical Specs

Power Requirement: 9V DC, 200mA

Power connector: 2.1mm center-negative barrel jack (powersupply not included)

Dimensions: 145mm (W) 108mm (D) 61mm (H)

Dimensions (with packaging): 185mm (W) 130mm (D) 70mm (H)