Mattoverse unveils its latest Solar Sound unit – the $79 Desktop Saturator, which uses light to deliver a huge range of gain tones
Mattoverse has introduced the latest iteration of its innovative Solar Sound overdrive pedal, the Solar Sound Desktop Saturator, which – as the name suggests – isn’t really a pedal at all.
Instead, the Wisconsin effects specialist has sought to repackage its offering for 2022 in a more compact and affordable package while making it more versatile for instrumentalists, resulting in a desktop unit with an impressive range of amplification tones.
With affordability being one of its main goals for the Desktop Saturator, Mattoverse has stayed true to its word: it’s dropped the price of the $229 Solar Sound Overdrive to just $79 for the desktop iteration.
Despite its modest size and unobtrusive appearance, the latest Solar Sound is compatible with electric guitars, bass guitars, synths, and just about anything else that can send a signal over a 1/4-inch jack cable.
As with its “beautiful and uniquely impractical” predecessor, the Desktop Saturator’s performance is entirely dependent on the facility and environment in which it is used, but as long as there is sufficient natural or artificial light, the unique device should be able to deliver a similar range of gain tones.
This includes everything from “starved and throttled gain tones to slight overdrive and smooth distortion,” according to Mattoverse, all dependent on the amount of light available.
Judging by the short demo video, such tones are delivered in abundance. For guitar fans, meaty drive, fried analog warmth and crisp gains are back on the menu, with the Desktop Saturator also throwing some gnarly synth tones into the mix.
At the heart of the Solar Sound unit is a simple transistor circuit controlled by voltage (gain) and volume controls, as well as a true bypass button switch. The open retro facade is complemented by a solar panel on the front and protected by a perspex cover, all sitting neatly on a walnut plywood panel.
According to Mattoverse, the Desktop Saturator works best “when powered by a natural light source, through a window, or outdoors,” although we imagine a well-placed lamp would also do the trick.
The $79 pedal has definitely turned heads among Gain fans – it’s already sold out. A resupply hasn’t been ruled out, though, so check out Mattoverse’s website (opens in new tab) for more information and updates.