The stock distortion plug-in of the ASABI is called the MODERN HIGH GAIN and is a high-gain, hard-clipping circuit that is based on the Marshall JCM800. Because of this, the resulting tone is very open, crisp and addictingly fun to play! Everything from 80's hard rock to more modern high gain tones can easily be found in the ASABI!
The most groundbreaking feature of the ASABI, is that JA developed the technology to create true analog distortion plug-ins! These plug-ins allow you to completely change the distortion circuit in the ASABI without having to buy a completely new pedal! These are not software updates that load a different preset; they are completely analog circuit boards that contain all the opamps, transistors, diodes, resistors and capacitors that make up a distortion pedal!
The ASABI comes preloaded with the MODERN HIGH GAIN plug-in. This plug-in harnesses the power and gain of the legandary JCM800 amplifier and puts it into pedal form! Depending on where the GAIN knob is set, the MODERN HIGH GAIN plug-in will do everything from classic rock to the heaviest rock known to man!
Because we all like to try out new pedals, these affordable plug-ins allow you to buy the pedal once and update it with new modules all the time!
The ASABI allows for 4 different presets of clipping diodes which themselves drastically alter the tone and feel of the way the distortion clips.
To select a clipping preset, press and hold the DIST footswitch for more than 1 second and the clipping program mode will become active. When in this mode, the DIST led will flash to indicate that you are in programming mode. A quick tap on the DIST footswitch will cycle the clipping presets and you’ll be able to hear these presets change as you cycle through them, assuming that the drive circuit was active when the clipping program mode was entered. Once you arrive at a distortion preset that you want to use, press and hold the DIST footswitch for more than 1 second and clipping program mode will exit.
The ASABI allows for 4 different presets of clipping diodes which themselves drastically alter the tone and feel of the way the distortion clips.
To select a clipping preset, press and hold the DIST footswitch for more than 1 second and the clipping program mode will become active. When in this mode, the DIST led will flash to indicate that you are in programming mode. A quick tap on the DIST footswitch will cycle the clipping presets and you’ll be able to hear these presets change as you cycle through them, assuming that the drive circuit was active when the clipping program mode was entered. Once you arrive at a distortion preset that you want to use, press and hold the DIST footswitch for more than 1 second and clipping program mode will exit.
Preset 1 - AMBER: Guv'nor Style. Two LED’s are used to symmetrically clip the top and bottom portions of your guitars waveform evenly. The LED’s allow MUCH higher headroom so your tone will stay more open and less compressed much like a vintage Marshall.
Preset 2 - GREEN: 808 Style. Two symmetrical silicon diodes give the classic drive and compression that the 808 is known for.
Preset 3 – BLUE: ASYMMETRIC HIGH GAIN. Three asymmetric diodes (two silicon and one LED) will clip the top and bottom portions of your guitars waveform differently resulting in a more complex and interesting tone. This sounds great when laying down aggressive rhythm parts!
Preset 4 - MAGENTA: SYMMETRICAL HIGH GAIN. Four symmetric silicon diodes will clip the top and bottom portions of your guitars waveform evenly which gives a more focused and direct tone.
