Caroline Guitar Company Icarus V2 | Boost/Buffer/Overdrive

The Caroline Guitar Company Icarus V2 is a pedal that embodies sonic excellence. Drawing inspiration from the acclaimed preamps found in their Parabola and Météore pedals, this device takes that foundation and elevates it to new heights. It achieves this by incorporating multiple gain stages, a finely tuned highs control, and a versatile buffered/true bypass feature.

One of the standout features of the Icarus V2 is its dual gain stages. The first stage delivers a clean and full-response boost, capable of providing up to a +12db increase in volume. This alone can make small amplifiers sound surprisingly robust and add vigour to even the most mild-mannered drives. The second stage, on the other hand, introduces a unique character by employing a mix of silicon and Russian germanium components for a colourful, light to medium overdrive. This blend creates an exciting tonal palette that can breathe life into otherwise lacklustre fuzzstortions and infuse character into sterile echoverbs.

Furthermore, the Icarus V2 offers a straightforward yet elegant high-cut control. This control allows you to shape your sound precisely, ensuring that it remains pleasing to the ear. Additionally, an internal switch lets you toggle between true and buffered bypass modes. This feature is particularly valuable for musicians who use long cable runs or extensive effect chains, as it ensures your signal integrity is maintained even when the pedal is in the "off" position.

In summary, the Caroline Guitar Company Icarus V2 isn't about flashy marketing or exaggerated claims; it's about delivering a pedal that genuinely enhances your sonic experience. It's the kind of signal sweetener that might surprise you with its impact once you plug it in.