Introducing Sonic Farm Xcalibur, a dual pentode preamp, equipped with two tubes per channel: one for pristine gain and the other for dynamic overdrive. This preamp offers a seamless transition from crystal-clear purity to a richly saturated even harmonic resonance, courtesy of its dual-stage overdrive capabilities.
A distinctive fusion of a JFET transistor and a pentode collaborates to yield an exceptionally smooth breakup, surpassing the nuances of a standalone tube. Furthermore, a pre-overdrive filter, with three selectable positions, counteracts the potential muddiness arising from excessive bass interacting with an overdrive circuit.
The process is straightforward: first, tailor the second tube’s drive to your preferences, then harmoniously blend it with the clean signal. The result? A harmonically enhanced audio canvas that’s versatile and engaging. Be it in conjunction with microphones, instruments, or line signals, Sonic Farm Xcalibur excels where others falter, slicing through the sonic landscape like a superior sword.
In early 2018, the Xcalibur JC made its debut through a collaboration with Joe Chiccarelli, a highly regarded producer/engineer based in Los Angeles. During a thorough evaluation of the original Xcalibur at his Sunset Studio in Hollywood, Joe Chiccarelli proposed a few modifications to tailor the unit to his working style. These adjustments aimed to enhance its suitability for his needs:
- The former 3-way attenuator switch was replaced with a master potentiometer.
- The OD gain (labelled as OD+) underwent expansion, now featuring three distinct stages (mid/low/high).
- An extra 3-position post-drive Low Pass filter (marked as ODf2) was introduced.
All other functionalities and specifications remain consistent with the Sonic Farm Xcalibur Standard model. For a comprehensive understanding of these modifications, please refer to the manual. To experience firsthand the sonic capabilities of the Xcalibur, including its adaptations, you can explore actual recordings on our Audio Samples page.
