As I get back into the swing of things in regards to this 52 pedals series I feel the need to return to the pedal type that is closest to my heart. I need a pedal that allows me to improve, enhance and/or simply magnify the overdriven or distorted sound that I’m getting from my already distorted amplifier. I need an awesome overdrive pedal. Preferably one with versatility or options. I have a feeling the Alairex H.A.L.O. could be that pedal.
I mean, who needs one overdrive pedal when you could could have two in one?!
The H.A.L.O. pedal has two different overdrive channels. Both have been designed to enhance what is hopefully already your awesome amplifier tone. The first channel allows you to go from a clean sound—amplifier settings dictated of course—to a fully distorted sound. The second channel is similar to the first channel, but adds increased distortion once the gain dial goes past the 12 o’clock mark. This allows you to go from clean, to overdriven (channel 1) to full-blown metal (channel 2) with two simple clicks of one pedal.
The pedal also provides you with individual levels for the separate channels increasing the pedal’s versatility further. On top of that, the tone of the pedal is controlled by bass, contour and presence controls. The contour allows you to scoop your mids out—as is a common trend in the distorted guitar realm. The presence control allows you to shape the mids when they aren’t scooped out.
There is also a three-way switch for the shaping of the distortion sounds. The left and right positions switch between symmetrical and asymmetrical clipping while the middle position provides a clean boost mode. On top of that, there is a three-way switch for the saturation of the distortion in the pedal. This provides options for post-gain control added distortion/compression that switches between channel 2, channels 1 and 2 and off.
There are LEDs to let you know when the pedal is on or off (bypass mode) and to let you know which channel is being used (when in use).
One of the cool features I like for this pedal is its ability to be powered by a standard 9V battery or an 18V DC input which increases the pedal’s headroom. More power! Nice.
Of course, that’s all well and good to read about. But what does to sound like? What does it do? Thank you YouTube reviewers who have actually played through this pedal. You make my life easier.
The Alairex media page offers a couple of other videos that you may be interested in. Each video showcases the versatility of the H.A.L.O. pedal.
If you’re wondering what H.A.L.O. stands for by the way, it’s Harmonic Amp-Like Overdrive. Even the name indicates this has been built to integrate perfectly with your existing amplifier’s brilliance. Sounds ideal to me.
#want
Disclaimer: I’ve not played this guitar pedal. I have not experienced first-hand the sound or effects of this guitar pedal. That doesn’t matter. It looks awesome, it’s obviously played by winners and I want one.