NAMM 2020: Quilter Labs’ new Phantom Block is a direct box with amp-like tone

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Phantom-powered unit boasts gain and tone controls, cab sim and FRFR modes

(Image credit: Quilter Labs)

NAMM 2020: Quilter Labs has unveiled the Phantom Block, a direct box in a compact pedal-sized enclosure that boasts added gain and tone controls and a cab sim option.

The Phantom Block features a high impedance input for optimum tone from standard passive pickups, as well as master, gain and tone knobs. 

What's more, a toggle switch offers a choice of Cab Sim mode and FRFR (full range flat response) mode, the latter optimized for acoustic-electrics and keyboards.

The unit runs on 48V phantom power via an XLR output or external 9V pedal power. Users can also install a 9V battery that will run in the range of 100 hours.

The Phantom Block is available for $99. For more information, head to Quilter Labs.

Richard Bienstock
Richard Bienstock

Rich is the co-author of the best-selling Nöthin' But a Good Time: The Uncensored History of the '80s Hard Rock Explosion. He is also a recording and performing musician, and a former editor of Guitar World magazine and executive editor of Guitar Aficionado magazine. He has authored several additional books, among them Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, the companion to the documentary of the same name.