Controls – Level, Gain, Tone, Clipping : VOY (Semi-Symmetrical LEDs) / None +Boost / ALT (Asymmetrical Silicon).

 

“Just to clarify : over 60% of the components and/or values have been changed to ‘correct’ the Apollo circuit (Apollo VIIb vs VII). The overall frequency curve, gain structure, clipping balance and dynamics have all been refined because of this.”

 

“The VIIb is also 100% analog w/ mechanical bypass, has battery option and is fully soldered & wired by hand in the old style. The 2019 version has digitally controlled relay bypass & no battery snap, with the standard edition being an SMD build. There were many adjustments & changes made for this pedal to meet my original vision for the Apollo.”

 

The original had as its 3 clipping options – Symmetrical Silicon / None / Semi-Symmetrical LEDs, while the new one has Semi-Symmetrical LED’s / None +Boost / Asymmetrical Silicon – so really just a single different clipping option – albeit a significantly more textured one – with more harmonics also.

 

I rather liked the original Apollo VII and initially wasn’t convinced I needed the upgrade – while the VIIb is indeed every-way improved – so a doubly worthwhile endeavour with this particular edition.

Spaceman is a little like Beetronics in that regard as the later editions are often prettier than the originals!