Catalinbread Naga Viper MKII Treble Booster Pedal with Attenuation Knob

Treble Boosters and rock 'n' roll music go way back together as an inseparable duo. The Catalinbread Naga Viper MKII unleashes the maximum potential of this time-tested simple circuit with one small change - adding the attenuation knob. This rather simple addition results in a more ‘Rangemaster’ vibe that is hard to ignore. It even features a new higher-gain transistor that allows seamless pedalboard integration. This control plays the role of a level controller for the heat derived from the incoming signal before letting it run through the booster, resulting in minimized saturation and unwanted effects.

The circuit of the Naga Viper has been rearranged and the transistor has been replaced to make it a more versatile pedal suiting the needs of different players. By diming the controls, it is able to open up the attenuator’s range. Although a big hit, the Rangemaster was not manufactured in large quantities. This latest release has a unique value that helps to make the most of this circuit. The Naga Viper MKII’s knobs once set, needs no fiddling or adjustments.

To power up the Naga, all you need is a standard DC Power between 9 to 18 V. Similarly, a 9V battery works well too. Be cautious not to give AC or center-positive power supply which may result in irreversible damages.

This works as the gain knob that goes all the way down to give a classic treble booster response. When set to minimum, this stock treble booster sounds its best, much like it is running into an amp that is already overdriven. Increasing the heat softens the sound that easily adopts to clean amps.

To set the output level, use the BOOST control. Eventhough there are mentions of the Rangemaster design giving away optimum results at a specific value in this position, efforts have been taken to make the circuit a ‘little hotter’. A whoosh sound may be heard when turning this knob, remember that it is perfectly normal.

RANGE control takes control of the bass frequency let into the booster pedal. It has been observed that the input and output capacitors of treble boosters used to be rather tiny resulting in few bass frequencies and an overall gain. As you roll down this control knob, you can experience a full bass situation with an increase in range.

ATTN knob control refers to the attenuate function of the Naga Viper’s circuit. Since the original design was made keeping in mind a guitarist’s need, they could not hold up other gain devices smoothly. This control however has been a game changer that lets you take control of incoming signal taming it to a lower volume, leaving space for the boost to create magic.