What distortion types are available on the NUX Metal Core Deluxe mkII?

The pedal features three distinct voicings: Classic British, Tight American, and Scooped Modern. These allow the user to cover a wide range of metal subgenres from classic rock to contemporary extreme metal.

Does this pedal include a noise gate?

Yes, it features a built-in noise gate. This is designed to keep the signal clean and silent during pauses, which is essential for high-gain settings and fast palm-muting.

Can I record directly to my computer with this pedal?

Yes, the pedal includes a cabinet simulator (cab sim) output. This allows you to connect directly to an audio interface or mixer while maintaining a realistic guitar speaker tone.

Is the NUX Metal Core Deluxe mkII a stereo pedal?

Yes, it features stereo outputs. This creates a wider and more immersive sound field, especially useful when recording or using a dual-amplifier setup.

What does the boost switch do?

The separate boost switch provides instant access to a more aggressive tone. It is typically used to increase volume and gain for lead guitar parts or solos.

How much does the NUX Metal Core Deluxe mkII typically cost?

The typical price range for this pedal is approximately £60. This makes it a cost-effective option for players seeking professional metal tones.

Is this pedal suitable for silent practice?

Yes, thanks to the cabinet simulator output, you can run the pedal into a headphone amp or interface for silent practice. It eliminates the need for a loud physical amplifier.

How does the 'Scooped Modern' mode sound?

The Scooped Modern mode emphasises lows and highs while cutting the middle frequencies. This creates the aggressive 'V' shape EQ profile popular in modern metal styles.

Can this pedal be used for genres other than metal?

While it is built for metal, the 'Classic British' mode can provide hard rock tones. However, its primary design focus is on high-gain distortion.

Does the pedal require a specific power supply?

The pedal follows standard guitar pedal power requirements, but users should ensure they use a compatible DC power supply. Batteries may also be an option depending on the specific internal layout.

How does the 'Tight American' mode differ from the others?

Tight American mode offers a more compressed and focused low-end response. It is designed for precision and clarity during technical or high-speed riffs.

What is the benefit of the mkII version over the original?

The mkII version introduces refined flexibility and modern features like the cabinet simulator and improved voicings. It is designed to be more versatile for modern stage and studio requirements.

Gear article

NUX Metal Core Deluxe mkII Pedal

The NUX Metal Core Deluxe mkII is a versatile distortion pedal designed specifically for heavy metal guitarists, offering three distinct high-gain voicings. It integrates modern utility features such as a built-in noise gate, stereo outputs, and a dedicated cabinet simulator for direct recording or silent practice.

See live prices

Overview

The NUX Metal Core Deluxe mkII is an evolution in the NUX product line, aimed at providing a comprehensive distortion solution for metal subgenres. Housed in a compact, durable enclosure, the pedal focuses on providing high-gain saturation while maintaining the clarity required for complex riffs. It is positioned as an affordable but professional-grade tool for both stage and studio environments, typically retailing around the £60 mark.

Sound and Character

The pedal is defined by its three switchable distortion types:

Classic British: Provides the mid-forward, crunchy response associated with vintage high-gain stacks.
Tight American: Delivers a more compressed, focused low-end and high-gain structure suitable for thrash and technical styles.
Scooped Modern: Offers the 'V-shape' EQ profile characteristic of contemporary metal, with recessed mids and aggressive highs.

The character is further enhanced by a separate boost switch, which provides additional saturation and volume for lead passages or sections requiring extra aggression.

Technical Features

Technically, the Metal Core Deluxe mkII distinguishes itself from standard distortion units through its integration of signal management tools. A built-in noise gate is included to eliminate hum and hiss during high-gain operation, which is particularly beneficial for players utilising fast, palm-muted rhythmic patterns.

The hardware includes stereo outputs, allowing for a wider, more immersive soundstage when using two amplifiers. For players without an amplifier, the cabinet simulator (Cab Sim) output allows for direct connection to mixing consoles or audio interfaces, ensuring the signal retains the frequency response of a traditional guitar speaker cabinet.

Target Audience and Use Cases

This pedal is primarily suited for metal guitarists who require a variety of high-gain tones in a single unit. Because of its direct-out capabilities and noise gate, it is an excellent choice for home studio users who record directly into a DAW. Its stereo functionality and boost switch also make it a practical choice for live performers who need to cut through a dense band mix without adding external pedals.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to budget alternatives like the Behringer UC200, the Metal Core Deluxe mkII offers more specialised high-gain circuitry and robust metal construction. While products like the Boss NS-2 focus solely on noise suppression, NUX integrates this technology directly into the distortion circuit for a more streamlined signal chain. It offers a more modern, high-gain feature set than the Fender Hammertone Flanger or vintage-style fuzzes like the Electro Harmonix Big Muff, focusing on precise metal distortion rather than broad harmonic saturation.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What distortion types are available on the NUX Metal Core Deluxe mkII?: The pedal features three distinct voicings: Classic British, Tight American, and Scooped Modern. These allow the user to cover a wide range of metal subgenres from classic rock to contemporary extreme metal.
Does this pedal include a noise gate?: Yes, it features a built-in noise gate. This is designed to keep the signal clean and silent during pauses, which is essential for high-gain settings and fast palm-muting.
Can I record directly to my computer with this pedal?: Yes, the pedal includes a cabinet simulator (cab sim) output. This allows you to connect directly to an audio interface or mixer while maintaining a realistic guitar speaker tone.
Is the NUX Metal Core Deluxe mkII a stereo pedal?: Yes, it features stereo outputs. This creates a wider and more immersive sound field, especially useful when recording or using a dual-amplifier setup.
What does the boost switch do?: The separate boost switch provides instant access to a more aggressive tone. It is typically used to increase volume and gain for lead guitar parts or solos.
How much does the NUX Metal Core Deluxe mkII typically cost?: The typical price range for this pedal is approximately £60. This makes it a cost-effective option for players seeking professional metal tones.
Is this pedal suitable for silent practice?: Yes, thanks to the cabinet simulator output, you can run the pedal into a headphone amp or interface for silent practice. It eliminates the need for a loud physical amplifier.
How does the 'Scooped Modern' mode sound?: The Scooped Modern mode emphasises lows and highs while cutting the middle frequencies. This creates the aggressive 'V' shape EQ profile popular in modern metal styles.
Can this pedal be used for genres other than metal?: While it is built for metal, the 'Classic British' mode can provide hard rock tones. However, its primary design focus is on high-gain distortion.
Does the pedal require a specific power supply?: The pedal follows standard guitar pedal power requirements, but users should ensure they use a compatible DC power supply. Batteries may also be an option depending on the specific internal layout.
How does the 'Tight American' mode differ from the others?: Tight American mode offers a more compressed and focused low-end response. It is designed for precision and clarity during technical or high-speed riffs.
What is the benefit of the mkII version over the original?: The mkII version introduces refined flexibility and modern features like the cabinet simulator and improved voicings. It is designed to be more versatile for modern stage and studio requirements.