The Apollo VIIb is the preamp and overdrive section from the Voyager tremolo series, isolated in its own compact enclosure. A medium-gain overdrive with a natural tone structure, the Apollo VIIb offers a full-yet-focused frequency range, with highs that are full of sparkle without ever getting shrill. This is nothing like your typical screamer overdrive. The Apollo VIIb features rich and complex textures, with a balanced clarity and dynamic response that is truly a delight to play.
TO B OR NOT TO B
The “b” in Apollo VIIb signifies an overhaul of the original Apollog VII, the last pedal Spaceman founder Zak Martin was involved with before leaving the brand in 2019, prior to its release. Upon returning to Spaceman in 2024 it was found that the circuit had been altered and was not the pedal he intended it to be. While sharing the general architecture of the Voyager preamp, several changes had been made to the original release, including significantly different OpAmps and clipping LED’s, modified gain-staging, and altered voicing. The original Apollo VII is a fine overdrive, but it’s not the Voyager preamp that Spaceman fans had asked for.
COMPLEX YET DEFINED
With its Gain and Level controls, Apollo VIIb can deliver a range from perfectly voiced and powerful boost; to layered organic overdrive. The Tone control allows you to dial in the perfect amount of sparkle or analog warmth you desire.
A three-position toggle switch gives you two additional options beyond the original Voyager tremolo preamp:
- VOY is the original semi-symmetrical LED-based clipping from the Voyager pedal series, using the same specific measured LED’s used in the Voyager I, 1e and II. This is one of the details behind the Voyager overdrive sound, offering a blend of odd and even-order harmonics, while retaining stunning clarity. The result is a dynamic and defined overdrive with a complex texture, and an organic sound and feel.
- ALT is a new asymmetrical diode clipping option exclusive to the Apollo VIIb. Whereas the original Apollo VII uses fully symmetrical diode clipping here, we wanted to add a more unique flavor in this position. The even-order harmonics are increased for a smoother breakup, with even more articulation, and harmonic distortion appearing in layers as you increase the Gain.
- The + setting is Boost mode which removes clipping diodes entirely. This setting still gives you plenty of harmonic content when the Gain is turned up, but it is significantly louder and less compressed, with pronounced odd-order harmonics that really sparkle through a mix.
MEANT TO B
We bring you the Apollo VII as it was originally meant to be: The exact preamp and overdrive from the Voyager tremolo series in its own compact enclosure, with additional features. This small-batch handmade pedal is built to our highest standards, with tight-tolerance, hand selected and measured parts. Each Apollo VIIb is completely hand-soldered and handwired using only through-hole components, and is a fully analog circuit, with mechanical true-bypass switching and battery power option.
For this limited batch of the first edition, we’re offering three signed and numbered colors of the Apollo VIIb: Blue, Black and White, in a numbered, open edition format.
APOLLO VIIB FEATURES
- The Voyager tremolo pre-amp isolated in a compact enclosure
- An updated and refined version of the Apollo VII, as it was intended to be
- A rich and complex overdrive with stunning clarity
- 3-position switch adds two additional textural options: boost (+) mode and new asymmetrical (ALT) mode
- True-Bypass switching via soft-click footswitch
- Fully analog circuit using only through-hole components
- Completely soldered and wired by hand in Portland, Oregon
- Can be powered 9v battery or external power supply
- Three signed and numbered First Editions: Blue, White, and Black
- Extra-limited Black Edition features vintage dimmable aerospace indicator light
TRULY HANDCRAFTED
As part of the PDX Custom Series, the Apollo VIIb is fully soldered and wired by hand in Portland, Oregon. On top of the cast-aluminum enclosure sits an indestructible engraved vinyl faceplate and large indicator jewel, with a hand-hammered number badge riveted to the back. This pedal is built to last a lifetime, both on Earth or in the vacuum of space and carries a Limited Lifetime Warranty to prove it.
