[The ultimate 2-in-1] Cornerstone Imperium V2 | The appeal of the ultimate pedal that combines two legendary drives [Sound demo and reviews]

The rich overdrive of the Dumble amps and traditional Tube Screamer drive that every guitarist dreams of.

What if you could get both at once? This pedal will make that dream come true.

Cornerstone Imperium V2

This dual overdrive from Italian boutique manufacturer Cornerstone Music Gear is a luxurious model that packs the sounds of two legendary machines into one unit.

In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the capabilities and appeal of the Imperium V2, including its product specifications, features, and actual word-of-mouth reviews.

Although it is an expensive high-end pedal, let's take a thorough look at whether the "Ultimate 2-in-1 Overdrive" is really worth the money.

Cornerstone Imperium V2 | Appearance and specifications

Basic information about Cornerstone Imperium V2

Make	Cornerstone Music Gear
Model	Imperium V2 Dual Overdrive Pedal
Circuit configuration	2 channels: Gladio SC (Dumble-type drive) + Antique (TS-type overdrive)
Control	Common to all channels: Volume, Gain, ToneGladio side: Clean (clean blend) knob, Comp switchAntique side: Presence knob, Comp switch
Chinese New Year Gifts	The center toggle switch changes the order of the effects (Antique→Gladio / Gladio→Antique / Separate [independent operation])
Input/output terminal	1 x 4/4 inch (standard) instrument jacks: Independent input (In) and output (Out) for each channel
电源	9V DC (center negative), current consumption approx. 100mA (AC adapter recommended, batteries not supported)
Size and case	Approx. 119 x 94 x 42 mm (compact size 119mm wide, top jack specification), handmade in Italy
Domestic price (tax included)	Around ¥62,500
US Price (approximate)	Approximately $349 (varies depending on exchange rate and retailer)

The Imperium V2 is equipped with two channels of analog distortion circuits, each with independent inputs and outputs and controls. It is expensive for a pedal, costing about 2 yen in Japan and about 6 dollars in the United States, but it is packed with high-end specifications and unique functions.

The biggest feature of this unit is that it is equipped with both Cornerstone's popular overdrive circuits, Gladio and Antique. In addition, the dimensions are relatively compact for a 119-in-2 pedal, with a width of 1 mm, and all the connection terminals are located at the top, so it is designed to save space on the pedal board.

Cornerstone Imperium V2 | Features and Functions

There are knobs for each channel lined up across the top, with the Gladio channel on the right and the Antique channel on the left.

Each has independent Volume, Gain, and a mini knob (Tone) for adjusting the tone, with the Gladio side adding a Clean Blend and the Antique side adding a Presence knob.

In the center is a toggle switch (A→G / G→A / Split) that changes the connection order of the two channels, and on either side of it are Comp switches (compression on/off) for each channel.

A total of four input/output jacks are located on the top of the unit, allowing flexible routing that allows each channel to be used as a completely independent pedal.

Two types of circuits in one unit: Dumble-type "Gladio" and TS-type "Antique"

The biggest feature of the Imperium V2 is that it houses two overdrive circuits with different characters in one housing. The Gladio SC circuit on the right is a drive developed to reproduce the tone of the legendary Dumble amp, and is the sound of the Gladio pedal, a masterpiece that made Cornerstone famous. Designed with Robben Ford and other masters of Dumble tones in mind, it has a natural overdrive that emphasizes touch nuances and dynamics.

On the other hand, the Antique circuit on the left is a model based on a vintage tube screamer type drive, and is characterized by a sweet distortion with a forward midrange and a moderate compression feeling."Dumble x TS"This is a dream combination, and the sound of each component, which is renowned on its own, can be used independently or in combination on a single unit, making for a luxurious design.

Clean Blend & Presence: Precise Tone Control

Each of the two circuits has its own additional control, allowing for detailed sound creation. The Gladio side is equipped with a Clean knob, which allows you to blend a clean signal with the distortion to leave a sense of transparency and attack in the tone. For example, by mixing the original clean tone with a crunchy distortion and adding an attack component, you can achieve an "overdrive that follows your touch like an extension of your fingertips" sound.

On the other hand, the Antique side is equipped with a Presence knob. This is a function that adjusts the high frequency range after distortion occurs, just like the presence knob on a guitar amplifier. Turning it up will make the sound brighter and clearer, and turning it down will change the sound to a milder, more rounded sound. By adjusting the Presence, you can reduce the "stuffy feeling" and muffled sound that is unique to TS-type drives, and freely create anything from an edgy tone that won't get lost in the band mix to a warm, vintage-like tone.

Stacking order switching and independent I/O: Flexible pedal operation

The Imperium V2 is also very versatile. The toggle switch (stacking switch) in the center of the pedal allows you to easily switch the connection order of the two circuits. For example, if you flip the switch from A to G, the circuit will be connected in the order of Antique (TS type) → Gladio (Dumble type), and the gain-boosted distortion of the TS type will be made even thicker with the Dumble type. Conversely, if you flip the switch from G to A, the soft distortion of the Dumble type will be added with the mid-boost of the TS type, allowing you to powerfully bring out the lead tone.

In addition, by utilizing the four independent input and output jacks, it is possible to control each channel as a separate pedal with a switcher, etc. You can freely create elaborate routings such as placing another effect (modulation, fuzz, etc.) between the two channels. By setting the center switch to "Split" mode, the internal connection can be separated and the pedals can be operated completely independently. This flexibility allows you to use it in any environment, from a simple pedal board to a professional switcher system.

Equipped with Comp switch: Fine-tune compression

Each channel is also equipped with a Comp switch (compression switch). This is a mini switch that allows you to add a sense of distortion compression as needed. When it is off, you get an open sound with emphasis on dynamics, and when it is on, it is set to a setting with slight compression and increased sustain. This is a useful function for adjusting the graininess and sustain of the distortion. For example, you can turn it on when you want a long sustain for a single note lead, and turn it off when you want to add a sense of dynamism to chord backing.

The Imperium V2 also has a trimmer (semi-fixed resistor) inside, which allows you to fine-tune the bass output from the Gladio. Although it is adjusted to the best balance when shipped from the factory, enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the internal trim can be used to further adjust the sound quality to suit the user's preferences and the amplifier they are using.

Cornerstone Imperium V2 | Sound demo

Cornerstone Imperium V2 | Review and reputation

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Cornerstone Imperium V2 | High-end OD capabilities that combine high sound quality and flexibility