Dawner Prince Diktator MKII

Diktator MKII

£259.00

Highlights

• Two channel preamp and overdrive pedal for guitar and bass, covering boost, drive and distortion
• Ranges from transparent enhancement to thick, harmonically rich overdrive with strong note definition
• Highly responsive feel that tracks picking dynamics and volume changes with confidence and control
• Active Bass and Treble EQ with versatile Drive, Level and Boost shaping wide, usable tones
• Redesigned analogue circuit inspired by tube amp behaviour for flexibility, headroom and consistency
• Hand built in Croatia using carefully selected components for dependable performance
• Compact all metal enclosure built for regular gigging, touring and studio use
• Distinctive graphics with clear labelling, easy to read under stage lighting
• Dual colour LED's and DynamicOMeter provide instant visual feedback while playing
• True bypass switching preserves signal clarity when the pedal is disengaged
• Fully analogue signal path delivers natural response and low noise operation
• Side mounted jacks support tidy pedalboard layouts and efficient cable routing
• Backed by a manufacturer’s warranty for long term reliability and peace of mind

Description

The Dawner Prince Diktator MKII is a two channel drive pedal designed for guitarists and bass players who want a wide range of gain sounds in a single, well organised unit. Built by Dawner Prince Electronics, it combines a transparent FET based preamp and booster with a flexible tube amp style overdrive, making it equally comfortable as a subtle tone shaper at the front of a rig, a mid gain drive for rhythm work, or a heavier lead sound paired with a clean or edge of breakup amplifier. The two channels can be used independently or stacked, allowing players to move from touch sensitive warmth to saturated drive without changing pedals.

Sonically, the Dawner Prince Diktator MKII covers a broad and usable spectrum. The Fuse channel delivers a clear, open preamp voice that adds body, depth and authority to the instrument without masking its natural character, pushing an amp into natural breakup when required. Engaging the Detonator channel introduces a drive texture that can sit just above clean, offering gentle grit and definition, or be pushed into a thick, sustaining overdrive with strong harmonic content. The sound remains articulate across the range, responding clearly to picking strength and volume control changes, and maintaining note separation even at higher gain settings. The post drive voicing options make it easy to match the pedal to brighter or darker amplifiers, keeping the tone balanced rather than harsh or congested.

Under the fingers, the Dawner Prince Diktator MKII feels responsive and controlled. The enhanced input and output buffer stages translate playing dynamics accurately, giving a sense that the pedal follows the player rather than flattening their touch. Chords retain clarity, single notes bloom naturally, and stacked channel use provides a satisfying push for solos without sudden jumps in volume or compression. The overall experience encourages expressive playing, whether digging in for bite or backing off for cleaner textures.

The control layout is clear and practical, with each control offering a wide but usable range. The Detonator channel features Level, Drive, Bass and Treble controls, with the Bass and Treble forming an active EQ that allows both cut and boost, making fine adjustments quick and effective. The Drive control moves smoothly from mild breakup through warm overdrive to sustained saturation, while the Level control makes it easy to balance or boost output. Two toggle switches further shape the response Soft and Hard clipping options alter feel and headroom, from a more compressed, vintage leaning drive to a brighter, more open sound, while the Dark and Bright switch adjusts the post drive filter in a way similar to a power amp presence control. The Fuse channel uses a single Boost control, delivering anything from unity gain to a strong preamp push of up to around 30 dB, ideal for lifting solos or driving the Detonator channel harder.

At the circuit level, the Dawner Prince Diktator MKII is a complete reworking of the original Diktator, keeping its core character while improving flexibility and compatibility with different amplifiers. The drive section has been redesigned to behave more like a valve amp pushed into overdrive, and the filtering and tone shaping stages have been refined for greater control. Thoughtful PCB layout, high quality components and carefully voiced buffers all contribute to consistent performance and low noise, whether running at standard 9V or higher headroom 18V operation.

The Dawner Prince Diktator MKII is housed in a compact, all metal enclosure finished in Dawner Prince’s distinctive green, built to handle regular gigging and studio use without fuss. The enclosure feels solid underfoot, the footswitch action is confident, and the overall size fits easily onto crowded pedalboards while still leaving enough space to adjust controls comfortably.

Visually, the graphics strike a balance between character and clarity. The illustrated front panel gives the pedal a strong identity, while labels remain easy to read under stage lighting. The design feels at home alongside both understated and more visually bold pedalboards, adding personality without becoming distracting.

LED indicators provide clear visual feedback, with different colours for each channel and a DynamicOMeter display that reflects playing intensity on the Detonator channel. This makes it easy to see at a glance which section is active and how hard the pedal is being driven, a practical benefit on dark stages or during recording sessions.

True bypass switching ensures that when the pedal is disengaged, the original signal remains intact, preserving clarity and top end detail throughout the signal chain. This makes the Dawner Prince Diktator MKII easy to integrate into both simple and complex rigs without unwanted tonal side effects.

Input and output jacks are sensibly placed for straightforward cable routing, helping keep pedalboards tidy and reducing strain on connectors. Power is supplied via a standard centre negative DC input, accepting 9 to 18V for added headroom, with low current draw that suits most power supplies.

The Dawner Prince Diktator MKII is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, offering reassurance that the pedal is built for long term use and supported beyond the point of purchase.

In summary, the Dawner Prince Diktator MKII stands out as a versatile, thoughtfully designed two channel drive pedal that rewards careful playing and practical setup. Its combination of a transparent preamp, adaptable overdrive, responsive controls and solid construction makes it a reliable choice for guitarists and bass players who want a single pedal to handle everything from subtle enhancement to confident, expressive drive.

Controls

• RIGHT FOOTSWITCH: Activates Detonator drive channel with clear LED feedback for live use
• LEFT FOOTSWITCH: Engages Fuse preamp channel for transparent boost and added amp push
• DARKBRIGHT TOGGLE Shapes post drive presence, matching bright or dark amps without losing clarity
• SOFTHARD TOGGLE: Selects clipping feel, from compressed vintage warmth to open, higher headroom bite
• BOOST: FET preamp gain from unity to 30dB, adding size, punch and amp drive
• LEVEL: Sets Detonator output volume, balancing channels or pushing amps harder when needed
• TREBLE: Active high frequency EQ for cutting or boosting bite, clarity and note definition
• BASS Active low frequency EQ, tightening lows or adding weight without muddiness, great for bass
• DRIVE Controls gain range from light breakup to saturated overdrive with strong dynamic response

Components and Technical Specifications

• High quality audiophile grade components ensure low noise, clarity and consistent tone
• Dual channel analogue circuit combining FET preamp and tube amp style overdrive sections
• Enhanced FET input and output buffers improve dynamics and signal integrity
• True bypass switching preserves natural tone when the pedal is disengaged
• Neutrik jack sockets deliver reliable connections for touring and studio use
• Smart PCB layout minimises noise and improves long term reliability
• High input impedance supports passive pickups without dulling high frequencies
• Compact all metal enclosure built for durability and everyday pedalboard use
• Powered by standard 9V to 18V centre negative supply not included
• Battery operation not supported
• Current draw measured with Truetone 1Spot mA Meter
• Bypass Approximately 9 mA
• Engaged maximum Approximately 16 mA

Current draw may vary slightly depending on control settings, circuit behaviour, and active features such as gain stages, modulation, filtering, or reverb tails. For best performance, use a high quality isolated power supply that matches the pedal’s current requirements. Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations, as incorrect powering may cause damage.

Enclosure Dimensions

• Depth 94 mm / 3.7 in
• Width 120 mm / 4.7 in
• Height 35 mm / 1.3 in

Enclosure Weight

• 386 g
• 0.85 lbs

Official UK Dealers

FX Pedal Planet Limited and FX Pedal Planet Online Store proudly serve as UK dealers for Dawner Prince effects pedals. If we do not have the specific Dawner Prince pedal you are looking for, please reach out to us via the contacts page, and will order it on our next stock order for you at the best price and customer service.

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UK Deliveries

For our UK customers, we provide FREE 24 hour DHL tracked and signed delivery, ensuring your order arrives swiftly and securely.

International Deliveries

International deliveries are dispatched with DHL, ensuring fast shipping and efficient processing through customs.

For more information on deliveries and charges, please refer to our Deliveries and Charges.

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