NUX CERBERUS

This interesting and feature-packed processor feels like a smart compromise between the immediacy of the SoulMate and the complexity of the Helix. Although there are knobs to tweak and a compact, stompboxy enclosure, the amount of computing power under the hood is formidable. While the sound options here aren’t the most comprehensive on the market, there’s still a great deal of depth to the drive, modulation and time-based effects that you can access with this little beast.

NUX has organised the inputs and outputs here to deploy what’s called the four-cable method. You should look it up for more information, but in essence, it uses that precise number of leads to put the Cerberus’ overdrive and distortion circuits into the front of your amp while running the rest through the effects loop.

You could also simultaneously run an extra quarter-inch signal while doing this, with an optional and customisable impulse response.

One of the things we really like about this setup is how easily the Cerberus adapts to your situation, whatever that may entail. For example, there may be times when you just want to have a casual jam and not be so beholden to an avalanche of presets. In this case, switch the unit over to Live mode, where its robust profile and tweakable knobs really show up the typical touchscreens and selection menus.