“It’s a preamp, but it’s got the biggest distortion I’ve ever heard”: Fontaines D.C.'s Carlos O'Connell reveals the secret weapon on his pedalboard – a plain box with one knob and oodles of gain

Carlos O'Connell.

In recent years, Irish rockers Fontaines D.C. have gone from hardy, post-punk upstarts playing clubs to festival headliners, enjoying huge success on both sides of the Atlantic. In a fresh rig rundown, guitarist Carlos O'Connell has revealed how an unassuming spring reverb is his secret weapon throughout that life-changing period.

There are plenty of notable names on his pedalboard, including an MXR Micro Amp for “pushing the amp a little bit,” a Strymon Volante tape delay, and an Eventide H9 Harmonizer.