When we recently had the opportunity to review the DB-CL Dual Band Compressor Limiter from FEA Labs, we were blown away by what a compressor could truly be, and were excited to check out some more of their gear. Luckily, the Photon Fuzz II arrived and we were able to scratch that itch rather quickly. This fuzz is extremely versatile, with options and tones specifically designed for BOTH guitar and bass, and makes each of them sound really phenomenal. Let’s not waste any time, here we go…
Right off the bat, when you learn that the Photon Fuzz II uses infrared light to control the fuzz distortion element in the circuit, you know this fuzz is going to be just a little bit different. Three parameter controls are used for the fuzz section: Drive adjusts the fuzz’s depth and sustain, while Bite sets the point where the “photon clipping” engages the signal. Level allows you to set the overall output of the fuzz. The Dry knob mixes your clean and dirty signals together to taste as well.
The EQ section only affects the Fuzz portion of the pedal, leaving your original signal in tact. The active Baxandall boost/cut knobs give you control over the major high and low frequencies, allowing you to perfectly set the EQ for your particular instrument and setup. Use the Octave footswitch and corresponding knob to add in a full-wave, post-fuzz rectifier distortion, complete with two DIP switches that select the octave distortion high frequency cut-off for full-band, 4KHz or 500Hz. Now you’re ready to rock. The ACNR (Active Coring Noise Reduction) knob control sets a dead zone around the zero crossing in the amplitude of the fuzz signal, allowing for either no dead zone, a small zone for noise reduction, or a wider zone for a gated fuzz effect.
Speaking of DIP switches, also located inside this dark green gem are adjustables for three selectable pre-fuzz high-pass filter frequencies (55Hz, 110Hz and 220Hz) and the dry signal blend high frequency cut-off for full-band (1.6KHz or 160HZ), allowing you to really get in and fine-tune how you want/need your fuzz to sound. And with guitar and bass both shining when run through it, there’s really no stopping the Photon Fuzz II. Thanks to the FEA Labs crew for another brilliant machine – when they’ve got new stuff out, we’ll be on the scene to bring you more reviews and demos, but first, check out the one below! Cheers!
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