Last month, we had the distinct pleasure of checking out the wonderful and nostalgic Time Traveler Delay from Spürr Audio, a Back to the Future-inspired box that gave us all the feels (and sounded great). When we opened the box for today’s Spürr Audio pedal, the Wild Rat Distortion, we were greeted with a shock and almost dropped the box, as what appeared to be a real rat was lurking inside. After gathering ourselves and...
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We had the recent opportunity to check out our first effect from Handy FX, the Whiteout Fuzz, and it was an impressive piece of gear. We’re back again today to bring you the next gem in their lineup, the Muskrat Distortion Booster, a powerful 2-in-1 that oozes tone and grit, adding a much-needed punch to any rig. It doesn’t just look rad, folks, it sounds that way, too… The left side of the Muskrat is based on the...
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THE RAT. Few distortion pedals have as much instant recognizability, despite (usually) just bearing the colors Black & White. There are many iterations of this classic effect, but how could you possibly collect them all without breaking the bank? Well, as usual, JHS Pedals comes to the rescue, in the form of the PackRat Distortion. Taking different RAT circuits from the last 4 decades, from different manufacturers, this pedal...
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The classic RAT Distortion pedal. That big, thick, metal box that has sat upon many a pedalboard, and will continue to do so, is a staple of effects pedals if there ever was one. In keeping with that vintage style and sound, Pro Co and RAT distortion have come up with the “RAT on steroids”: ladies and gentlemen, the FATRAT. A titch bigger than it’s little brother, the FATRAT has a few more controls as well. The...
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Chances are, you’ve seen the classic RAT or RAT2 Distortion pedal on a board somewhere in your lifetime. Perhaps you currently see one on your own board, as many of us do, or have an old classic version you pull out once in a while to really rock. As well known as the RAT pedals are to players around the world, the small black boxes are not the only story. Today we’re going to check out the newest member of the RAT...
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The RAT. In all its forms and iterations, it has remained one of the most popular distortion circuits in the world for more than 40 years, with many companies tweaking and trying their hand at improving it. We’ve got one of the best throwing their hat in the ring today, as we bring you the Wampler Pedals Ratsbane Distortion. Small in size but big in stature, this mini effect brings all the thunder of the original Rat sound, with...
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Whenever a crazy, noise-laden, free form piece of musical equipment comes into the office, we tend to get fairly excited. When the Erratic Clutch Deluxe arrived, we had no idea what we were in for, as it doesn’t really tell you what it is on the outside. However, once we plugged it in, we were treated to a sonic explosion, the likes of which we don’t witness very often around here. You’re all in for a treat today,...
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In this current era of “space-saving pedalboard layouts,” isn’t it nice to see some oversized gear that feels no shame for its size and stature? Well, today’s pedal, When The Sun Explodes, from the masterminds down under at Beautiful Noise Effects, comes to you just ripping out of the gates, big and bold and rough all over, just waiting to get a chance to show what it can do. Which is a lot, now that you ask,...
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Classic pedals are classic pedals, no bones about it. However, in today’s world of klones and circuit-borrowing and all the rest, there are a lot of great pedals “based” on vintage units from the past, that tend to offer similar tones as well as modern upgrades that actually improve on the original. Today’s featured piece of gear comes to us from a fairly unknown company, but the Rat Fink Distortion from...
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The Wrath (w rat h) is a beautiful take on the famous, rodent distortion – the Proco Rat. What I mean by beautiful is far more than graphics. This “rat” crosses through tunnel ways from places like a light overdrive, a high gain overdrive, gritty and cool distortion, “open” distortion (if that makes sense), cool fuzz vibe (oh the vibe!), and lastly, full out fuzz. I honesty don’t think I have found...
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The Pro Co Rat was first created in the late 70s, and then modified and mass produced in the early 80s. I imagine that anyone who bought one of these early models may well be using it today without any problems. These pedals are tougher than a cage fighter made of adamantium. Pro Co have introduced several varieties of the RAT over the decades, such as the Turbo Rat, and You Dirty Rat. I use a Turbo Rat, as I prefer the extra boost...
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The RAT TAIL is based on a pedal based off of the ProCo RAT – Fuzzrocious modded it to be made towards the low end of the sound spectrum for bass players to be able to use the pedal as well. Depending on the version this pedal comes with a slew of features. Mine per say has a V (volume), F (tone filter), D (distortion), and two red knobs label 1 and 2. These two red knobs in conjunction with the D knob allow you to dial in the...
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After checking out the newest pedals in the Keeley Electronics’ lineup recently, we’re going to head back a little ways to review a classic 2-in-1 effect from our friends in OKC. Combining two popular Keeley circuits into one pedal, the Parallax Spatial Generator Delay Reverb brings ambience and shoegazing right to your feet. Lots of control parameters and a wide range of tonal options here make sure you can create the...
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A good pedal with distortion mixed into some fuzz is always a welcome treat here at Pedal of the Day, and we’ve got a real wicked scorcher for you all today. The Cosmodio Instruments Pet Yeti Distortion Fuzz has elements of both of these musical genres, but with some additional tweakability and sonic prowess. If you like to turn knobs, flip switches and make a beautiful racket, this pedal is just what you’re after…...
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We’re back in the AVL once again today, keeping it close to home with our buddies down the road, Asheville Guitar Pedals. We checked out their mini 308 Distortion a couple weeks ago, and today we’re looking at the equally powerful Fuzz Driver Distortion. This one has just two control knobs, but the range and gusto trapped in this pedal is unleashed with a serious fury, all while maintaining gorgeous, amp-driving tone. Get...
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Here at Pedal of the Day, we love to support small companies, and when they’re local, that makes it even better. Today, we’re diving into the world of Asheville Guitar Pedals, whose newly-opened storefront is just 15 minutes down the road from us. The 308 Distortion is the first effect of theirs we’re checking out, and if it’s any indication, we’re going to enjoy these pedals for a long time to...
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Last year, we were privileged to help in the fight against breast cancer by debuting the first run of effects (Fuzz, Overdrive & Delay) from Electric Love Pedals, with proceeds helping to fund cancer research. They’re back again today with another charity-driven unit, the Aquatone Overdrive, teaming up with one of the best in the biz, Brian Wampler, on this unique circuit. Let’s hear what Electric Love has to say...
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Taking inspiration from Analog Man’s Prince of Tone overdrive, the Harby Pedals Noble Tone is based on the same schematic to give you the same organic-sounding tube distortion. Built in the USA with high-quality components. And the best part? No waiting list. A faithful replication of the original circuit board and schematics, the Noble Tone shares the rich sound that makes both the King and Prince of Tone so desirable. Compatible...
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Our third effects unit from All-Pedal takes a wild left turn from their previous 2 pedals we have reviewed, the Macrodose Envelope Filter and Love Machine Octave Fuzz. Inspired by the sounds of the ’80s, and made in collaboration with glam metal band Steel Panther, the 1987 Delay Distortion brings classic sounds of a decade long past right into your living room, practice space or gig. This delay and distortion is a fun one,...
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A few weeks ago, we ventured into the Land of Bass when we reviewed the Gus-Plus Bass-Friendly Overdrive – today, we’re picking up that low-end instrument once again, this time in the genre of blistering fuzz and distortion. The Wren and Cuff Pickle Pie B Hella Fuzz strives to resolve many of the common quandaries bassists come across in their search for a fuzz that really works for their instrument and their playing...
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Distortion pedals are a finicky bunch – what sounds great to one player might sound like garbage to another. As with most pedals, personal preference always comes into play. But what if there was a distortion pedal that let you know it was focusing on high-gain tones, then gave you a slew of options to achieve your perfect sound? Well, the DSM & Humboldt Electronics Black Clouds High-Gain Distortion translates a clear...
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Our first journey into the world of Sentimental Bob Electronics in Ukraine was the amazing Tacana Tap Tremolo, and it’s been three long years since. Thankfully, a package arrived a little while ago that contained not one but TWO new devices from these guys, and we’re excited to bring you the first today. The Tephra Distortion looks amazing right out of the box, one of those pedals you can just tell is gonna rock…and...
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If you’ve never indulged in the high octane effects units produced by our friends Wounded Paw Audio up in Canada, you should check out a couple, such as the Attack Goat Bass Pre-Amp, Bighorn Overdrive or Black Wolf Distortion. First, however, let’s talk about today’s pedal, the Hellhound Distortion, one of their latest offerings and a downright scorcher of an effect. With a wide range of sounds emitting from a...
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Every new release from Walrus Audio seems to have the pedal world buzzing, and their newest keeps that streak alive and well. The Melee: Wall of Noise Distortion Reverb takes two of your favorite effects (well, two of ours, anyway) and smashes them together into one bright pink enclosure that will dazzle both your auditory and visual senses. Shoegazers and sonic adventures, get ready: this effects will send you spiraling into the...
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So, there are distortion pedals, and then there are DISTORTION PEDALS. Today’s featured effect, the Beautiful Noise Effects Exploder Distortion Device, clearly falls into the latter category (whatever that is), taking what you thought you knew about dirt pedals and smashing all expectations into oblivion. Sound too harsh? Well, if that’s the case, you should probably stop reading and go play a nice, quiet melody on your...
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It’s been a minute since we’ve had anything from Wren and Cuff come through the shop, but today’s pedal most definitely makes up for lost time. The Eye See ’78 Dual Op-Amp Distortion takes a peek at a very particular piece of Big Muff history, when the famous circuit changed drastically, if for just a brief period: 1978-80 or so, when the usual transistors were scrapped in favor of operational amplifiers...
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After the seemingly endless sonic possibilities we explored in the PLETHORA X3 from TC Electronic last month, it was nice to have a simple, stripped-down pedal to check out next in their lineup. The Magus Pro Distortion is a classic, high-gain distortion pedal with fat mids, a treble filter control and 3 different clipping modes, for any musical scenario. Powerful, amp-driving glory is right at your fingertips… The Magus...
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Over the coming weeks, we’re going to be taking a look at a new lineup of small but great-sounding effects pedals from our friends at Caline, starting with the G-001 Tiger Eye Distortion and the G-014 Nasty Bear Fuzz. These seemingly simple boxes offer excellent tone that’s easy to dial in, coming in a wide range of genres, to create an entire pedalboard without having to sell a kidney on the black market. Let’s see...
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The fine folks at Flamma Innovation are back at it, releasing FIVE new pedals, all of which we’re going to take a look at here at Pedal of the Day. This week, we continue with the FC20 British Distortion, a simple but powerful amp-driving effect that takes your tone to the next level. Whether you’re on a budget, or just looking for a new heavy sound, this little one has got you covered… Need rich, British amp breakup...
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The effects from Summer School Electronics just keep getting better and better, and today’s pedal from these guys combines two classic circuits into one delicious piece of gear. The Science Fair Overdrive Distortion takes elements of a classic black rodent distortion pedal and a green, mids-forward drive and brings them together in wonderful musical harmony. All the dirt you could ever need? Maybe, just maybe… The left...
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Following in the footsteps of the Gladys Overdrive, Stone Thrower Fuzz, Snow Day Delay, The Bootster Booster and Gus-Drive pedals, the Trash Panda Overdrive Distortion continues to expand on the diverse effects lineup from Summer School Electronics. This soft-clipping overdrive/distortion unit has just three knobs, but don’t be fooled: the range here, both in dirt and tone, is vast, opening up new sonic pathways at every turn....
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Our friends over at Poison Noises are releasing new versions of their entire lineup of effects pedals, and have asked us to help showcase these overhauled creations. We’re looking at 2 pedals a week for the next couple months, continuing today with the Dirt Nap Distortion V3. This is one dirt pedal you’ll absolutely die for…. Pushing your amp to get that 70s crunch you know and love, the Dirt Nap brings rich,...
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Our friends over at Poison Noises are releasing new versions of their entire lineup of effects pedals, and have asked us to help showcase these overhauled creations. We’re looking at 2 pedals a week for the next couple months, continuing today with The Narc Fuzz Distortion V2. The secret is out with this effect, don’t get caught without one…. Packed with a combination of biting distortion and gnarly fuzz tones, The...
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It’s been a minute since we had a pedal from Cusack Music in the shop, but today’s effect from their lineup comes absolutely roaring back into action. The Meta Plexi Distortion Boost, as the name might suggest, follows in the footsteps of a certain hallowed, classic amplifier preamp, instantly transforming your tone and sending you back to classic rock and metal heydays gone past. Plug in, crank up, annoy neighbors, melt...
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The recent revival of the Maestro brand has brought a couple of great pedals our way. The Discoverer Delay and Comet Chorus were both a joy to explore, and we’ve got the third pedal in this impressive lineup for you today. The Invader Distortion features three knobs, one switch and a ton of tone to shape and sculpt your favorite distortion and overdrive sounds perfectly…let’s see what it’s all about! The...
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Along with many, many others around the world, we love us some Walrus Audio gear around here. And, as always, a new release from these guys exciting our wonder and curiosity, leading up to the point when today’s pedal was finally delivered to our doorstep. The Lore Reverse Soundscape Generator uses reverse reverbs and delays feeding back into each other, for stretching, warping, pitch-shifting, and time-bending glory....
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Fuzz and Distortion effects with multiple knobs and switches are always a good time to experiment with, and today’s pedal, while not over the top, provides a multitude of sonic caverns waiting to be explored. The Calico Effects Antlers Fuzz Distortion pays homage to the classic Green Muff circuit, giving you vintage-sounding and modern high gain tones alike. Three knobs, three switches and a lot of dirty dirt here –...
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We’re honored to be a part of the story for today’s pedal, a special limited edition effect whose proceeds are helping those in need during the current horrible invasion of Ukraine. Rare Buzz Effects has taken their Snitch Distortion and re-branded it with the colors of the Ukrainian flag, as well as Ukrainian text for the control knobs. This is the Cyborg Ukrainian Distortion, folks… A little backstory: Cyborgs are...
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From the Zero Hybrid Amp to the Black Sun and Stone Age effects, we love the gear coming from the Thermion camp. Each piece is so unique and well thought out, not to mention adding a myriad of tonal choices to any rig. Today, we’re taking a look at their Gasoline Distortion Preamp, which combines classic rock, crunchy amps and a bit of heavy metal into a savory auditory stew… Gasoline is the tool that will make you set...
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We see a LOT of overdrive effects come through the shop here at Pedal of the Day, so at first glance, today’s pedal *seemingly* was just another 3-knob dirt creator. Upon further investigation, however, it seems that the crew at JET Pedals has taken the conventional drive and tossed it right out the window, opting instead to create the MR JAX Overdrive Distortion. There are a lot of sounds hiding inside this one, let’s...
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We’ve been reviewing pedals from our friends at Stacks FX since 2015, and though it’s been a minute, we’re stoked to have some more of their gear in the shop. Today, we’re taking a look at the Ohms Series: Acid Cat Fuzz Distortion, a blistering dirt machine that’s primed to crush amps and eardrums alike. This original circuit takes your signal and sends it into brutally heavy territory with ease…...
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There aren’t a ton of effects pedals coming out of a city I lived in for 8 years, Boise, Idaho, so I’m proud to represent and bring a hand made gem to the masses today. The Red Velvet Overdrive Distortion from Vanilla Sundae Pedals looks deceivingly simple at first glance, but this crimson beauty is hiding some real power under the hood. Part overdrive, part distortion and all balls-out dirt, this bright beauty tears...
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After diving into the immensely twisted VENA CAVA Filter last month, we were excited to see what the second pedal we received from Intensive Care Audio was going to bring to the table. Well, they did not disappoint, as the FIDELEATER v.1 Lo-Fi Chorus Vibrato Delay came charging out of the gates. This super-pedal not only mixes these effects genres together into a delicious auditory stew, but manages to create new effects as well,...
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Love ’em or hate ’em, compressors have a place in the musical world – on vocal/instrument microphones, recording/studio gear, interface plugins and, of course, pedalboards. Today’s squishy treat comes to us by way of our friends at Crazy Tube Circuits, improving on one of their existing creations. The φ (Phi) Golden Ratio Compressor is an all-analog unit that’s been ungraded to include 3 separate...
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The G-Series of pedals gets progressively heavier and dirtier as they evolve – starting with the G2 Overdrive, then the G3 Overdrive Distortion, we conclude today with the G4 High Gain Distortion. This red monster brings with it a new level of thick, sustained amplifier tone to compliment the other G-Series pedals, or any pedals you might have on your board. Let’s dig into this one and see what it’s all about…...
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The final pedal in the Dept. 10 Series of valve pedals from Blackstar Amplification is the Dual Distortion, a bold, black beauty that takes high gain action up a notch. A formidable-sounding valve distortion and world-class recording preamp, this one features 3 Crunch/Overdrive voices alongside the clean channel, Blackstar’s patented ISF control, low latency USB, XLR out and Dept. 10’s proprietary Cab Rig simulator technology....
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Well, it’s the end of another week, and (surprise surprise) we’ve got another installment of Flamma Fridays for you!! Today’s mini rocker from Flamma Innovation is the FC06 Distortion, a pedal that’s small in size but looms large over your tone. Simple controls, easy to fit anywhere, great tones and an incredible price point – let’s see what this one’s all about… As with many...
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Last month, we began our journey through the G-Series of effects pedals from Revv Amplification, starting with the G2 Overdrive. We continue down this glorious path today withe the G3 Overdrive Distortion, a true amp-in-a-box effect with voicing based on the signature Revv Purple Channel from their Generator 120 and 100P amplifiers. Clear, sustaining and crunchy, this purple gem brings the thunder to your rig… Volume and Gain...
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We first encountered KMA Machines way back in 2014, and we’ve really enjoyed watching them grow to be the powerhouse effects company they are today. They’ve been supportive of us as well, and we love every time they release a new pedal for us to check out. Today, we’ve got possibly the end-all be-all dirt pedal for you – the Guardian of the Wurm Distortion / Noise Gate. Combining on of KMA’s best pieces...
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Ever since Night Owl Industries sent us their first pedal three years ago, we’ve had the pleasure of reviewing and demoing their entire lineup. That wonderful streak continues today with the Parabellum Preamp Drive Distortion, a collaboration between Night Owl and Dunwich Amps. A mix of three distinct voices, each being processed independently then mixed back together, this one creates a dense, complex distortion not attainable...
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