The Clubber Lang Harmonic Percolator Fuzz from Malaise Forever was one of our Top Pedals of 2021, and we were stoked to check out more gear from this fine company out of Columbus, OH. Luckily, we didn’t have to wait too long – today, we’re helping with the Brand New Release for their next creation, the Rage Monster Germanium Gain Stage. Packing some classic and modern boost sounds into one pedalboard-friendly enclosure, there’s a lot going on in this seemingly simple 2-knob effect…
The Rage Monster is a dual-stage germanium treble booster/overdrive, with a little added flexibility. Between the two stages is a variable low-pass filter (Body) that ranges from a flat treble response to a well-rounded frequency response, with added low end into the second stage of the circuit. Not only does this act as something of a tone control, but the added low end will also saturate the second stage, resulting in even more breakup and grit. Loud controls the output volume level.
The three-position toggle controls output capacitance — in the middle position, the output is bright and treble-laden through a 4n7 output capacitor. In the left position, a 10nF cap is brought into parallel with the 4n7 cap to add a slight low end hump to the output, and the right position will bring a 100nF cap into parallel for a satisfyingly full bass response at the output. An internal trimpot also controls gain, and is factory set at the midpoint for a consistent edge-of-breakup response.
Sometimes a boost pedal is just that, a boost – the Rage Monster Germanium Gain Stage takes that title up about 17 notches, destroying everything in its path (in the best way). Able to push your amp or favorite fuzz pedal right over the edge, this one can also be used as an always-on transparent drive, giving your signal deliciously articulate germanium grit. Cheers to the one-man show that is Malaise Forever on another beauty of a pedal – make sure to visit their website for more details and ordering info, follow them on the socials and check out the Rage Monster in action in our demo below! Cheers!
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