Our journey through the Dept. 10 Series of valve pedals from Blackstar Amplification continues today, as we take a gander at the Dual Drive. This one is touted as “the best valve drive pedal you will ever own and a world-class valve recording preamp”, and they’re not too far off. Featuring 3 Crunch/Overdrive voices alongside the clean channel, Blackstar’s patented ISF control, low latency USB, XLR out and Dept....
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Our friends at Blackstar Amplification recently released a group of three valve-powered effects known as the Dept. 10 Series. We’re bringing you in-depth coverage and demos over the next three days, starting with today’s pedal, the aptly-titled Boost. Referred to as the “ultimate high voltage valve boost pedal”, this one sports not only signal boosting abilities, but a wonderful EQ section as well. And...
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The Valco Five-O is a multi 3-in-1 pedal, containing independent Drive, Tremolo, and Reverb sections, all housed in a bombproof enclosure. Conceived originally for giving “surf in a box” tones (Dick Dale/Ventures), it has become more than this through the development process…it’s a pedal that can easily give you a one-pedal setup at a gig or session (maybe add a tuner…), or it can add a whole host of extra sounds and versatility...
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HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! Well, almost, but it’s close enough, right? Today’s spooky, end-of-October-themed pedal comes in the form of a vintage circuit, modernized for today’s differing climates. The Vaderin Pedals HP-X Harmonic Percolator takes after the original unit from Interfax, but with a couple differences to ensure years, maybe decades, of wonderful, fuzzy playability… The HP-X has been designed to capture the...
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]With a super unique look and a ton of unique sounds, it’s safe to say that Fjord Fuzz doesn’t conform to normal pedal-building standards. And we love it. After checking out their BJØRN and BIFROST pedals, we couldn’t wait to see what was next. Well, the ODIN V2 Octave Fuzz has arrived, and has exceeded our expectations once again… Taking one of the best octave-up fuzz circuit designs of all time, the ODIN V2...
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We really loved the Echosex Baby Delay from FoxGear we reviewed a couple months back, and thought we should probably test out its sibling as well. The Echoes Delay provides a bucket brigade of analog delay tones that will enrich your sound instantly. Three-dimensional, ambient, lush echo tones mixed with precise repeats make this simple -looking device on you’re gonna want to stick on your board permanently… The Echoes...
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We’ve always loved a good flanger effect – some find it overbearing and useless, but what the hell do they know? Today’s pedal takes flanging to new and exploratory heights, adding in a ton of different modulated aspects and options. The SolidGoldFX Oblivion Quad Flange(r) will unlock mind-melting tones in an instant – an otherworldly, vast sonic sea awaits… The Oblivion brings the past, present and...
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The Harmonic Percolator. Is it a fuzz? Is it a distortion? Is it its own entity entirely? We’ve had the pleasure to check out a couple pedals based on the revered Interfax model, and we’ve got another for you today. The Malaise Forever Clubber Lang is a love letter to the original unit, with a couple of changes and additions to bring it into the modern world…let’s check it out! The Clubber Lang features a...
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Ending Flamma Fridays where we began, we’ve got the FC03 Delay’s big brother, the FS03 Delay Looper, on tap for you all today. This stereo-equipped gem brings you 6 traditional delay effects, inspiring creation around every corner. A true “experimentation station”, this one features Delay, a Looper, Presets and more… First, let’s check out the Delay modes – these 6 modes can basically cover...
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When a dirt pedal can do more than one thing, that’s never a bad option. Today’s pedal, Berch Audio’s The Golden Axe, combines aspects of Fuzz, Overdrive and Boost into one medieval enclosure, sparking ancient imagery and conjuring up vintage tones with a quickness. The wide-ranging control panel ensures you’ll be able to get virtually any dirty sounds you want out of this beauty… The Golden Axe features...
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A one-knob pedal can be a perfect compliment to an otherwise crazy board, or a simple solution to upping your tone or adding some flavor to your sound. The Dirty Haggard Audio Fiddy for an Ounce Fuzz, along with having an incredible moniker, does just that – find your sound and let it be. Complex gear is fun with a ton of knobs and switches are fun, for sure, but sometimes, all you need is ONE… The Fiddy for an Ounce Fuzz...
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Glitchy and granular types of synth delay pedals have really made a name for themselves over the last couple years, and we’ve got one of the best yet for you today. No strangers to the weird and unconventional, Pladask Elektrisk has come up with the third pedal in an odd trilogy of effects – the Baklengs Granular Synth Glitch Delay. Taking after its brothers Bakvendt and Bakfram, this glorious noise machine has modulation,...
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The gear coming from the NativeAudio camp has always intrigued us, especially ever since we got our mitts on their Wilderness Delay a while back. Their latest release has had a ton of coverage, and we’re gonna join in the fun today as well. The Kiaayo Overdrive is a streamlined drive pedal that focuses on a less-is-more kind of philosophy – not to worry, there’s plenty to explore with this one… With just a...
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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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Binson Echorec. Space Echo. Echoplex. These are a few of the incredible tape delay machines that came out of the 1960’s and 70’s, to create some of the most unique and fantastic sounds we’ve ever heard. Today’s pedal combines aspects of many of these machines into one glorious, options-laden unit, fit for modern use and harkening back to vintage sounds. The Gecko Pedals Geckoplex EP-5 Tape Delay is...
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All of the pedal from Eventide’s dot9 Series have, so far, been nothing short of mind-blowing. The BlackHole Reverb, MicroPitch Delay and UltraTap Delay have sent us down many a sonic rabbit hole, ones we almost wished we couldn’t get out of. Today’s pedal, the newly released Eventide TriceraChorus Stereo Tri-Chorus, continues this impressive run of gorgeous Stereo effects pedals, continuing to impress and delight at...
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We just loved the Unicorn Blood II Octave Fuzz we recently reviewed from KHDK Electronics, and couldn’t wait to get our hands on some more of their gear. Today’s pedal pairs down the controls and shrinks the enclosure a bit, but brings the same intensity and distortive prowess KHDK is known for right to the forefront. The Scuzz Box Fuzz is powerfully crunchy, ripping and screaming, but clear and present, for a ton of...
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Much like its older brother, the Warspit Distortion, today’s Pedal of the Day boasts a bunch of knobs and switches, and we can’t get enough of it all. The Olsen Interface MudWedge Fuzz is capable of deep and fuzzy tones, as well as very loud and intense distortion – what’s not to like here? We’ve got more knobs and switches to discover, so let’s get right to it! The MudWedge features 2 Fuzz...
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We continue forward with our Flamma Friday series, shifting once again in the realm of the Dirt Pedal. The Flamma Innovation FC07 Drive is a simple overdrive pedal, one that seeks to reproduce precise tones from classic tube overdriven amplifiers. With two separate modes and three simple controls, this one is a no-brainer to pump up your rig… As with many overdrives, the FC07 Drive features Volume, Tone and Overdrive parameters,...
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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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Boost pedals have slowly become an essential part of every pedalboard we build, and when they’re combined with an excellent Overdrive, it’s a hard combo to beat. The RFO Electronics Tone Star Custom Overdrive/Boost Combo is a dual workhorse, smashing a wicked drive circuit into an enclosure with a powerful, tasty boost, along with some fun switching options and overall tonal bliss. Fasten those seatbelts, here we go…...
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We should ALL practice playing more often, I think we can all agree on that, right? Sometimes, though, it can be tricky to get really motivated, and that’s where today’s Flamma Fridays pedal comes into play. The Flamma Innovation FC01 Drum Loop is another in their small pedal series, housing both a drum machine and a looper. Open up your mind and your creativity with ease here…. The FC01 Drum Loop features 16 drum...
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We reviewed a couple of effects from Kenny B Pedals a few years ago, and are excited to jump back in and check out some more of his gear today. The William Overdrive is a seemingly simple 3-knob, 1-toggle affair, but beneath the surface lies a powerhouse boost overdrive distortion that’s just waiting to unleash itself on the world. Let’s see what’s in store for us, shall we? Inspired by the Prince of Tone, the...
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Single knob pedals aren’t always the flashiest, but usually bring something to the sonic table you didn’t know you needed. Today’s pedal follows that to a T, providing gorgeous boost and tone-shaping with ease. The Xtonebox Carbon Booster Signal Boost is an essential tool for guitarists and bass players alike, both raising your volume and improving your overall sound. The circuit inside the Carbon Booster consists of...
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Admittedly, MIDI is not one of the things that comes easy to us. The way the messages work, the CCs and the PCs and the whatnot, have always been a bit confusing. Today’s pedal features a user-friendly interface, along with a straightforward phone app, to take all the guess work out of the complexity that is MIDI. The Hotone Audio Ampero Control MIDI Commander is a fully programmable Bluetooth MIDI controller, one that took only...
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As we continue on with our Flamma Fridays series, we shift gears just a bit this week, from modulation to DIRT. The Flamma Innovation FS06 Digital Preamp provide 7 different preamp flavors to explore, with each one being based on a different well-known amplifier. Covering classic and modern tones alike, this purple-headed warrior has a ton of stuff going on, so let’s jump right in! The 7 different models you can choose from on...
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Phasers are absolutely in our top tier of favorite effects on this planet, and we love a good tremolo, too. Today’s pedal mashes both of these effects into the tiniest of enclosures, while still bringing unprecedented quality and tonal bliss to the table. The Pigtronix Moon Pool Tremvelope Phaser is part of their newly released lineup of small, pedalboard-friendly pedals, and this is a hell of a way to start it off. Bringing all...
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We love Delay, and we love Fuzz. When they’re combined into one pedal, we love it even more. And when that pedal is something new and unique and exciting, it just can’t be beat. Such is the case with today’s effect, the Rad Sauce Electronics Dirtlay Fuzz Delay. A mix between a fuzz and a dirty delay, the sky’s the limit with this innovative yet simple device. One big knob, one little knob, two footswitches....
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It seems like there’ve been a bunch of chorus and vibrato sounds coming through the office as of late, and more are actually on the way. Smack dab in the middle, we’ve got today’s gorgeous Univibe-esque piece of gear, the R WEAVER FX Violet Vibe Chorus Vibrato. Harkening instantly back to the late 60’s/early 70’s, this purple beauty oozes classic and vintage tones, with specs that honor the original...
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On last week’s Flamma Friday, we looked at the FS05 Modulation pedal…today, we’re gonna shrink that effect down, without losing any of those incredible sounds. The FC05 Mini Modulation pedal crams elements of chorus, flanger, phaser and more into its bright, shiny green box, with differing controls for each of its 11 effect types. Housed in a sturdy, durable metal shell, this tiny multi-effect creates larger than...
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We love pedals with a lot of controls, and today’s featured effect showcases this in fine fashion. From the moment you gaze upon the Olsen Interface Warspit Distortion, you’re both frightened and intrigued, which can become a perfect combination. With no labels, seven knobs, 5 switches and two stomps, this is an experimenter’s dream box… The golden knobs give you a wide range of sounds and tones to test out and...
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There are a LOT of overdrive pedals in our world today, and we’ve seen a pretty decent number of them here at Pedal of the Day. A certain green screamer effect circuit seems to get copied and cloned, or slightly altered to fit the maker’s sonic needs, as does today’s specific pedal. The Vertex Tone Secret Overdrive recreates the sound of these “classic” pedals hitting a Blackface 12AX7 preamp, but with...
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We’ve loved the couple of pedals from Bad Penny FX we’ve had the chance to demo, and today’s effect keeps that tradition going strong. The Fuzz Controller (the first handmade unit from Bad Penny) is inspired by classic British design, but is a modern, dynamic fuzz circuit as well. Lots of controls and switches on this one, let’s dive right on in… The internal circuit of The Fuzz Controller utilizes NOS...
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Flamma Fridays rolls along here at Pedal of the Day, and we’re headed down another new path this week. The FS05 Multi Modulation pedal crams elements of chorus, flanger, phaser and more into its bright, shiny yellow box, with differing controls for each of its 11 effect types. Presets, stereo connections and more make this box come alive, and seamlessly meld with your current setup. The 11 different modulation effect types on...
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We eagerly await each new release from our pals at Strymon, as many of you do, and their latest is an absolute mindbender. The Zelzah Multidimensional Phaser, aside from having a wicked rad name, is a modulation pedal like no other. Focusing on phasing, it also sports elements of chorus, vibrato, flanger and tremolo, all while sweeping an enormous range of phaser tones, modern and vintage. Grab your headphones and strap in,...
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We recently added a new amplifier into our demo mix, the wonderfully and versatile Revv Amplification D20, and we can’t get enough of it. Revv also makes effects pedals, and they sent a couple over for us to check out, starting with the G2 Overdrive. Based on the “Green Channel” from Revv’s Generator amps, this powerhouse provides clear, dynamic, amp-like tone to push your rig where you need it to go. The...
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We love to dive in and explore any sort of Multi-Effects units that come our way – they can hold so many effects and combinations, the possibilities to what you can create are endless. Today, we’re checking out the newest unit from Valeton, the GP-100VT Multi-Effects Processor. Crammed full of all your favorite effects, amps, cabs, presets, a looper and more, this little machine has got a lot to offer. The design and...
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Flamma Fridays is upon us once again! Today, we’re featuring an effect genre that probably doesn’t get talked about enough: The Noise Gate. Helping to tame harsh tones and get rid of unwanted hiss is the name of the game with these pedals, and the Flamma Innovation FC10 Noise Gate performs flawlessly in this regard. There’s not a lot to the FC10 Noise Gate: one knob and one switch. You use the Threshold knob to...
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ONE KNOB. ONE KNOB TO RULE THEM ALL… And so it goes for today’s pedal, the Calico Effects Pounce Preamp. The simplicity you might expect from a one-knob pedal, regardless of genre, can sometime be deceiving. Is that the case with this golden beauty? Let’s delve in and see what’s in store… The Pounce is NOT a transparent, clean, preamp booster…no siree Bob. Quite the opposite, in fact, it adds...
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Seemingly out of nowhere, Discomfort Designs has become one of our favorite pedal companies of late. Creating loud, weird and exciting effects, these guys are pushing the levels of noise creation to new heights. Their latest, the Neon Black Fuzz Booster, combines two odd circuits and makes them into one powerhouse of a pedal. In your face, bold, screechy and fantastic, let’s check it out… The left side of the Neon Black is...
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When you see a Dophix pedal, you know exactly what it is, and where it’s from. The subdued silver enclosure and minimal controls & graphics create fine works of art, much like the art or artists each pedal is based on. Today, we’ve got another one from their lineup, the Lussuria Overdrive, another one with just three control knobs, but loaded with killer tones and amp-driving gusto, all the way from Italy. The...
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Welcome to our first installment of Flamma Fridays! For the next 8+ weeks, we’re going to showcase a different pedal from Flamma Innovation every Friday, running through their Mini FC Series lineup, as well as a couple from the classic FS Series. First up, the FC03 Delay, the first in this wonderful collection of small pedal, designed to fit anywhere without sacrificing any tonal quality. Mini pedals can sometimes lack in...
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Over the years, a Volume pedal has become basically a requirement for all of our pedalboard and demo setups here at Pedal of the Day. We also love a good wah pedal, and Expression pedals are key to controlling many effects’ parameters in demo situations as well. But what if you could harness the power of these three different pedals and put them into ONE super-enclosure? Well, the crew at Hotone Audio has done just that, with...
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Towards the end of last year, we dove headfirst into a couple of magnificent pedals from Interchange Noise Works. The On Air Fuzz and Element 119 Distortion brought new ideas about these two genres to the table, and we were thoroughly impressed by both. Today, we’ve got a couple more pedals from these guys – a dirty, overdriven trio, to be precise, aptly named Overdrives I, II & III. Overdrives I, II & III all...
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We all love a good vintage distortion or fuzz tone, right? While there are some sought-after sounds from the past, there are a ton of excellent modern dirt sounds available as well – but which ones to choose? With today’s effect, the VVco Pedals AfterLife Distortion Fuzz, you don’t have to… Inspired by both new and old, the AfterLife has FOUR different internal analog circuits that provide 2 distortions and 2...
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Last year, we got our hands on a BloodBuzz Fuzz Overdrive from Eastwood Guitars and Valco FX. It was a BIG, mammoth of a pedal, with killer tones and a ton of options. The second offering from Valco FX comes your way today, in the form of the KGB Fuzz. This smaller (but still bigger than most) effects unit is a multi-function, tone-sculpting machine, with all the switches, knobs and sliders you’ll need to produce some incredible...
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Today we’re continuing down the path of Dual Enlightenment, thanks to the wonderful DCP Dual Series from our friends at Caline. The DCP-08 Nightwolf Overdrive Fuzz combines two of our favorite effects into one box, perfect for adding a bit of tone-shaping or completely annihilating your clean sound. These two classic effects make for a great team, let’s check out some more details! The Left side of the Nightwolf is a...
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After the wild recent successes that were the NU-33 Vinyl Engine and Imperial Fuzz MKII, we couldn’t wait to check out some more pedals from our friends at SolidGoldFX. Today, we’re gonna gaze lovingly into the eyes of the EM-III Multi-Head Octave Echo, which are a bunch of words not commonly heard mashed together. This delay takes us on a crazy sonic adventure, with new and exciting twists and turns around every...
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Only one knob on today’s pedal, you say? How boring… Well, sometimes, that’s all you need to make a bold and loud musical statement. We’re taking a look at the Animals Pedal Dawn Ocean Meditation Boost, a clean booster that reproduces numerous vintage tones and powerful, classic style boosting to your signal… A collaboration with Matthew Holl from Wren and Cuff, the Dawn Ocean raises your...
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