Did You know . . .
The operational amplifier was originally designed to perform mathematical operations by using voltage as an analog of another quantity, hence the name, "operational amplifier", abbreviated to the term "op-amp". Op-amp circuits were used as the basis of the analog computer, to model mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, integration, differentiation, and so on). The invention of the electron tube, on the other hand led to the development of radio, television and hi-fidelity sound reproduction equipment. It's superior audio characteristics when compared to op-amp and other transistor based technology are the reason it is still used today in serious audiophile and professional audio applications.

Technical Specifications

  • Design Philosophy
    All pedals sport an intuitive front-panel layout with highly interactive controls, behind which lies an all-tube, class-A, analogue signal path. This architecture allows for huge sound shaping capabilities that sonically out-performs transistor, opamp and even the latest modelling technologies. The tube circuitry responds empathically to playing dynamics to reveal a huge palette of tonal possiblities, from subtle to extreme. These pedals always sound natural and musical resulting in a significant reduction in long term ear fatigue.
  • High voltage power supply provides fully filtered, smoothed and regulated 300VDC to the tubes for clean and detailed audio performance with stacks of head-room. Effectrode effects pedals are designed and audio tested using both Hi-Z humbucking and single coil pickups. The all-tube signal path performs well with high output Lo-Z active pickups such as EMG85's and "LiveWires". The pedal input is even capable of accepting line-level signals and if you do succeed in overdriving our pedals then you'll be experiencing super smooth, pure class-A, tube overdrive!
  • All-tube analogue signal path engineered for an open, natural sound that's full of warmth & clarity. All our effects pedals are fitted with hand selected JJ premium vacuum tubes for low microphony and hum. These top-quality tubes are extremely reliable both mechanically and electrically. They are immune to damage from to input overload, static electricity and even hard gamma radiation! This design architecture also ensures huge dynamic range and tone of unsurpassed detail & transparency. All-tube means, no opamps, transistors, diodes or DSP chips are used in the signal path - guaranteed. Effectode pedals are powered by "fire bottles" for that extra high-end sparkle and "zing"!
  • Double sided, fibre-glass Printed Circuit Board with heavy duty 2oz pure copper ground and power planes for low noise performance. The tracks are tinned and the board is coated with high grade solder resist and silkscreened on one side. Ground plane construction coupled with meticulous consideration to circuit layout yields studio-quiet performance. Ground plane technology used by pro-audio companies such as BSS Audio, Klark-Teknik, etc in preference to the older star-earth toplogy because of its superior sonic performance.
  • True bypass relay switching with gold plated contacts ensures super quiet switching. True bypass means that when the effect is disengaged, there will be absolutely no loss of tone from your guitar to your amp. These relays are designed specifically for routing audio signals whilst maintaining high integrity. Unlike multi-pole footswitches, which fail easily and were not originally intended for either constant use or audio signals but for switching high voltages, hence their large size. This relay will outlast the three pole true bypass switches in your other pedals. This circuit also shortens the signal path, since the relay is on the circuit board. In bypass, the signal is not routed through any internal wiring which prevent noise from getting into the signal. Finally, all our pedals now feature an active circuit to drastically reduce the well known "thump" noise associated with true bypass switching.
  • Precision grade metal film resistors are used throughout the circuit. Silver-palladium contacts ensure very low noise and excellent long term stability. Carbon film resistors are not used because they are unstable and noisier.
  • Omeg potentiometers with conductive plastic tracks for smoother action and over twice the life of carbon track potentiometers. These pots are sealed for life to prevent dirt ingress and prevent the internal lubricant from drying out.
  • Audiophile grade resin potted polyester coupling capacitors. These plastic film dielectric capacitors have a very high "figure of merit", whereas electrolytics have tendancy to be more lossy (low ESR), poor initial tolerance and dry out over time causing a reduction of capacitance.
  • Ceramic tube sockets
  • High-quality Neutrik jack sockets are the de facto pro-audio industry standard connector.
  • Heavy duty USA made Carling Technology footswitch.
  • Fully regulated DC powered tube heaters for noiseless performance.
  • Chrome plated nudge bars to protect the tubes and allow easy replacement for experimentation or servicing.
  • Housed in a tough, bomb-proof box manufactured from diecast aluminium. This is lightweight and has superior sheilding properties over steel. Minimal footprint on your pedal board - we make the most compact (measuring only 5" x 7") tube effects pedals on the planet.
  • Extremely tough powder coat finish. Much more durable and scratch resistant than paint. It's also safer to use and less harmful to the environment.
  • We're going green! We're making the transistion to lead free solder and components to become RoHS and WEEE compliant. Just what does that mean? Well, whenever you purchase a pedal from us, you'll be making a statement about preservation of our environment. Also, our effects pedals are built to last a lifetime and you won't want to part with them - literally a sound investment.
  • Made in the USA. Conceptualised, designed and built in Oregon, USA. That's right, all the electronics are assembled, hand-built and tested in Corvallis.