Combining four classic germanium transistors, the Germanium Big Muff Pi
is the result of a focused modern design dripping with EH analog
heritage. An independent overdrive and distortion each have their own
sets of two germanium transistors as well as independent controls. The
ability to stack and use both the overdrive and distortion together
delivers the power of a four germanium transistor circuit with ultimate
control flexibility.
Quick Specs
- Individual overdrive and distortion with the ability to stack them together
- 4 individual Germanium Transistors
- Each mode of drive mode uses its own 2 germanium stack
- Overdrive and distortion can be stacked utilizing four germanium transistors
- Bias and tone control define the tonality in overdrive
- Volts and Bias define the way the distortion will react
- Starving battery sound through volts control adds character
- Battery equipped with optional 9.6DC-200 power supply
- Dimensions in inches: 4.75 (w) x 5.75 (l) x 2.5 (h)
- Dimensions in mm: 146 (w) x 121 (l) x 64 (h)
The GERMANIUM4 BIG MUFF PI is a new and versatile overdrive/distortion
that captures the essence of the warm sound unique to the germanium
transistors from the ‘60s. The GERMANIUM4 BIG MUFF PI is two
independent circuits, one a distortion and one an overdrive, each with
completely independent controls. The two circuits can be used
separately or together. Each circuit has its own independent ON/OFF
bypass footswitch.
-CONTROLS-
DISTORTION SIDE: The DISTORTION side can be used independently or
with the OVERDRIVE side. When both sides are ON, the DISTORTION side
precedes the OVERDRIVE side in the signal chain. The DISTORTION
utilizes two germanium transistors and is capable of going from clean -
to a gritty overdrive - to a full on distortion and beyond.
GAIN CONTROL — This knob adjusts the amount of preamp gain for the
DISTORTION side of the pedal. As you turn the GAIN knob clockwise the
distortion and volume will increase dramatically.
BIAS CONTROL — This knob adjusts the character of the distortion by
changing the bias of the signal before it is distorted by the Germanium
transistors. Turning the BIAS knob counter-clockwise will result in a
more mellow and compressed tone. Turning the BIAS knob clockwise will
result in an edgy and more aggressive tone.
VOLTS CONTROL — This knob adjusts the amount of voltage supplied to
the DISTORTION side only. When the VOLTS knob is turned fully
clockwise, the circuit is receiving the full voltage. Turning the VOLTS
knob counter-clockwise will simulate a dying battery. As the voltage
is lowered, the signal will become more compressed, and start to clip,
creating a wide range of sonic textures to work with. NOTE: As the
VOLTS knob is turned, the sound may momentarily dip in volume as the
signal adjusts to the new voltage setting.
VOLUME CONTROL — This knob controls the output level of the
DISTORTION side of the pedal. Fully counter-clockwise will produce no
sound. As the VOLUME knob is turned clockwise, the output level will
increase to its maximum volume at the full clockwise setting.
OVERDRIVE SIDE: The OVERDRIVE side can be used independently or with
the DISTORTION side. When both sides are ON, the OVERDRIVE side follows
the DISTORTION side in the signal chain. The overdrive utilizes two
germanium transistors and can go from a nice fattening boost to a warm
overdrive. The overdrive reacts differently to different input levels.
Using hotter pickups, or having the DISTORTION side on will add a
variety of tonal options.
GAIN CONTROL — This knob adjust the amount of gain in the two
germanium transistor preamp gain stage for the OVERDRIVE side. The gain
will increase as the GAIN knob is turned clockwise. Overall, there is
less gain available on this side than the DISTORTION side. The overall
character of the gain will change depending on how the BIAS control is
set.
BIAS CONTROL — This knob adjusts the character of the distortion by
changing the bias of the signal in the preamp section of the overdrive
circuit. When the BIAS knob is at noon, the sound will be the clearest
and most dynamic. When the BIAS knob is fully counter-clockwise, the
sound will be more compressed. When the BIAS knob is fully clockwise,
the sound will start to clip and can add a great vintage grit to the
overdrive.
TONE CONTROL — This knob is a single knob tone control. As the TONE
knob is turned clockwise, the tone of the OVERDRIVE side will change
from a low end emphasis to a high end emphasis.
VOLUME CONTROL — This knob controls the output level of the OVERDRIVE
side of the pedal. Fully counter-clockwise will produce no sound. As
the VOLUME knob is turned clockwise, the output level will increase to
its maximum volume at the full clockwise setting.
STATUS LED and FOOTSWITCH (DISTORTION) — When this LED is lit; the
GERMANIUM4 BIG MUFF PI DISTORTION effect is active. When the LED is off,
the DISTORTION side is in True Bypass Mode. The footswitch
engages/disengages this effect. The footswitch controls the true bypass
ON/OFF for the DISTORTION side.
STATUS LED and FOOTSWITCH (OVERDRIVE) — When this LED is lit; the
GERMANIUM4 BIG MUFF PI OVERDRIVE effect is active. When the LED is off,
the OVERDRIVE side is in True Bypass Mode. The footswitch
engages/disengages this effect. The footswitch controls the true bypass
ON/OFF for the OVERDRIVE side.
INPUT Jack — Connect your instrument to the input jack. The input impedance of the GERMANIUM4 BIG MUFF PI is 200K ohms.
OUTPUT Jack — Connect this jack to your amplifier.
