Distortion Pedal Breakdown

Pwozzie · 11-03-2008, 08:32 PM

I've had many GAS attacks over the past year, and as a result, I became quite the collector

I have the following distortion pedals and would like to give you a quick opinion on each, in case you are in the same boat I was in. These are in no particular order:

Boss Metal Zone (Monte Allums mod)
It has a three-way toggle where you get a Mesa Dual-Rec, JCM800, and a smooth Overdrive. My only complaint is that it can get quite tinny when you scoop it, but not as tinny as stock.

Boss DS-1 (Keeley Ultra/SEM)
Great crunch and quite fuzzy/fizzy. Again, the problem is it gets tinny at the higher treble range. Still, a great improvement over stock that costs $6.

Moen Violent Metal
Great budget company (like $45-55 for all their pedals). This thing claims to be very high gain but it seems to only have lots of gain and more gain (kinda noisy) and the EQ is kind of a OTP. Still, not bad for analog. It does not get as tinny as the Boss pedals.

Fulltone OCD
Great distortion/overdrive. I like it mostly for a clean boost or a slight distorted sound. This is NOT for hard rock/metal, unless you put an EQ in front of it. The toggle is nice because you switch between an AC15 or a Plexi 45.

Line6 Uber Metal
Definitely a very "digital" pedal, but it's not bad once you play around with it. I get monstrous harmonix off this beast, and the built-in noise gate is helpful.

Electro Harmonix Metal Muff w/ Top Boost
Great/versatile distortion pedal. The top boost is nice because it really cuts through the mix, but it can get noisy. The EQ is very responsive, but my only complaint is I can't get just the right low end.. it either lacks, or it's too much and my 4x12 goes AHHHHH!!

MI Audio Crunch Box
JCM800 all the way! Such a beautiful distortion in such a tiny box, I was absolutely AMAZED. I went from Aerosmith to AC/DC to Priest. Add in an EQ and you can do even more.

Vox Satchurator
I REALLY underestimated this pedal. From the youtube videos and sound samples, I was not that impressed, but had a recent bonus from work and decided to jump, and I am so glad I did! It's just such a good pedal. It has plenty of distortion and the pad switch is nice if you're an obsessive idiot like me that needs 5,000 goddamn pedals in front of your amp. My only complaint is that if you take the Tone knob past 1:00, it gets way too..err... satchurated (couldn't help myself).

All in all, you can probably tell I like the Crunchbox and Vox the most, and it's true. Throw any of these pedals in front of an EQ and you'll go crazy over how great it sounds on every setting.

I plan on recording samples with all of these once Black Friday passes because I'm getting me a camcorder!

Sky · 11-03-2008, 08:45 PM

I like the Boss Mega Distortion MD-2

st.bede · 11-03-2008, 11:53 PM

thanks for the breakdown

Jason · 11-04-2008, 12:15 AM

Interesting... the crunchbox might be a good one to expand the versatility of my C30...

shotgunlew · 11-04-2008, 08:54 AM

Thanks for the review!!!

Pwozzie · 11-04-2008, 09:00 AM

Np, I can't wait to record samples

As for the MD-2, I haven't tried that one yet. How does it compare to the metal zone?

VastHorizon · 11-04-2008, 03:47 PM

MT-2: I don't use one. Just sounds way too heavy for my taste.

DS-1: Yeah, they're good stock. They're better modded.

Crunchbox: THE BEST OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION PEDAL, IMO.

* I also have an SD-2 which I really find very good to use especially when it is in lead mode.

* A 7 or 10 band graphic equalizer is a must have along with a good OD or distortion pedal. Really opens up a new world of tones.

jhollon · 11-04-2008, 03:55 PM

i've got an old DOD Hard Rock Distortion that is pretty nice. only one real tone, not very versitile, but that one tone is nice

Bordeaux · 11-05-2008, 10:03 AM

I have the EHX Metal Muff w/Top Boost and I have to agree, it can get very noisy. Overall, I am pleased with it. I also have the DS-1 (not modded) and the Digitech Bad Monkey. The Monkey is good for that slight breakup without going over the top. The DS-1 has been put on the shelf, just never could get a good sound outta this thing.

nsureit · 11-05-2008, 08:36 PM

"Distortion Pedal Breakdown"

Could be a great song title!

11-03-2008, 08:32 PM	#1 (permalink)
Pwozzie Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 4,160 Thanks: 61 Thanked 22 Times in 14 Posts	Distortion Pedal Breakdown I've had many GAS attacks over the past year, and as a result, I became quite the collector I have the following distortion pedals and would like to give you a quick opinion on each, in case you are in the same boat I was in. These are in no particular order: Boss Metal Zone (Monte Allums mod) It has a three-way toggle where you get a Mesa Dual-Rec, JCM800, and a smooth Overdrive. My only complaint is that it can get quite tinny when you scoop it, but not as tinny as stock. Boss DS-1 (Keeley Ultra/SEM) Great crunch and quite fuzzy/fizzy. Again, the problem is it gets tinny at the higher treble range. Still, a great improvement over stock that costs $6. Moen Violent Metal Great budget company (like $45-55 for all their pedals). This thing claims to be very high gain but it seems to only have lots of gain and more gain (kinda noisy) and the EQ is kind of a OTP. Still, not bad for analog. It does not get as tinny as the Boss pedals. Fulltone OCD Great distortion/overdrive. I like it mostly for a clean boost or a slight distorted sound. This is NOT for hard rock/metal, unless you put an EQ in front of it. The toggle is nice because you switch between an AC15 or a Plexi 45. Line6 Uber Metal Definitely a very "digital" pedal, but it's not bad once you play around with it. I get monstrous harmonix off this beast, and the built-in noise gate is helpful. Electro Harmonix Metal Muff w/ Top Boost Great/versatile distortion pedal. The top boost is nice because it really cuts through the mix, but it can get noisy. The EQ is very responsive, but my only complaint is I can't get just the right low end.. it either lacks, or it's too much and my 4x12 goes AHHHHH!! MI Audio Crunch Box JCM800 all the way! Such a beautiful distortion in such a tiny box, I was absolutely AMAZED. I went from Aerosmith to AC/DC to Priest. Add in an EQ and you can do even more. Vox Satchurator I REALLY underestimated this pedal. From the youtube videos and sound samples, I was not that impressed, but had a recent bonus from work and decided to jump, and I am so glad I did! It's just such a good pedal. It has plenty of distortion and the pad switch is nice if you're an obsessive idiot like me that needs 5,000 goddamn pedals in front of your amp. My only complaint is that if you take the Tone knob past 1:00, it gets way too..err... satchurated (couldn't help myself). All in all, you can probably tell I like the Crunchbox and Vox the most, and it's true. Throw any of these pedals in front of an EQ and you'll go crazy over how great it sounds on every setting. I plan on recording samples with all of these once Black Friday passes because I'm getting me a camcorder! __________________ “All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.” - Thomas Jefferson

11-03-2008, 08:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
Sky Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 3,605 Thanks: 5 Thanked 15 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Distortion Pedal Breakdown I like the Boss Mega Distortion MD-2

11-03-2008, 11:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
st.bede V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Fresno Ca Posts: 2,663 Thanks: 53 Thanked 25 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Distortion Pedal Breakdown thanks for the breakdown __________________ "to criticize without vision is to be complicitious with dominance" Carolyn Casey "Go easy and, if you can't go easy, go as easy as you can" Jennifer Stone.... (from KPFA Cover to Cover) the wings of inspiration come to each according to their own song-des discussion about pedal placement, said in earnest: but "odd" may be what you're after Mizer357...thank you Mizer357, for summing up my life ambition

11-04-2008, 12:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
Jason Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Oregon Posts: 6,946 Thanks: 48 Thanked 28 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Distortion Pedal Breakdown Interesting... the crunchbox might be a good one to expand the versatility of my C30...

11-04-2008, 08:54 AM	#5 (permalink)
shotgunlew V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 3,370 Thanks: 41 Thanked 9 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Distortion Pedal Breakdown Thanks for the review!!! __________________ 60% of the time...it works every time.... Gun Control = Using Both Hands!! Everyone Please Pray for Sgt Jeffery Crones and the rest of the boys in iraq! Get some boys! Chris "The Gunhand" Of the MLP Pirates Crew 1986 Les Paul Jr (Cherry red Singlecut ) 1994 MIJ fender Telecaster 52 reissue 1984 JCM 800 1x12 50 watt combo Behringer 4x12 cab (Bugera speakers)

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11-04-2008, 09:00 AM	#6 (permalink)
Pwozzie Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 4,160 Thanks: 61 Thanked 22 Times in 14 Posts	Re: Distortion Pedal Breakdown Np, I can't wait to record samples As for the MD-2, I haven't tried that one yet. How does it compare to the metal zone? __________________ “All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.” - Thomas Jefferson

11-04-2008, 03:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
VastHorizon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 4,079 Thanks: 20 Thanked 86 Times in 18 Posts	Re: Distortion Pedal Breakdown MT-2: I don't use one. Just sounds way too heavy for my taste. DS-1: Yeah, they're good stock. They're better modded. Crunchbox: THE BEST OVERDRIVE/DISTORTION PEDAL, IMO. * I also have an SD-2 which I really find very good to use especially when it is in lead mode. * A 7 or 10 band graphic equalizer is a must have along with a good OD or distortion pedal. Really opens up a new world of tones.

11-04-2008, 03:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
jhollon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Mobile, AL Posts: 179 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Distortion Pedal Breakdown i've got an old DOD Hard Rock Distortion that is pretty nice. only one real tone, not very versitile, but that one tone is nice

11-05-2008, 10:03 AM	#9 (permalink)
Bordeaux Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Clayton, NC Posts: 272 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Distortion Pedal Breakdown I have the EHX Metal Muff w/Top Boost and I have to agree, it can get very noisy. Overall, I am pleased with it. I also have the DS-1 (not modded) and the Digitech Bad Monkey. The Monkey is good for that slight breakup without going over the top. The DS-1 has been put on the shelf, just never could get a good sound outta this thing. __________________ My GEAR: Epiphone LP Standard Plus Vintage Sunburst American Fender Stratocaster '89 "Blackie Edition" Orane Tiny Terror head (7/15 WATTS) Crate Palomino V32X212 (30WATTS) Epi Valve Jr. head (5WATTS) Epiphone Valve Junior 1X12 Extension Cab (70WATTS) Digitech Jamman Ibanez Compressor Sound Tank EHX Metal Muff (w/Top Boost) EHX Small Clone Boss Metalzone MT2 Zoom 505II Effects ISP Decimator Noise Gate MXR Carbon Copy MXR 10 Band EQ Vox Wah

11-05-2008, 08:36 PM	#10 (permalink)
nsureit Tenacious Texan Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,047 Thanks: 51 Thanked 15 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Distortion Pedal Breakdown "Distortion Pedal Breakdown" Could be a great song title! __________________ Gibson: LP Jr. John Lennon Commemorative & '03 Supreme * '65 Epiphone Elitist Reissue * Gretsch 6119-62 Tennessee Rose * Ibanez EP9 Acoustic * Breedlove AC25/SR+ 12 String * Epiphone Viola Bass * Marshall JCM2000/TSL 122 & AS50R Acoustic Amp * VOX AC-15 Heritage * Effects: too numerous to list *

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