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The Chop Fuzzz is an uncompromising all analog, full-on gated fuzz pedal - with a whole bunch of interesting ways of manipulating the signal.
It’s the latest instalment in the Dr Freakenstein dynasty!!!
As well as fuzz, it has two types of modulation, a pressure-operated expression pedal (to do wah wah-like effects), a tunable drone facility - capable of ring modulator tones - and a noise gate; it’s actually a very specific kind of multi-effects pedal.
FUZZThe fuzz circuit is the same massive distortion one used in the original Dr Freakenstein Fuzz (plus the three versions that followed, and the first Dr Freakenstein Chop Fuzz, and the six minipedal versions). It’s incredibly loud, with a ton of low-end, and searing highs available.
Yet it’s weirdly quiet when you’re not playing.
The ‘OVERTONE’ control
This is like a wah wah with the tone of an extreme phaser. Set it using the knob, manipulate it in real time by foot with our Igor pressure pad controller (supplied), or with the CV input.
The ‘LFO’ section
This modulates the signal in a slightly more ‘3D’ way than the ‘overtone’ sound. Moving in a triangle waveshape, the speed can be set using two knobs. ‘Slow’ has a low speed range - for long, slowly-twisting cycles right up to fast wobbles, while the second one - ‘fast’ - is in the audio range; tune it in to a specific pitch (across several octaves) underneath the notes or chords that you’re playing.
Toggle between these two on-the-fly with the footswitch.
‘CHOP’
The Chop Fuzzz has a hard squarewave tremolo built-in. When locked-on, in combination with the ‘LFO’ section it can create all kinds of slowly sweeping helicopter effects, or fast, bubbling synthy-sounds.
Or flash it on and off at specific points for a chop accent using the Igor controller.
What else?
It has a ‘Hi/Lo’ intensity switch.
It can be controlled using 5v CV by sequencer or modular synth.
There’s a spooky ‘eye meter’, showing the input signal level, but also - using backlight illumination - the LFO and ‘Chop’ operation and Hi/Lo setting.
The LFO and Chop switches light up - for extra clarity and LED thrillpower!
Both the desk-style enclosure and the knobs are custom Rainger FX designs.
The pedal is true bypass.
The Chop Fuzzz is easily the most advanced Dr Freakenstein pedal we’ve produced.
An extreme pedal for extreme sounds.
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What's the weight and dimensions of the Chop Fuzzz?
It's 440g, and measures 104mm x 116mm x 60mm
What is the current draw?
About 63mA
Can the chop do other depths or wavelengths?
No, sorry! The Chop Fuzzz is calibrated for maximum thrillpower, in the simplest way.
Who's eye is in the meter?
The eye is from a self portrait by @Amandadimaio our graphic designers daughter.
Can the LFO section be adjusted by CV or Igor?
No - only by the 'fast' and 'slow' pots and the toggle footswitch.
Is the LFO section working the 'Overtone' knob?
No, it works in a slightly different way, given a cycle that varies in tone as well as pitch, plus a little bit of volume (at slow speeds). It gives a far more '3D' impression than just tweaking the 'Overtone' knob
How many Igors does it come with?
One. However you can always buy another one...
Can I use another brand's expression pedal?
All expression pedals vary - but try it! (See wiring below)
How are the Igor sockets wired?
They're stereo, with a varying resistance between T and R, S is unconnected.
Can the noise gate be switched off?
No - it's part of how the fuzz sound works.
Why is it spelt 'Chop Fuzzz' with three 'Z's?
There was a previous version called the 'Chop Fuzz' - so we added a 'z' so we could tell the difference!
Can I get a different length Igor?
If you ask nicely! You might have to wait a week maybe.
Which is the suggested CV gate voltage range?
5v