Electro Harmonix EHX PERCOLATOR (Electro-Harmonix) Fuzz

A fuzz pedal based on the 1970s Harmonic Percolator.

Some pedal circuits have origins shrouded in history and mystery.
The circuit that served as the basis for the EHX Percolator is one such example.
The original unit, created in the 1970s at an audio repair shop in Milwaukee, USA, was produced in extremely limited numbers, and its circuitry was sealed in resin (gooped), so details are not widely known.

Due to its rarity, it has gained a cult following and is now a legendary item. The EHX Percolator is a model that combines the original circuit with modern control features.

At the heart of the sound is its unique gain structure, which covers everything from raw overdrive to intense fuzz.
It employs asymmetrical clipping that emphasizes even-order harmonics, allowing the sound to musically respond to the nuances of your playing. It produces rich expression with delicate picking and explosive sounds with aggressive attacks.

Despite its simple control scheme of three knobs and one switch, the sound variations are virtually limitless.
It can handle a wide range of sounds, from smooth and gentle drive to intense fuzz.

HARMONICS adjusts the input stage gain, allowing you to control everything from light overdrive to destructive fuzz.

BIAS adjusts the bias of the gain circuit, producing a wide range of characteristics from smooth drive to pseudo-octave fuzz and Velcro-type gate fuzz.

• BALANCE adjusts the overall output level of the effect.

The DRIVE/FUZZ toggle switch turns the clipping diode on or off.

- In FUZZ mode, the diodes are activated, generating a heavy, fuzzy sound.
In DRIVE mode, the diodes are disabled, resulting in a raw, organic texture and a sticky crunch sound reminiscent of a transistor drive pedal.
Furthermore, it features an internal trim pot. This allows you to emphasize the sub-octave components and further increase the overall gain of the circuit, resulting in roaring bass and massive distortion sounds.

The EHX Percolator features true bypass, and the footswitch supports both latching and momentary operation. A normal click switches the pedal on or off in latching mode, while holding down the switch activates momentary operation, temporarily switching the pedal into bypass mode.
Since it returns to its original state when you take your foot off it, it's possible to create performance expressions that add a brief fuzz effect.

- A modern reinterpretation of a legendary circuit - Asymmetrical clipping that emphasizes even harmonics - Wide range of tones from smooth drive to intense fuzz - HARMONICS knob to adjust input stage gain - BALANCE knob to adjust output level - BIAS knob to control octave and gate effect - DRIVE/FUZZ switch to switch clipping diodes - Internal trim pot for sub-octave emphasis and additional gain adjustment - Latch/momentary footswitch - Mechanical relay true bypass - 9V battery included (AC adapter sold separately)