EarthQuaker Devices Rancho de la Luna Dirt Transmitter

The Dirt Transmitter is one of the oldest circuits in the EarthQuaker line. The design is Fuzz Face inspired, and the idea started when Jamie Stillman came across some very unique silicon transistors. These transistors are lower gain and have a warmth similar to germanium transistors when overdriven. But they also have the top-end grind typical of silicon-based fuzz pedals, which adds to the mids and helps cut through. The combination of these rare transistors and the starved voltage creates a wide variety of textures at the turn of a knob.

• Fuzz: Clockwise for heavier tones, counterclockwise for lighter tones Tone: Clockwise for a brighter, more cutting tone, counterclockwise to roll off top end for more mellow tones Bias: This is the heart of the Dirt Transmitter, where all of its voices can be found. It affects the voltage to the transistors which will create more gated Velcro fuzz tones counterclockwise and thicker, natural fuzz tones clockwise. It is “properly biased” at 5 o’clock Level: Clockwise for more, counterclockwise for less