Electro-Harmonix debuts Hell Melter, its take on the HM-2 circuit

May 1, 2023 · 4 sources

Electro-Harmonix debuted the Hell Melter, an analog distortion pedal the maker describes as its take on the "cult-classic, chainsaw distortion pedal"¹. The pedal is listed at $176.66 and carries a 2023 release year on the maker's site¹. Guitar World reported the launch on May 10, 2023, and described the circuit as "based around Boss' classic HM-2"².

The Hell Melter is a distortion pedal with Level and Distortion knobs and an active EQ covering High, Low, Mid Level and Mid Frequency, the last two forming a parametric mid section¹. A Normal/Burn switch selects between two voicings: Normal is described by EHX as "the famous vintage chainsaw distortion sound," while Burn uses higher voltage rails and alternative clipping options for what the maker calls a less compressed, more open sound with a more pronounced attack¹. Mini knobs set dry level, which blends clean input signal into the output, and a noise gate threshold¹. A second footswitch engages a boost that adds input gain and an internally adjustable volume boost¹.

EHX states the pedal offers more output than the original circuit it references¹. The enclosure measures 4.75 by 4 by 2.25 inches, draws 140mA and runs on the included 9.6VDC-200mA adapter, with buffered bypass¹. Guitar World noted the pedal adds parametric mids and the dry and gate controls to the usual level, distortion and EQ set². MusicRadar reported the same current draw and power supply³, and Gearnews listed the same price with the standard EHX 9V supply included⁴.