Retro Mechanical Labs releases 432k Rev2 filter, distortion and fuzz pedal

July 29, 2022 · 2 sources

Retro Mechanical Labs has released the 432k Rev2 Distortion, a filter, distortion and fuzz pedal, Delicious Audio reported on July 29, 2022¹. Pedal of the Day also published on the 432k Rev2 that day².

The circuit has two signal paths: a distortion circuit followed by an active hybrid diode/transistor ladder filter with resonant feedback for tone control, and a clean pass signal. Both are merged through a transistor drive and op-amp style fuzz, and three white toggle switches vary the clipping, the diodes and the low-frequency response¹. Pedal of the Day describes the same routing and adds a low cut toggle switch and true bypass switching².

Delicious Audio reports that the Rev 2 adds a Muff-inspired sustain knob and additional gain stage clipping for a smoother fuzz, and that a different set of transistors gives the unit a slightly different voice compared to V1¹. Pedal of the Day reports the same changes².

Controls, as listed by Delicious Audio¹:

A CV in lets the filter be controlled remotely, via modular gear, synth or CV pedal¹². Delicious Audio calls the pedal "great for guitars and keyboards"¹. The builder's notes say the unit requires a regulated 18-volt DC supply with a standard negative tip and a minimum of 150 mA, not included, and that it will run on 12 volts for a dirtier sound¹. The notes also say the pedal is large, about the same footprint as the 5.5 by 7.5 wood boxes¹. Pedal of the Day describes a VU meter in the enclosure²; the builder's notes say the standard meter version is illuminated¹.

Neither report gives a price or a ship date. The 432k Rev2 is a distortion pedal that also covers filter and fuzz duties¹².