The 6 Degrees FX R3 Distortion is a distortion pedal built on a heavily modified RAT circuit, with three different clipping modes to choose from. Reviewer Mike B of Pedal of the Day described it as a pedal that "will do monster tones in a huge range, going from a tasty, warm overdrive to a ballsy sonic distortion in one roll of your guitar's volume knob"1. For players, that means one pedal that can sit anywhere from overdrive territory into full distortion, cleaned up with the guitar's volume control.
Clipping modes and sound
The headline feature is the set of three clipping modes. Of the germanium mode, Mike B wrote that it "has a bit more 1970's-era low end and fuzz sound to it," which places that setting closer to fuzz character than a standard hard-clipping distortion1. The other two modes give the player further clipping flavors to switch between, though the review's detail centers on the germanium option.
The pedal also has plenty of level on tap. The Level control sets output volume, and the reviewer noted that "there's a ton of output from this pedal, and I didn't even get the Level knob past about 2:00"1. Players using it as a boost into an amp's front end, or pushing it against other pedals, have headroom to spare.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Distortion pedal1 |
| Circuit basis | Heavily modified RAT1 |
| Clipping modes | 31 |
| Bypass | True bypass1 |
| Power | 9V DC to 15V DC, or battery1 |
| Size | 4.5" (L) x 3.5" (W) x 2" (H), 2.5" including knobs1 |
| Weight | 0.95 lb (430g)1 |
Power, size and bypass
The R3 runs on 9V DC to 15V DC or on a battery1. The 15V ceiling is unusual: most pedals take 9V only, so this one can be run at higher voltage where a player wants it, while still working with a standard 9V supply.
The pedal accepts up to 15V DC. Check a power supply's output voltage before connecting it, since a supply above 15V is outside the pedal's stated range.
Physically it is a compact box, weighing 0.95 lb (430g)1. That is light enough that board weight is unlikely to be a concern, but worth a glance if a pedalboard case fits tightly. Bypass is true bypass, so the pedal stays out of the signal path when off1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's verdict on the maker's build quality was strong. As Mike B put it: "The craftsmanship and sonic quality of their pedals is just outstanding"1.
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Questions
Is the 6 Degrees FX R3 Distortion true bypass?
Yes. The R3 Distortion is true bypass, so when it is switched off your guitar's signal passes through without the pedal's circuitry loading it. That matters on a pedalboard where several effects sit between guitar and amp, since buffers and bypass schemes can add up over a long chain.
Can the 6 Degrees FX R3 Distortion run on a battery?
Yes. The pedal can be powered by a battery, or by a DC supply anywhere from 9V to 15V. That gives players the option of running it at a higher voltage than most pedals take, which some players use with circuits that respond to increased headroom.
What voltage does the 6 Degrees FX R3 Distortion take?
The R3 Distortion accepts 9V DC to 15V DC, or battery power. The 15V ceiling is higher than the 9V standard most pedals use, so it is worth checking a power supply's output before plugging in.
What is the 6 Degrees FX R3 Distortion based on?
Reviewer Mike B of Pedal of the Day described the R3 as a heavily modified RAT, with three different clipping modes to choose from. The RAT is a well-known distortion circuit, and the R3 builds on it with switchable clipping options, including a germanium mode.
How big is the 6 Degrees FX R3 Distortion?
The pedal measures 4.5 inches long by 3.5 inches wide by 2 inches high, or 2.5 inches high including the knobs, and weighs 0.95 lb (430g). That is a compact footprint by standard enclosure sizes, though the knob height is worth noting for tight pedalboard cases.
Sources (1)
- 6 Degrees FX R3 Distortion, Pedal of the Day, 2015-03-09