The Copilot FX Caracol is an octave fuzz pedal: it adds octave fuzz to the overall balance of the output, with controls for shaping the filtered fuzz section and a toggle that switches between two modes. It is made by Copilot FX, who also build the Mantis, Orbit, Trek and Terra. The pedal has been reworked over its life: the current version carries six knobs and one toggle, against the old four knobs and a toggle, and the rework added a dry knob for clarity and control1.
The controls
The six-knob layout covers the fuzz, the octave filtering and the overall balance. The maker's manual describes each control as follows2:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| FOCUS | Tunes the frequency that passes and is filtered to the octave section |
| CUT | Shapes the fuzz section and reduces the nasally filtered tones; works with the Gain and Focus; this knob used to be the toggle switch on the previous version |
| Input | Adds signal to the circuit; at minimum the decay is very quick, increasing clockwise adds more sustain |
| Gain | Sets the intensity of the octave fuzz |
| VOL | Adds octave fuzz to the overall balance of the output |
| Toggle switch | To the right is normal (the previous four-knob version's mode); to the left is a fuzzier, gainer mode |
The product page describes the same two modes from the player's side: there are 2 modes available via the toggle, going from the previous Caracol to a fuzzier one1.
The CUT knob only exists on the reworked six-knob version. On the earlier four-knob Caracol, that function was a toggle switch instead2.
Jacks, switching and the external control input
The pedal has an input jack for the signal from your instrument or the output from another pedal, and an output jack to other FX pedals or an amplifier2. The LED indicator shows the state of the pedal: when it is on, the output is the Caracol; when off, the pedal is bypassed2.
The third jack is what sets the Caracol apart from a straightforward octave fuzz. The Expression Jack is an external control audio jack: you can plug any sound generating device into it and modulate the Caracol1. Copilot FX describes what happens when another instrument is plugged in: it turns into what the maker calls "an awesome machine of sonic euphoria and blistering joy", harmonious or chaotic depending on what is played1. For players exploring external control, the expression pedals page covers the wider territory.
Power
The Caracol has no battery option1. The manual specifies a 9V adapter input, 9V center negative, drawing 10mA or higher2, and the product page confirms it is powered only by a DC 9V power jack with center negative polarity1. A standard 9V center negative supply at 10mA or more covers it, and the modest draw means most pedalboard supplies can handle it alongside other pedals.
Versions at a glance
| Original Caracol | Reworked Caracol | |
|---|---|---|
| Knobs | 4 | 6 |
| Toggle | 1 | 1 |
| Fuzz character control | Toggle switch | CUT knob, works with Gain and Focus |
| Dry knob | Not present | Added for clarity and control |
| Modes | Normal and fuzzier/gainer via toggle | Same two modes via toggle21 |
The reworked version's toggle keeps the original four-knob mode on one side, so the older circuit's character is still available2.
Videos
Copilot Fx
Copilot Fx
Copilot Fx
Questions
Does the Copilot FX Caracol take a battery?
No. Copilot FX states on the product page that the Caracol has no battery option. It is powered only by a DC 9V power jack with center negative polarity, so you will need a 9V adapter or a pedalboard power supply to use it.
What power supply does the Caracol need?
The manual specifies a 9V adapter input with center negative polarity, drawing 10mA or higher. Because there is no battery option, a DC 9V center negative supply is the only way to power the pedal.
What does the Control Input jack do on the Caracol?
The Expression Jack is an external control audio jack. You can plug any sound generating device into it and modulate the Caracol. Copilot FX describes plugging in another instrument as turning the pedal into what the maker calls a machine of sonic euphoria, harmonious or chaotic depending on what is played.
What is the difference between the old four-knob Caracol and the six-knob version?
The Caracol was reworked to add more options, going from four knobs and a toggle to six knobs and a toggle. The reworked version added a dry knob for clarity and control, and the old toggle switch became the CUT knob, which shapes the fuzz section and reduces nasally filtered tones.
What does the CUT knob do on the Caracol?
CUT used to be the toggle switch on the previous version. As a knob it allows shaping the fuzz section and reducing the nasally filtered tones, and it works together with the Gain and Focus controls.
What size is the Copilot FX Caracol?
Copilot FX lists the Caracol's dimensions as 4 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches, in a powder coated aluminium case with silk screened artwork in enamel ink.
Sources (2)
- Copilot Fx Caracol, Copilot Fx, 2017
- caracol.pdf, Copilot FX, 2015
