The Copilot Fx Terra is a fuzz pedal from Copilot Fx, described by the maker as "a straight up Fuzz box machine." What sets it apart from a single-voice fuzz is that the current version carries two independent voices: a standard classic fuzz voice and a second scramble-y, octave-ish fuzz voice, each with its own character in the same enclosure1.
Two fuzz voices in one pedal
The Terra's newer version provides the two independent voices. Both share the tone, gain, bias and input controls, plus a three-way toggle that sets the amount of bass on the pedal, so the two voices are shaped by one set of core controls while the octave voice adds its own volume1.
Copilot FX describes the pedal's range broadly: "The range goes from classic, swelling, velcro-ish, gated / mosquito, to straight riffing machine, octave-ish, tremfuzz." In other words, the same box covers gated, dying-battery style fuzz textures as well as more open riffing tones and octave-fuzz sounds, depending on how the shared controls are set1.
For placement on a board, the Terra sits in the fuzz family, alongside the maker's other pedals such as the Copilot Fx Mantis, the Copilot Fx Orbit, the Copilot FX Caracol and the Copilot Fx Trek1.
The controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Input | Input Gain1 |
| Gain | Amount of gain1 |
| Tone | Tone control1 |
| Volume | Fuzz voice volume1 |
| Octave | Octave fuzz voice1 |
| Bass Toggle | 3 way toggle switch to select the amount of bass1 |
The Volume control governs the fuzz voice volume, while the Octave control governs the octave fuzz voice, which is how the two voices are balanced against each other1.
Expression and CV control
The Terra has an Exp / CV Jack for "external control of the octave fuzz voice volume, via TRS expression pedal or 0-5v cv signal." That means the octave voice can be swelled in and out by foot with a TRS expression pedal, or driven from a CV source at 0 to 5 volts, giving the octave fuzz a level of control most fuzz pedals do not offer1.
Power and enclosure
The Terra is powered only by a DC 9V power jack with center negative polarity, and there is no battery option1.
A standard 9V center-negative supply output covers it, but the pedal cannot run on a battery, so it needs a powered board or a dedicated supply. The enclosure is a powder coated aluminum case with silk screened artwork in enamel ink, and the pedal measures 4.5" x 2 1/2" x 2 1/2"1.
Videos
Copilot Fx
Copilot Fx
Copilot Fx
Questions
What does the Bias knob do on the Copilot Fx Terra?
The maker's product page lists Bias among the controls both fuzz voices share, alongside tone, gain, input and a three-way bass toggle. Bias on a fuzz circuit shapes how the transistors are driven, which is where the Terra's range of textures comes from: Copilot FX describes the pedal's range as going from classic, swelling, velcro-ish, gated or mosquito tones to a straight riffing machine, octave-ish and tremfuzz territory.
Can the Copilot Fx Terra be used with an expression pedal?
Yes. The Terra has an Exp / CV jack that gives external control of the octave fuzz voice's volume. It accepts a TRS expression pedal or a 0 to 5 volt CV signal, so it can be ridden by foot or driven from a CV source in a modular or control-voltage setup.
What does the Bass toggle do on the Terra?
The Bass toggle is a three-way switch that selects the amount of bass on the pedal. Both fuzz voices share it, so the setting shapes the low end of the classic fuzz voice and the octave fuzz voice together.
Does the Copilot Fx Terra take a battery?
No. Copilot FX states the Terra is powered only by a DC 9V power jack with center negative polarity, and there is no battery option. Plan your pedalboard power accordingly.
What is the octave voice on the Copilot Fx Terra?
The Terra's second voice is a scramble-y, octave-ish fuzz that runs alongside the standard classic fuzz voice. It has its own volume control, and its volume can also be controlled externally through the Exp / CV jack using a TRS expression pedal or a 0 to 5 volt CV signal.
What power supply does the Copilot Fx Terra need?
A DC 9V supply with a center negative plug. Copilot FX states the pedal is powered only by that jack, with no battery option, so a standard 9V center-negative pedalboard supply output is what it needs.
Sources (1)
- Copilot Fx Terra Fuzz Pedal, Copilot FX, 2017
