The CopperSound Renegade Multi-Bias Fuzz is a compact fuzz pedal from CopperSound Pedals, built on the circuit of the Sola Sound Tone Bender MK1.5 and fitted with a bias toggle switch that changes the character of the fuzz. CopperSound describes it as a dynamic, no-frills fuzz with a compact design that delivers intense, full-bodied fuzz with endless sustain1. It launched in October 2022 at a list price of $149.00 USD2.
Where it came from
The pedal's lineage goes back to the mid-1960s. The Tone Bender MK1.5 was, as Fuzzboxes.org puts it, "an influential two-transistor fuzz box that was built by Sola Sound in the mid-1960s"3. CopperSound's version keeps that foundation but departs from the original in two ways: it uses high-gain silicon transistors instead of the original germanium, which the maker says gives more intense fuzz and better bias stability, and it adds an integrated bias control14.
Paolo De Gregorio, writing on Delicious Audio when the pedal launched, described it as "derived originally from the classic Tone Bender MK1.5," straying off the standard path in part because of that bias control, and called it a complement to CopperSound's growing line of Mini Pedals4.
The Renegade was listed as sold out on CopperSound's product page as of 2026-10-25, with an email notification option for restocks1.
The controls: bias toggle and Master Volume
The Renegade keeps its control layout deliberately small. There is one knob and one toggle switch15:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Master Volume | Single knob providing plenty of gain; running the pedal at 18 volts adds even more headroom1 |
| Bias toggle | Switches between two bias voltages: up for classic, full-bodied fuzz with rich, vintage tones; down for modern, gated fuzz with a sharp, electric sizzle1 |
The two bias positions give the pedal two distinct voices from a single knob. CopperSound describes the up position as classic, full-bodied fuzz, and the down position as a more modern and gated fuzz1. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio heard the same split, "resulting in a classic, full bodied-fuzz tone in the 'up' position and a more modern and gated fuzz in the 'down' position," with the electric sizzle as the signal fading out especially prominent in the down position4.
Each unit is carefully biased to a precise voltage at the factory, which CopperSound says ensures optimal performance and consistent fuzz tones every time1.
Power and specifications
The Renegade runs on 9 to 18 volts through a 2.1 x 5.5 mm center negative connector, drawing 5 mA at 9 volts and 10 mA at 18 volts1. Its input impedance is 1M and its output impedance is 30K1. The mini enclosure measures 3.65" x 1.8" x 2.19"1.
CopperSound notes that running the Renegade at 18 volts adds even more headroom and clarity1. At either voltage the current draw is low enough for any standard pedalboard supply.
What reviewers said
CopperSound introduced the Renegade as "a dynamic, no-frills fuzz with a compact design that packs a punch," positioning it as a perfect addition to the company's growing line of mini pedals1. The maker's own framing centered on the single Master Volume knob, which it said provides plenty of gain, with running the pedal at 18 volts adding even more headroom1. The pedal carried a list price of $149.00 USD, with a sale price of $134.10 USD listed at the maker's store, where it is currently shown as sold out1.
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Questions
Is the CopperSound Renegade true bypass?
Yes. CopperSound specifies mechanical true bypass switching for the Renegade Multi-Bias Fuzz, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes through without touching the fuzz circuit. Combined with its compact mini enclosure, that makes it straightforward to place on a pedalboard alongside other fuzz, overdrive or distortion pedals.
What power supply does the Renegade Multi-Bias Fuzz need?
The Renegade runs on a 2.1 x 5.5 mm center negative power connector at 9 to 18 volts. Current draw is 5 mA at 9 volts and 10 mA at 18 volts, so it is light on any standard supply. CopperSound notes that running the pedal at 18 volts adds more headroom.
Does the Renegade use germanium or silicon transistors?
The Renegade uses high-gain silicon transistors rather than the germanium transistors of the original Tone Bender MK1.5 it is based on. CopperSound says this choice gives more intense fuzz and better bias stability, and each unit is biased to a precise voltage at the factory for consistent fuzz tones.
What does the bias switch do on the Renegade?
The bias toggle switches between two bias voltages inside the circuit. In the up position you get a classic, full-bodied fuzz tone for rich, vintage-style sounds. In the down position the fuzz becomes more modern and gated, with a sharp, electric sizzle that CopperSound says is especially prominent as the signal fades.
Sources (5)
- Multi-Bias Fuzz Pedal, CopperSound Pedals
- CopperSound goes super-compact with the revamped Gravity Bomb V2 Clean Boost and Renegade fuzz, musicradar.com, 2022-10-18
- Sola Sound Tone Bender 'MK1.5' • Fuzzboxes, Fuzzboxes.org, 2021-05-18
- CopperSound Renegade Multi-Bias Fuzz, Delicious Audio, 2022-10-14
- Multi-Bias Fuzz Pedal | Renegade | CopperSound, CopperSound Pedals
