The Damnation Audio Curmudgeon 2 is a bass distortion pedal with a different starting point than most. Instead of modeling a preamp or a speaker, Damnation Audio describes it as "a solid state power amp (lead sled) distortion that takes your incoming signal, multiplies it by 1000, and slams it into a simulated power amp." In practice, that means the pedal drives a simulated power amp section into overload, the way a bass head's output stage saturates when it is pushed hard. It is an original all-analog design, and while it is designed primarily as a distortion for bass guitar, gearnews noted it works equally well with guitars and synths1.
How the circuit works
The heart of the pedal is a simulated solid-state power amp. Damnation Audio explains that "this simulated power amp features parallel stages that are mixed and loaded down just enough for them to struggle to breathe," which is the mechanism behind the pedal's compression and saturation as the signal is driven into it2. Because the incoming signal is multiplied by 1000 before it hits that stage, the pedal responds to playing dynamics and input level the way a real power amp does when it is being worked hard2.
The controls
The Curmudgeon 2 keeps its panel simple: three knobs and one switch21.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Controls the output level2 |
| Gain | Controls the amount of distortion1 |
| Tone | Simple low pass filter, much like the tone control on your guitar2 |
| Depth knob | Controls the amount of low end injected into the distortion stages2 |
| Depth switch | Flip the switch down for a brighter tone or up for a thicker tone2 |
The Depth control is the one aimed squarely at bass players: feeding low end into the distortion stages lets you decide how much sub-bass weight gets pushed through the saturation, and the switch above it shifts the overall voice between brighter and thicker2.
Power, switching and fit on the board
The Curmudgeon 2 runs on 9VDC through a standard center-negative 2.1mm, Boss-style jack23. Damnation Audio is direct about the limits: "Damnation Audio pedals do not accept 9V batteries," and "going above 9VDC will damage your pedal and void any warranties"2. The maker also recommends isolated pedal-specific power supplies2.
No battery compartment, and no higher-voltage operation: keep the Curmudgeon 2 on a 9VDC center-negative supply only, ideally an isolated one2.
For pedalboard use, the pedal has top-mounted jacks and, as gearnews put it, "will sit nicely on your pedalboard." Its relay-based true bypass is silent, avoiding the pop of a conventional mechanical switch1.
Availability and price
Damnation Audio released the Curmudgeon 2, with Premier Guitar reporting the announcement3. On the maker's product page the pedal is listed at $229.00 USD2.
What reviewers said
Coverage of the pedal has been positive on its flexibility. gearnews's reviewer summed it up this way1:
"I like that you can use this distortion on all types of signals, which for me would make this a very useful effect to have in the studio, as it is so versatile."1
The same review framed the pedal's appeal around its versatility across signal types, making it a useful studio effect as well as a live bass distortion1.
Where it sits among Damnation Audio's bass pedals
The Curmudgeon 2 is one of several bass-oriented dirt pedals from Damnation Audio. Others in the maker's range include the MBD2 MOSFET Bass Distortion 2, the Bass Amp Grinder, the Retro Bass Distortion and the Bass Fuzz Enforcer. For more on the wider category, see Distortion Pedals and Bass Pedals.
Videos
Andy Bassist
Andy Bassist
Questions
Does the Damnation Audio Curmudgeon 2 take a 9V battery?
No. Damnation Audio states that its pedals do not accept 9V batteries, so the Curmudgeon 2 runs only from an external power supply. Use a 9VDC 2.1mm center-negative, Boss-style adapter, and the maker recommends isolated pedal-specific power supplies. Supplying more than 9VDC will damage the pedal and void any warranties.
Is the Curmudgeon 2 true bypass?
Yes. The Curmudgeon 2 uses silent relay-based true-bypass switching, which gearnews noted keeps things clean and tidy for your signal path. The relay switching also means the pedal does not produce the mechanical click of a traditional footswitch when it is engaged or disengaged.
What happens if I power the Curmudgeon 2 with more than 9V?
Damnation Audio warns that going above 9VDC will damage the pedal and void any warranties. The pedal is designed for 9VDC only, through a 2.1mm center-negative, Boss-style jack, so leave it off higher-voltage supplies even if the supply offers a switchable voltage setting.
What does the Depth switch do on the Curmudgeon 2?
The Depth switch changes the overall character of the distortion: flipping it down gives a brighter tone, while flipping it up gives a thicker tone. It works alongside the Depth knob, which controls the amount of low end injected into the distortion stages.
Is the Curmudgeon 2 analog?
Yes. gearnews described the Curmudgeon 2 as an original all-analogue design. It models the behavior of a solid-state power amp in the analog domain rather than using digital processing.
Is the Curmudgeon 2 still available?
As of the maker's product page in October 2026, the Curmudgeon 2 is sold out at Damnation HQ but still available at the retailers the maker lists. Availability at individual dealers may vary.
Sources (3)
- The Damnation Audio Curmudgeon 2: a bass distortion that multiplies your signal by 1000!, gearnews.com, 2021-03-26
- Curmudgeon 2 Bass Amp Distortion, Damnation Audio
- Curmudgeon 2 Bass Distortion Pedal by Damnation Audio, Premier Guitar, 2021-03-24
