The Dwarfcraft Devices Gears is an analog pedal that puts three effects in one box: an overdrive, a sub octave generator, and a resonant filter with an expression pedal input1. Dwarfcraft describes the result as a device that lets a player emulate many familiar synth sounds as well as create brand new ones1.
What it does and how it works
The signal path starts with the overdrive, which Dwarfcraft describes as a fixed sound that can be mixed from silent to LOUD. That driven signal is then fed into a clock divider, which puts out a square wave (or two) that can be mixed into the output, producing the sub octave1. The resonant filter follows, and its frequency is set by the Freq knob.
| Stage | What it does |
|---|---|
| Overdrive | Fixed sound, mixable from silent to LOUD1 |
| Clock divider | Outputs a square wave (or two) for the sub octave, mixable into the output1 |
| Resonant filter | Frequency set by the Freq knob1 |
The Drive control shapes how the overdrive interacts with the filter. In Dwarfcraft's words, there is "a drive control allowing you to play nice with the filter, or just slam audio up against it"1.
The expression pedal input
The Freq knob can also be controlled by foot. As Dwarfcraft puts it1:
"The expression pedal input allows foot control over the „Freq" knob, and is the most magic trick in this new box1."
Dwarfcraft Devices product page1
For players who want moving filter sweeps, this makes Gears behave like a foot-controlled filter or wah effect, with the resonance and sub octave layered underneath. See expression pedals for compatible controllers.
Where it sits among Dwarfcraft pitch pedals
Gears belongs to Dwarfcraft's line of pitch and octave effects, alongside the Pitchgrinder, the Wizard of Pitch, the Super Wizard and the collaborative Afterlife of Pitch. Where those pedals focus on pitch shifting, Gears combines its sub octave with overdrive and a resonant filter, placing it closer to octave and pitch pedals that double as synth voicing tools1.
Videos
Dennis Kayzer
Questions
Can you control the Dwarfcraft Gears filter with an expression pedal?
Yes. Gears has an expression pedal input wired to the Freq knob, so you can sweep the resonant filter's frequency with your foot while playing. Dwarfcraft calls this input the most magic trick in the box.
What power supply does the Dwarfcraft Gears need?
It runs on 9V DC with a center negative plug and draws 50mA. A standard center negative pedalboard power supply meets both requirements.
Is the Dwarfcraft Gears analog?
Yes. Dwarfcraft Devices lists Gears as an analog circuit, which fits its design: a fixed overdrive feeding a clock divider for the sub octave, plus a resonant filter.
Sources (1)
- Gears by Dwarfcraft Devices, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
