The EBS Black Haze 2 is an analog overdrive/distortion pedal for bass and guitar, part of EBS's Blue Label range. EBS says it covers a range from overdrive to fuzz-like saturation, so one box can serve as a light drive, a heavier distortion or, pushed hard in its Deep mode, something that approaches fuzz without technically being one1. It sits in a compact housing with recessed jacks, measures 2.4 x 4.33 x 1.77 inches including the knobs, and weighs 0.68 lbs (310 g)1.
The pedal is the second version of the Black Haze. The original launched in 2017 as one of three EBS drive pedals developed for guitar but also usable on bass23; in 2024 the Haze evolved into its current mk2 form, with the key addition being the Blend control4.
What the Black Haze 2 does to your sound
EBS positions the Black Haze 2 as a drive pedal that spans a wide range. At its core is a character switch with three voicings, and the maker describes what each one does in plain terms1:
| Character switch position | What EBS says it does |
|---|---|
| Deep | "The fattest, fuzzier sound with more low-frequency weight"1 |
| Normal | "A more gnarly overdrive"5 |
| Thin | "Adds tightness and presence"5 |
Guitar World's 2026 overdrive buying guide for bass describes the two ends of that switch in its own words: Thin as "a more cutting drive sound that's great for modern rock tones" and Deep as "a bellowing roar that can break into fuzz territory"4. On the fuzz question, EBS is specific: with Deep selected and the Drive control turned up, "you will then get a fuzzy type of distortion, but not technically a fuzz effect"1. Players shopping for an actual fuzz circuit rather than a distortion that leans fuzzy may want to look at fuzz pedals as a separate category.
The original Black Haze drew a similar reaction from reviewers. MusicPlayers.com's 2017 review of the EBS drive pedals found that "the Deep switch added a more pronounced low mid enhancement to the tone," though "the Thin switch thinned the sound out too much for our particular setup" when the pedal was used on guitar2.
The controls: Blend, Tone and the Deep, Normal and Thin switch
The front panel carries four knobs: Tone, Drive, Blend and Volume1. The Blend control is the headline change from the original pedal, and RockBoard's PedalPedia entry explains what it is for: "The new Blend control lets you precisely determine the perfect balance between your clean signal and the gripping drive"5. For bass players in particular, blending clean low end under a driven signal is a common way to keep the foundation of the sound intact while the top of the signal breaks up.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Sets the amount of gain; high settings in Deep mode push into fuzzy distortion1 |
| Tone | Shapes the frequency balance of the driven signal1 |
| Blend | Balances the clean signal against the drive5 |
| Volume | Sets the overall output level1 |
| Character switch | Three positions: Deep (fuzzy), Normal (overdrive), Thin (tight)1 |
The original Black Haze had a simpler control set: Drive, Tone and Volume knobs plus a three-way distortion button offering Thin, Regular and Deep options26. There was no Blend control, which is the practical difference a player will notice first when comparing the two versions.
The internal gain trim
Inside the pedal is a trimmer that addresses a common problem with drive pedals that have a blend or volume control. EBS explains: "An internal Gain trim lets you fine-tune output to prevent volume loss at any setting"1. RockBoard's entry describes the same feature from the player's side, as "a convenient Gain adjustment pot inside the pedal, ensuring you can compensate for the volume if you experience a drop in level" when switching the pedal on5. In practice, you set your Drive and Blend where you want them, then adjust the internal trim so the engaged sound matches the bypassed level.
Power: 9 to 18V DC, 30mA
The Black Haze 2 runs on 9 to 18V DC and draws 30mA15. EBS says running it at up to 18V buys extra headroom and dynamic range1, and Guitar World's buying guide counts that among the pedal's pluses, noting that "being able to run at 18V is a useful option"4. The original Black Haze was a 9 to 12V pedal drawing the same 30mA26, so the mk2's wider voltage range is another change between versions. Connections are a 9V to 18V DC power input, a 1/4" instrument input and a 1/4" amplifier output4.
The original 2017 Black Haze accepted a 9V battery alongside its barrel jack2. The mk2's listed inputs cover only the DC input and the two 1/4" jacks4, so players moving from the original should not assume a battery option carries over.
Where it came from and what reviewers said
EBS introduced the original Black Haze in 2017 alongside the Drive Me Crazy and EBS Drive pedals. Guitar Interactive Magazine reported at the time that "all three were developed for guitar but work with bass too, the company says"7, while MusicPlayers.com framed the launch the other way: "EBS has just introduced three drive pedals optimized for guitar, though each is also useable for bass"2. The mk2 arrived in 2024, announced by Bass Musician Magazine with the same Deep, Normal and Thin character options and the new Blend control84.
Guitar World's 2026 overdrive buying guide for bass gives a rounded verdict on the Black Haze 2, listing "great value for its quality and features" and the 18V option among the reasons to buy, while noting that "some might want more EQ controls" as a reason to look elsewhere4. The pedal carries a list price of $169 as of 20263.
For players comparing EBS drive pedals, the Black Haze 2 sits in a range that also includes the EBS Black Haze, the EBS Drive Me Crazy and the EBS The Drive, alongside bass-focused designs like the EBS Billy Sheehan Signature Drive. More generally, it is one option among many overdrive pedals and distortion pedals.
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Questions
Is the EBS Black Haze 2 true bypass?
Yes. EBS lists the Black Haze 2 as a true bypass pedal, so with the effect switched off your signal passes through without the circuit coloring it. The original Black Haze was also true bypass, so nothing changed there between versions.
Can you use the EBS Black Haze 2 on guitar?
Yes. EBS describes the pedal as being for bass and guitar, and says it can be a good fit for guitar players who want a darker character than their usual guitar distortion. The original Black Haze was in fact developed for guitar first, though it also worked for bass.
Is the Black Haze 2 a fuzz pedal?
Not technically. EBS says that with the Deep mode selected and the Drive control set high you get a fuzzy type of distortion, but not technically a fuzz effect. It is best understood as an overdrive/distortion pedal that reaches into fuzz-like saturation at its extremes.
What does the internal gain trim on the Black Haze 2 do?
It lets you fine-tune the pedal's output level from inside the enclosure. Its purpose is to prevent volume loss at any setting, and specifically to compensate for a drop in level when you switch the pedal on, so the effect can sit at the same volume as your clean sound.
Where is the EBS Black Haze 2 made?
Guitar World's buying guide lists the Black Haze 2 as made in China. EBS says its Blue Label pedals, the range the Black Haze 2 belongs to, are designed and developed by EBS in Sweden.
What is the difference between the Black Haze and the Black Haze 2?
The Black Haze 2 is the 2024 update of the original pedal, and the key addition is the Blend control, which lets you balance your clean signal against the drive. The original had Drive, Tone and Volume knobs plus a three-way character switch, and ran on 9 to 12V rather than the mk2's 9 to 18V.
Sources (8)
- EBS Black Haze 2, EBS Professional Bass Equipment
- EBS The Drive, Black Haze, and Drive Me Crazy Overdrive Pedals, MusicPlayers.com, 2017-07-11
- Electro-Harmonix Nano Bass Big Muff Pi 2 review, Guitar World, 2026-03-26
- Best overdrive pedals for bass 2026: The ultimate in bass saturation at all price points, Guitar World, 2026-06-01
- Black Haze 2 by EBS, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Best distortion pedals for bass: thicken up your low end, Guitar World, 2022-08-17
- EBS Announces Three New Analogue Pedals, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2017-01-18
- New Gear: EBS Black Haze 2, Bass Musician Magazine, 2024-01-25
