The FEA Labs Growler is an analog bass pedal designed to add second harmonic warmth for players looking to add extra "growl" and "punch" to a bass tone. It works by generating an analog harmonic octave that blends with the natural tone of the bass, and it is built as an enhancement pedal rather than a distortion or octave effect in the usual sense. Premier Guitar reported its introduction in March 2010, at a special introductory price of $195, available at that time.1
What it does
The Growler's core function is harmonic enhancement: it generates a second harmonic, an analog harmonic octave tone, and mixes it with the bass's original signal. Premier Guitar's press release described the pedal as aimed at "the player who is looking to add that extra 'growl' and 'punch'" to a bass tone.1 No Treble's Kevin Johnson described it in similar terms as an enhancement pedal.2
Because the harmonic tone is generated separately from the dry signal, the pedal gives the player control over how much of each is heard, and it can send the dry signal out on its own as well.1
The controls
The Growler's front panel is built around a blend section and two channels1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Dry control | Variable control for the level of the original (dry) signal1 |
| Wet channel 1 control | Variable control for the mix of the first analog harmonic signal1 |
| Wet channel 2 control | Variable control for the mix of the second analog harmonic signal1 |
| Brightness level control (channel 2) | Variable control to add more highs to the harmonic tone as needed12 |
| Generator filter switch (channel 2) | Toggle that changes the low bypass filter from 250Hz to 1KHz, allowing the harmonic generator circuit to process more of the original signal2 |
| Input level toggle switch | Boosts the input signal by +6dB to allow for more intense tone processing settings on both channels2 |
| Activation footswitch | Stomp switch with direct bypass when the pedal is not active, and channel selection between the two sounds1 |
The dual channel setup is the pedal's main performance feature: it provides a way to define two distinct sounds and switch between them as needed during live playing.1 Channel two carries the extra controls, with the brightness level, the generator filter switch, and the insert jack.2
Inputs, outputs and the TRS insert
The Growler's jack layout supports signal routing beyond a simple in-and-out pedal:
- TRS (tip ring sleeve) insert jack: allows outboard processing of the harmonic signal using external effects or equalization12
- Direct output jack: provides the unprocessed (dry) signal for additional signal path and mixing options1
The insert jack is a practical feature for players who want to treat the generated harmonic tone separately from the dry bass signal, for example running the harmonic signal through external EQ or other effects while the dry signal stays untouched.1
Size and footprint
The pedal uses a small footprint design measuring 4.5 inches by 3.5 inches, which places it among the more compact options on a bass pedalboard.12
Questions
Is the FEA Labs Growler analog or digital?
The Growler is an analog pedal. It generates an analog harmonic octave tone that blends with the natural tone of the bass guitar, rather than processing the signal digitally. That analog harmonic signal is what the pedal's dry and wet controls mix against the original bass signal.
Does the FEA Labs Growler have two channels?
Yes. The Growler has a dual channel setup that provides a way to define two distinct sounds and switch between them with the stomp switch during live playing. Channel two adds a bright level control, a generator filter switch, and a TRS insert jack for outboard processing of the harmonic signal.
What does the TRS insert jack on the Growler do?
The TRS (tip ring sleeve) insert jack allows outboard processing of the harmonic signal using external effects or equalization. It sits on channel two, so the generated harmonic tone can be sent out to other gear and returned without affecting the dry signal path.
Is the FEA Labs Growler true bypass?
The Growler's activation footswitch provides direct bypass when the pedal is not active, so the signal passes through without the harmonic processing engaged.
How big is the FEA Labs Growler?
The Growler uses a small footprint design measuring 4.5 inches by 3.5 inches, which keeps it compact on a pedalboard.
Sources (2)
- FEA Labs Introduces Growler Bass Pedal, Premier Guitar, 2010-03-17
- Gear Watch: FEA Growler Pedal, No Treble, 2010-03-17