The Fredric Effects DuoFace is a fuzz pedal that packs two versions of the classic Fuzz Face circuit into one enclosure: the silicon transistor version and the germanium transistor version. Fredric Effects calls the combination unique, noting that the pedal incorporates both circuits via a voltage converter, which is what allows a negative ground silicon Fuzz Face and a positive ground germanium Fuzz Face to live side by side in a single box1. Guitar World's report on the pedal describes it as boasting a negative ground silicon transistor FF and a positive ground germanium transistor FF2.
Two Fuzz Faces in one box
The Fuzz Face design has long existed in two transistor flavors, and the DuoFace carries both. What the pedal holds, as the maker and the press describe it1:
- A negative ground silicon transistor Fuzz Face circuit2
- A positive ground germanium transistor Fuzz Face circuit2
- A switch that chooses between the two circuits2
- Independent bias controls, one for each circuit1
- A voltage converter that lets the two differently grounded circuits share one enclosure1
The two circuits do not run together. Fredric Effects describes them as "distinct and separate and have independent bias controls," combined into a single pedal for maximum versatility1. A switch selects one circuit at a time rather than stacking the two2.
Bias is the control that matters most on a Fuzz Face-style circuit: it sets the operating point of the transistors and shapes the fuzz's texture and gating. Having an independent bias control for each side means each circuit can be dialed in on its own terms, and the settings carry over when you flip between them1.
The two sides, as described
What separates the silicon and germanium sides is the transistor type in each version of the circuit12:
| Silicon side | Germanium side | |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit | Fuzz Face, silicon transistor version | Fuzz Face, germanium transistor version |
| Grounding | Negative ground2 | Positive ground1 |
| Character | The more aggressive of the two4 | The other classic flavor of the design4 |
| Bias | Independent bias control1 | Independent bias control1 |
MusicRadar's Jonathan Horsley framed the choice in character terms: "if you're looking to take the paint off the wall, the more aggressive silicon might be your speed"4. In other words, the silicon side is the more aggressive of the two, and the germanium side is the other classic flavor of the design.
Background and availability
Fredric Effects introduced the DuoFace in April 2021, when Guitar World reported it available for £140, approximately $190 at the time2. The maker's product page currently lists it at £1401. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio covered the release as a fuzz combining germanium and silicon Fuzz Face circuits in one pedal3. Fredric Effects has also posted an introductory demo of the pedal by Lord Fuzzman on its product page1.
Fredric Effects builds a range of fuzzes beyond the DuoFace, including the Deeply Unpleasant Companion, the Standard Fuzz Machine and the Demon Fuzz.
Videos
Lord Fuzzman
Questions
What is the difference between the silicon and germanium sides of the DuoFace?
The DuoFace carries two versions of the Fuzz Face circuit: a negative ground silicon transistor version and a positive ground germanium transistor version. Fredric Effects describes the silicon side as the more aggressive of the two, the one MusicRadar's Jonathan Horsley suggested is for players looking to take the paint off the wall, while the germanium side is the lower-vintage-flavored option of the classic design.
Can I use both circuits at once on the DuoFace?
No. Fredric Effects states that the two circuits are distinct and separate, and a switch chooses between them rather than stacking them. Each circuit has its own independent bias control, so each side can be set up on its own terms before you select it.
Does the DuoFace have separate bias controls?
Yes. Fredric Effects says the circuits are distinct and separate and have independent bias controls, and Guitar World's report on the pedal likewise describes individual bias controls for each circuit. Bias sets the operating point of the transistors, which on a Fuzz Face design has a strong effect on the fuzz's texture and gating.
How much does the Fredric Effects DuoFace cost?
Fredric Effects lists the DuoFace at £140 on its product page. When the pedal was introduced in April 2021, Guitar World reported it as available for £140, approximately $190 at the time.
Is the DuoFace based on the Fuzz Face?
Yes. Fredric Effects describes the DuoFace as based on two versions of the classic Fuzz Face circuit, the silicon transistor version and the germanium transistor version, combined into a single pedal.
Sources (4)
- Germanium and Silicon vintage correct fuzz, Fredric Effects
- Fredric Effects' DuoFace Dual Vintage Fuzz packs silicon and germanium circuits into one pedal enclosure, Guitar World, 2021-04-22
- New Pedal: Fredric Effects DuoFace Fuzz, Delicious Audio, 2021-04-22
- The Fredric Effects DuoFace puts silicon and germanium vintage fuzz on the menu, MusicRadar, 2021-04-23
