The Landphil Bass Distortion is a bass distortion pedal from IdiotBox Effects, built as the signature pedal for Landphil, the bassist for the crossover thrash band Municipal Waste and for Cannabis Corpse1. IdiotBox describes it as a modified and much more tweakable version of the company's Blower Box Bass Distortion: it keeps the same HI/LOW boost/cut, distortion and volume controls as the original, but adds an extra control for each, giving a wider range of adjustment over the same basic circuit1. It sits among bass pedals aimed at players who want a dedicated dirt stage rather than a general purpose overdrive.
Controls and how it differs from the Blower Box
The Landphil carries over the control set of the Blower Box Bass Distortion and expands on it1:
- HI/LOW boost/cut: the same control as the original, now with an extra control for a wider range1
- Distortion: the same control as the original, now with an extra control for a wider range1
- Volume: the same control as the original, now with an extra control for a wider range1
IdiotBox puts it plainly on the product page: "It is a modified and much more tweakable version of the Blower Box Bass Distortion."1
IdiotBox notes that the newer, smaller version of the Landphil is the exact circuit as the huge sized original version shown in the company's demo, so the smaller enclosure does not change the circuit1.
Power and switching
The pedal runs from a common 9V DC center negative BOSS style power input and draws 14.7mA1. A power supply is not included, so you will need your own 9V adapter or a spare output on a pedalboard power supply1. Switching is true bypass, so the pedal is out of the signal path when it is off1.
Enclosure
The Landphil is built in a 1590BB sized enclosure measuring 4.72" x 3.71" x 1.33"1. That is the standard Hammond-style box many boutique pedals use, large enough for the pedal's expanded control set while still fitting a normal pedalboard.
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Questions
Does the Landphil Bass Distortion come with a power supply?
No. IdiotBox Effects lists the pedal as power supply not included. It runs on a common 9V DC center negative BOSS style power input and draws 14.7mA, so a standard pedal power supply or an isolated output on a pedalboard power brick will run it. Players who already power a board with BOSS style connectors will not need anything extra.
Is the Landphil Bass Distortion true bypass?
Yes. IdiotBox Effects specifies true bypass switching, so when the pedal is off, the signal passes through without loading the front end of the amp or other pedals. That matters on a bass board, where preserving low end and clarity when a pedal is disengaged is a common concern.
How is the Landphil different from the Blower Box?
IdiotBox describes the Landphil as a modified and much more tweakable version of the Blower Box Bass Distortion. It keeps the same HI/LOW boost/cut, distortion and volume controls as the original, but adds an extra control for each, giving a wider range of adjustment over the same basic circuit.
What size is the Landphil Bass Distortion enclosure?
The current version uses a 1590BB sized enclosure measuring 4.72 x 3.71 x 1.33 inches. IdiotBox notes this newer smaller version is the exact circuit as the huge sized original version shown in the demo, so the sound is the same in a smaller footprint.
Who is Landphil?
Landphil is the bassist for the crossover thrash band Municipal Waste and for Cannabis Corpse. The Landphil Bass Distortion is his signature pedal, built by IdiotBox Effects around the tones he uses in those bands.
Sources (1)
- Landphil Bass Distortion, IdiotBox Effects
