The IdiotBox Effects Monster Fuzz is an octave style fuzz pedal built as a collaboration between IdiotBox Effects and the artist Dirty Donny. IdiotBox describes it as "a souped up Frankensteined Super Fuzz octave style fuzz", meaning it takes the Super Fuzz octave fuzz design as its starting point and adds to it, including a six-knob control layout and a Volts control that changes the circuit's internal voltage1.
The controls: Volts, Low, High, Scoop, Fuzz and Volume
The Monster Fuzz carries six controls, and the one that sets it apart from most fuzz pedals is first on the list:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| VOLTS | Sets the internal voltage anywhere from 4 to 18VDC1 |
| LOW | Low frequency control1 |
| HIGH | High frequency control1 |
| SCOOP | Shapes the tone alongside LOW and HIGH, for "all kinds of wild Super Fuzz style tones"1 |
| FUZZ | The fuzz intensity control1 |
| VOLUME | Sets the output volume level1 |
The VOLTS knob is the unusual one: instead of a tone shaping control, it changes the voltage the circuit itself runs at, anywhere from 4 to 18VDC. Starving a fuzz circuit of voltage and running it hotter are both long-standing ways players alter how a fuzz behaves, and putting that on a knob means it can be swept while playing rather than set internally. IdiotBox frames the LOW, HIGH and SCOOP controls together as the tone-shaping side of the pedal, aimed at the kind of scooped, mid-focused voicing the Super Fuzz design is known for1.
For comparison, the related Black Cat Monster K-Fuzz reviewed by Premier Guitar takes a different approach to taming a Super Fuzz style circuit: its reviewer noted that "you can create this effect by parking the fuzz frequency knob in the right place relative to the output from your guitar", using a fuzz frequency control to set where high and high-mid content is filtered relative to the low end2.
Power, size and versions
The Monster Fuzz runs from a common 9VDC center negative 2.1mm BOSS style power input, the same connector standard as most pedals, so it will work with a typical pedalboard supply. IdiotBox notes that a power supply is not included, so you will need to bring your own1.
IdiotBox lists the current draw as "?mA", so the maker has not published a figure for it. Until one is given, be cautious about daisy-chaining the Monster Fuzz with other pedals on a low-current supply1.
Physically it is a large-format pedal: a 1590XX sized enclosure measuring 5.72" x 4.77" x 1.55". That is bigger than a standard compact pedal box, so plan board space accordingly1. IdiotBox also lists a Monster Green on Black version available now, alongside the standard finish1.
Where it came from
The pedal began as a collaboration: in IdiotBox's own words, "So me and my homie Dirty Donny (the amazing Pinball/Rock-N-Roll artist) were talking about doing a collab pedal and POW!"1. Dirty Donny is known for pinball and rock and roll artwork, and the Monster Fuzz is the pedal that came out of that collaboration1.
It sits in a wider IdiotBox fuzz lineup that includes the Static Fuzz, the DeathRay and its Deathray Frequency Mangler V2 square wave fuzz, and the WHORES. Fuzz Freq V.2.
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Questions
What does the Volts knob do on the IdiotBox Monster Fuzz?
The VOLTS control sets the pedal's internal voltage anywhere from 4 to 18VDC, according to IdiotBox Effects. Changing the internal voltage is a way of altering how the fuzz circuit behaves and feels, giving a range of tones from the same pedal alongside the LOW, HIGH, SCOOP, FUZZ and VOLUME controls.
Does the Monster Fuzz come with a power supply?
No. IdiotBox Effects states on the product page that a power supply is not included. The pedal uses a common 9VDC center negative 2.1mm BOSS style power input, so a standard center negative supply works, but you will need to provide one yourself.
Is the Monster Fuzz true bypass?
Yes. IdiotBox Effects lists the Monster Fuzz as having true bypass switching, meaning the pedal takes itself out of the signal path completely when off.
What size is the Monster Fuzz enclosure?
The Monster Fuzz is built in a 1590XX sized enclosure measuring 5.72 x 4.77 x 1.55 inches, according to IdiotBox Effects. That is a large-format box, so leave room for it on a pedalboard.
Is the Monster Fuzz based on the Univox Super Fuzz?
IdiotBox Effects describes the Monster Fuzz as a souped up Frankensteined Super Fuzz octave style fuzz, so it is built on the Super Fuzz octave fuzz design rather than being a straight copy. The SCOOP control and the low and high frequency controls are aimed at those Super Fuzz style tones.
Who is Dirty Donny?
Dirty Donny is an artist known for pinball and rock and roll artwork, in IdiotBox Effects' words the amazing Pinball/Rock-N-Roll artist. The Monster Fuzz is a collaboration between IdiotBox and Dirty Donny.
Sources (2)
- Monster Fuzz, IdiotBox Effects
- Black Cat Monster K-Fuzz Review, Premier Guitar, 2016-11-24
