The Trash Compactor is a distortion pedal from Idiotbox Effects, built as the standalone version of the RAT-style section of the company's No Moon pedal. The maker describes it as carrying the "same killer sound" as that section of the No Moon, with DISTORTION, TONE and VOLUME controls "to mash other's garbage tones!"1
It comes in a smaller 125B sized enclosure, 4.7" x 2.6" x 1.5", with true bypass switching and a battery snap included. The list price is $99.00 USD as of the maker's product page dated 26 October 2026.1
What it is and where it came from
Idiotbox Effects introduced the Trash Compactor as a way to offer the RAT-style distortion section of its No Moon pedal on its own. The maker's own words on the product page put it simply: "I've done it with the rat section called the Trash Compactor!"1 The pedal sits in the company's distortion line alongside the Heavy Weapon, the Redrum V2, the Death Master, the Blowerbox, the Wild Kyle and the Nihilizer.1
Controls
The Trash Compactor keeps the same three-knob layout as the section it came from.1
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| DISTORTION | Sets the amount of distortion |
| TONE | Shapes the treble response |
| VOLUME | Sets the output level |
The maker describes the pedal as having the "same killer sound with DISTORTION, TONE and VOLUME controls to mash other's garbage tones!"1
Power and connections
The Trash Compactor runs on a common 9-18vdc "CENTER NEGATIVE" 2.1mm BOSS style power input, the same connector standard as most compact pedals, so it works with standard pedalboard power supplies. A battery snap is included as well.1
A power supply is not included, so you will need your own supply with a 2.1mm BOSS-style, center negative plug; the pedal runs on common 9 to 18V DC.1
The maker's product page lists the current draw as "?mA", so no current draw figure has been published for this pedal.1
Size and mounting
The pedal uses a 125B sized enclosure measuring 4.7" x 2.6" x 1.5", which the maker describes as smaller than its standard housing. That is a compact footprint for a distortion pedal and fits alongside other pedals on a board without taking up much room.1
Questions
Is the IdiotBox Trash Compactor true bypass?
Yes. Idiotbox Effects lists the Trash Compactor with true bypass switching, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes through the mechanical bypass path rather than any electronic buffer. That matters on a crowded board, since a buffered pedal left on can affect tone even when switched out.
Does the IdiotBox Trash Compactor come with a power supply?
No. The maker's product page states plainly that a power supply is not included, so you will need your own 9V DC center negative supply with a 2.1mm BOSS-style plug. A battery snap is included, so a 9V battery is also an option.
What size is the Trash Compactor enclosure?
The Trash Compactor uses a 125B sized enclosure measuring 4.7 inches by 2.6 inches by 1.5 inches, which Idiotbox describes as smaller than its standard housing. That is a compact footprint that fits alongside other pedals on a board without much trouble.
Is the Trash Compactor a RAT-style pedal?
The Trash Compactor is the standalone version of the RAT-style section of Idiotbox's No Moon pedal. The maker says it carries the same sound as that section, with DISTORTION, TONE and VOLUME controls. It is Idiotbox's take on that style of distortion circuit rather than a copy of any other company's pedal.
Sources (1)
- Trash Compactor, IdiotBox Effects
