The iStingor Metal Shredder MS-1 is a high-gain distortion pedal built on what Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson describes as the brand's own proprietary CMOS circuit platform, a design he believes most of iStingor's gain pedals share1. It sits in the distortion camp, but at the extreme end: Karlsson called it the highest-gain iStingor pedal to date, voiced tight and modern, with an unusually wide EQ range and a very low noise floor1.
Controls
The MS-1 carries six knobs, which is more EQ control than most distortions offer. Alongside the usual Treble, Middle, Bass and Level, there is a Range knob that sets the center frequency of the mid control, so the Middle knob can cut or boost the part of the mids you actually want to shape1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Amount of distortion |
| Treble | High-end EQ |
| Middle | Cut or boost of mids |
| Range | Mid frequency the Middle knob acts on |
| Bass | Low-end EQ |
| Level | Output volume |
Karlsson found the control tapers even, and documented two sets of preferred settings: one leaning vintage-style and one modern, each with knob positions written out. He noted that at full Gain the pedal becomes over-compressed, so the sweet spot for his preferences sat below maximum1.
Sound and reviewer's verdict
Guitar Pedal X characterized the MS-1 as a tight, modern-leaning high-gain distortion with extensive EQ range and a whisper-quiet noise floor, able to cover tones from vintage-style through modern depending on the settings1. On how it compares, Karlsson wrote:
"these iStingor High Gain pedals run very close - definitely A-tier, and better than the recent REVV duo for my preferences"
He judged the pedal to run very close to high-gain pedals from Fortin, Lichtlaerm and Sinvertek, and found it unbeatable at its $79 price point1.
Power and availability
The MS-1 runs on a 9V DC supply rated at 20 mA, or on a 9V alkaline (6LR61) or carbon-zinc (6F22) battery, with the battery compartment at the front of the pedal1. The AC adapter, which needs to output 9V DC at 100 mA or more, is sold separately1.
The 9V DC adapter is not included with the pedal, so budget for one if you do not already have a spare supply.
As of the July 2026 review, the pedal carried a MAP / RRP of $79 and was sold through the iStingor Amazon.com store and at select dealers1.
Questions
Does the iStingor Metal Shredder MS-1 take a battery?
Yes. The MS-1 runs on a 9V alkaline (6LR61) or carbon-zinc (6F22) battery, and the battery compartment is at the front of the pedal. It can also be powered from a 9V DC adapter, which is sold separately.
Where is the battery compartment on the MS-1?
The battery compartment is at the front of the pedal, so you can swap a battery without removing the pedal from your board or taking off the back plate.
Does the iStingor MS-1 come with a power adapter?
No. The MS-1 needs a 9V DC adapter with an output of at least 100 mA, and that adapter is sold separately. The pedal draws 20 mA and is rated at 9V DC.
What is the input impedance of the iStingor MS-1?
The input impedance is 470kΩ. The output impedance is 1kΩ, and the pedal expects a load impedance of 10kΩ or higher.
How much current does the MS-1 draw?
The MS-1 draws 20 mA at its rated 9V DC, which is light enough for most pedalboard power supplies.
Is the MS-1 the highest-gain iStingor pedal?
Yes. Guitar Pedal X's reviewer described the MS-1 as the highest-gain iStingor pedal to date, built on the brand's proprietary CMOS circuit platform.
Sources (1)
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2026-07-02