The KHDK In Waves by Trivium is a limited-edition clean boost pedal made by KHDK and designed with the help of Trivium's Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu. It is named after the band's 2011 album In Waves, and KHDK describes it as "the most insane amp-booster KHDK has ever built, powerful enough to blow your roof off with controls that put you 100% in charge of your tone."12
It is a clean boost, meaning it raises your signal's level without adding distortion of its own, with treble and bass controls to shape the tone before the volume stage. KHDK calls it a "Limited Metal Tone Shaper inspired by Trivium's seminal album."1 It is limited to 333 pieces only, each with a certificate signed by Matt and Corey.1
Controls
The In Waves keeps things simple: one footswitch and three knobs plus a switch.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| BOOST | Controls the amount of output volume. KHDK warns the output gets loud on the max setting.1 |
| TREBLE | Controls the amount of high frequencies. The center point is neutral, clockwise boosts the highs, counterclockwise cuts them.1 |
| BASS | Your pre-bass control. In the center it is neutral, clockwise it is boosted, counterclockwise cut.1 |
| TIGHT switch | Extra effective on a low-tuned guitar to preserve its clarity and string definition.1 |
| BYPASS STOMP SWITCH | Activates the whole circuit. When the In Waves is on, the two red lights are glowing.1 |
Gearnews's report on the launch described the tone controls the same way: "the Treble and Bass accentuate your high and low frequencies."2
Power and bypass
KHDK's product page says to use a 9V power source and that no more than 10V can be used.1 Gearnews's 2022 announcement reported the pedal "will run on 9-18V power,"2 so the two sources disagree on the upper voltage limit. KHDK's own figure is the safer one to follow: stick to 9V and do not exceed 10V.
When the In Waves is off, it is true bypassed and, in KHDK's words, "has no effect on your tone."1
Where it came from
The In Waves was announced on 11 March 2022 as a collaboration between KHDK and Trivium, following the band's earlier pedal with the maker.2 It shares a similar color scheme and design with 2021's Ascendancy overdrive pedal.2 KHDK builds, silk-screen prints and guitar-tests each unit in its Prague Custom Shop, and the pedal ships from the EU, with KHDK noting buyers should check their country's import fees.1
The In Waves is a limited artist collaboration: KHDK built it with Trivium and restricted it to 333 pieces only.1
Videos
Matthew kiichichaos Heafy
Scott Bynoe
ChoptonesOfficial
Questions
Is the KHDK In Waves true bypass?
Yes. KHDK states that when the In Waves is off, it is true bypassed and has no effect on your tone. The bypass stomp switch activates the whole circuit, and when the pedal is on, two red lights glow. Gearnews's coverage of the 2022 announcement also confirms the pedal is true bypass.
What does the Tight switch do on the In Waves?
KHDK describes the TIGHT switch as extra effective on a low-tuned guitar, where it preserves clarity and string definition. It works alongside the Boost, Treble and Bass controls, with Treble handling high frequencies and Bass acting as a pre-bass control, each neutral at its center point.
How many KHDK In Waves pedals were made?
The In Waves is limited to 333 pieces only, according to KHDK's product page. Each pedal comes with a certificate signed by Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu of Trivium.
What power supply does the In Waves need?
KHDK's product page says to use a 9V power source and that no more than 10V can be used. Gearnews's 2022 announcement reported the pedal will run on 9-18V power, so the two sources disagree on the upper limit. KHDK's own page is the more conservative guide.
Where is the KHDK In Waves built?
KHDK states the In Waves is built, silk-screen printed and guitar-tested in KHDK's Prague Custom Shop. It ships from the EU, and KHDK notes that buyers should check their country's import fees.
Can the In Waves be used on a low-tuned guitar?
Yes, and that is where KHDK says it is most useful: the TIGHT switch is described as extra effective on a low-tuned guitar, preserving clarity and string definition. The Bass control also lets you cut low frequencies before the boost stage if things get muddy.
Sources (2)
- In Waves Trivium limited clean boost pedal by KHDK, KHDK Electronics
- KHDK and Trivium collaborate on new In Waves clean boost pedal, gearnews.com, 2022-03-11
