The Massive FX Pedals Hypnotik Fuzz is a hand-wired octave fuzz pedal: a super heavy fuzz with a vintage octave blended into the fuzz tone. It was announced from Los Angeles, CA on October 31, 2017, priced at $199, and was reported as shipping at that time1. Delicious Audio described it as a new octave fuzz pedal from the then-new Californian manufacturer2.
The controls
The Hypnotik Fuzz keeps its control set small: a fuzz level control, a master volume, and a two-position tone switch12.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Fuzz Amount (fuzz level) | Sets the fuzz level12 |
| Master Volume | Sets the output level1 |
| Two-position tone switch | Up position: Classic Fuzz Mode; down position: Mid Scoop EQ12 |
The tone switch is the pedal's main voicing control, and the two positions are described differently by each report21:
- Up position, Classic Fuzz Mode: a "vintage classic fuzz tone" that is thinner and trebly12.
- Down position, Mid Scoop EQ: cuts out some 1 kHz for a more pronounced bass and treble fuzz tone that is a bit more metallic, with an increased low-end for a heavier tone and a more defined top-end treble12.
The octave and pickup pairing
The octave effect is built in rather than switched: Premier Guitar's announcement says the pedal "also serves up a killer vintage octave blended into your fuzz tone"1, and Delicious Audio's write-up lists the blended vintage octave as part of the pedal's core sound2. On pickups, Delicious Audio notes that the Hypnotik Fuzz "works particularly well with Humbucker pickups"2.
Context in the Massive FX range
The Hypnotik Fuzz is a fuzz pedal from Massive FX Pedals, listed at $1991. Its Mid Scoop mode, in the company's words, "gives an increased low-end for a heavier tone and a more defined top-end treble"1. For where an octave fuzz sits among other dirt boxes, see Fuzz Pedals, Distortion Pedals and Overdrive Pedals.
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Questions
What does the tone switch do on the Massive FX Hypnotik Fuzz?
It is a two-position switch. The up position selects Classic Fuzz Mode, described as a vintage classic fuzz tone that is thinner and trebly. The down position selects a Mid Scoop EQ, which cuts out some 1 kHz for a more pronounced bass and treble fuzz tone that is a bit more metallic, with an increased low-end for a heavier tone and a more defined top-end treble.
Does the Hypnotik Fuzz work well with humbuckers?
According to Delicious Audio's product page, the Hypnotik Fuzz works particularly well with humbucker pickups. Players with single-coil guitars are not addressed in the published descriptions, so the humbucker note is the one the maker's press materials emphasize.
Is the Massive FX Hypnotik Fuzz hand-wired?
Yes. Premier Guitar's October 31, 2017 press release describes the Hypnotik Fuzz as a hand-wired super heavy fuzz.
When was the Massive FX Hypnotik Fuzz released?
Massive FX Pedals announced the Hypnotik Fuzz on October 31, 2017, from Los Angeles, CA, and said it was then shipping, with pricing set at $199.
Does the Hypnotik Fuzz have an octave effect?
Yes. Premier Guitar's announcement says the Hypnotik Fuzz serves up a killer vintage octave blended into your fuzz tone, and Delicious Audio describes it as an octave fuzz pedal.
Sources (2)
- Massive FX Pedals Releases the Hypnotik Fuzz, Premier Guitar, 2017-10-31
- Massive FX Pedals Hypnotik Fuzz, Delicious Audio, 2017-11-03