The Master Effects Nerve Agent is a mid boost pedal with a preamp, built on the Furman PQ3 mid EQ circuit. The maker describes it as "The legendary Furman PQ3 mid EQ band and preamp stripped down into the ultimate mid boost pedal," and classifies it as a mid boost and parametric EQ1. It sits in the wider family of equalization pedals and preamp pedals.
Where the circuit comes from
The Nerve Agent takes the PQ3 circuit that Master Effects already uses in its EQFH Professional pedal and trims it down into a pedal that carries the preamp from the PQ3 and the mid EQ section1. The Furman PQ3 itself was a rack preamp, and the maker explains how players used it: "Most of the time the PQ3 was used as a preamp before the amplifier as a mid boost"1. That is the role the Nerve Agent is built for, placed before the amp to shape and lift the mids.
Controls and how much boost it gives
The pedal has four controls1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| FREQ (Frequency) | Sets the center frequency of the mid band |
| FOCUS | Sets the bandwidth, or Q |
| BOOST | Boost from minus infinity to +20dB |
| LEVEL | Up to +20dB |
Used as a mid boost in front of an amp, the pedal allows up to a total of 40dB of boost, which the maker says will "slam the front end of your amp"1. That total comes from the BOOST control's range of minus infinity to +20dB and the LEVEL control's up to +20dB1.
Versions
The pedal is available in two finishes1:
- The original Lambchopper design, with a glow in the dark powder coat
- A "Studio" version in matte white, with control labels on the frequency control
Price, shipping and ordering
The pedal is priced at $169 USD plus shipping1. Shipping costs depend on where the order goes:
| Destination | Shipping cost |
|---|---|
| United States and Canada | $20US1 |
| UK, Western Europe, Australia, and Japan | $60US1 |
Orders typically ship within 2 to 4 weeks1.
For customers outside Canada, the maker states that you will be responsible for any customs, import, or VAT charges that your country levies on the order1.
Videos
LambChopper678
Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars
Metalhead Productions
Questions
What is the Master Effects Nerve Agent based on?
It is based on the Furman PQ3 preamp and mid EQ circuit. Master Effects had already used that circuit in its EQFH Professional pedal, and the Nerve Agent trims it down into a pedal format with the PQ3's preamp and mid EQ section. The maker notes that the PQ3 was most often used as a preamp in front of an amplifier as a mid boost.
How much boost does the Nerve Agent give?
Used as a mid boost in front of an amp, the pedal allows up to a total of 40dB of boost to push the front end of an amplifier. The BOOST control itself runs from minus infinity to +20dB, and the LEVEL control adds up to +20dB.
Is the Nerve Agent a parametric EQ?
The maker lists it as a mid boost and parametric EQ. It has a FREQ control to pick the centre frequency and a FOCUS control for bandwidth, or Q, which together give parametric-style control over the mid band, plus BOOST and LEVEL controls for gain.
How much does the Nerve Agent cost?
The pedal is priced at $169 USD plus shipping, according to the maker. Shipping is $20US to the United States and Canada, and $60US to the UK, Western Europe, Australia, and Japan.
How long does a Nerve Agent order take to ship?
Orders typically ship within 2 to 4 weeks, according to the maker's product page.
Do I pay import charges when ordering a Nerve Agent from outside Canada?
Yes. The maker states that customers outside Canada are responsible for any customs, import, or VAT charges that their country levies on the order.
Sources (1)
- Nerve Agent, mastereffects
