The Master Effects Warmonger is a dual boost pedal: two different switchable boost circuits in one enclosure, giving what the maker calls "classic" and "modern" boosts to any amplifier. It takes inspiration from two boost pedals Master Effects describes as classic and infamous: the TC Electronic Integrated Preamplifier and the Ibanez/Maxon Tube Screamer. The pedal is the signature pedal of Gord Olson, and each one is assembled by hand in Calgary, Alberta, Canada1.
The two circuits
The Warmonger's two channels are each based on a known boost design, built with modern components. The table below shows how they differ1:
| Top channel | Bottom channel | |
|---|---|---|
| Based on | TC Electronic Integrated Preamplifier | Transitional TS-9/808 Tube Screamer |
| Tone shaping | Active Baxandall treble and bass controls | Tube Screamer-style voicing |
| Clipping | As per the original design | Switchable between silicon and LED diodes |
| Components | Modern equivalents of the original transistors, modern SMD resistors and capacitors | Modern SMD equivalents of all of the classic components |
Top channel: TC Electronic Integrated Preamplifier. Master Effects used modern equivalents of the original transistors as well as modern SMD resistors and capacitors. For the audio portion, the maker used half of a standard TL072 dual opamp instead of the traditional TL071 single channel opamp, with the other half serving as a low impedance buffer for the bias voltages. The treble and bass controls on this channel are an active Baxandall tone stack1.
Bottom channel: Tube Screamer. The bottom channel is based on the transitional TS-9/808 Tube Screamer, again using modern SMD equivalents of all of the classic components. Master Effects also added the option to switch between silicon and LED clipping diodes on this channel1.
The two channels are not identical designs: the top channel is a preamplifier-based boost with a Baxandall tone stack, while the bottom channel is a Tube Screamer-based boost with a choice of silicon or LED clipping. Which channel suits a rig depends on whether the player wants the preamp-style boost or the Tube Screamer-style midrange push.
Power and headroom
The Warmonger runs from a standard Boss-style 9V power supply. The internal circuitry boosts that voltage to 33V, which Master Effects says gives the pedal considerable headroom1. A standard 9V supply is all that is needed at the jack; the voltage boost happens inside the pedal.
Bypass, build and warranty
The Warmonger is a true bypass pedal, using a soft touch relay for switching. It sits in a powdercoated enclosure with UV printed artwork. Each pedal comes with a 1 year warranty on parts and labor, which does not cover damage due to an improper power supply or other misuse1.
The maker's own description of the pedal's two faces:
"classic" and "modern" boosts
Price and shipping
The price is $219US plus shipping. Shipping rates and charges break down as follows1:
- Within Canada and the US: $20US
- To the UK, Western Europe, Australia, and Japan: approximately $60US
- Customers outside Canada are responsible for any customs, import, or VAT charges that their country levies on the pedal
Where it sits on a board
As a boost, the Warmonger belongs in the boost pedals family, and its Tube Screamer-based channel places it alongside the overdrive pedals tradition as well. Players who want a single-channel vintage-flavored boost from the same maker can look at the Master Effects Vintage Germanium Boost, which covers that ground with one circuit rather than two.
Videos
Keith Merrow
Gord Olson
Sebastian Eldfödd
Questions
Who designed the Master Effects Warmonger?
The Warmonger is the signature pedal of Gord Olson. Master Effects assembles each pedal by hand in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and the pedal carries a one year warranty on parts and labour, which does not cover damage from an improper power supply or other misuse.
Is the Master Effects Warmonger true bypass?
Yes. Master Effects describes the Warmonger as a true bypass pedal, using a soft touch relay for the bypass switching.
What power supply does the Warmonger use?
The Warmonger runs from a standard Boss-style 9V power supply. The internal circuitry boosts that voltage up to 33V, which the maker says gives the pedal considerable headroom.
Can the Warmonger switch between silicon and LED clipping?
Yes, on the bottom channel. Master Effects added the option to switch between silicon and LED clipping diodes on the Tube Screamer-based channel, and used modern SMD equivalents of the classic components throughout.
Where is the Master Effects Warmonger made?
Master Effects assembles the Warmonger by hand in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The pedal sits in a powdercoated enclosure with UV printed artwork.
How much is shipping on the Master Effects Warmonger?
Shipping is $20US within Canada and the US. Shipping to the UK, Western Europe, Australia, and Japan is approximately $60US. Customers outside Canada are responsible for any customs, import, or VAT charges their country levies on the pedal.
Sources (1)
- Warmonger, Master Effects
