The Modal Effects Disruption is a modular gain pedal from Nashville-based Modal Effects: a base pedal that hosts up to three snap-on effect modules, called Mods, which you can rearrange and swap to build your own dirt chain. Guitar.com's Daniel Seah described it as a modular pedal featuring six analog devices that you snap on to create your own unique sound, covering distortion, fuzz, overdrive and boost territory in one unit1.
The controls and the modules
The Disruption Base is a two-footswitch pedal with a master volume control1. The layout works like this:
- On/Off switch: works as a bypass for the entire unit2
- Activate+ footswitch: turns the first module slot (the rightmost slot) on and off when the pedal is on; it controls the module on the far right, which feeds the remaining two slots23
- Solo Channel Selector switch: engages individual modules on their own1
- Master volume: a single master volume control on the base1
Each module features a single knob to dial in its effect1. The six modules announced at launch were a fuzz, distortion, overdrive, boost, low-pass tone and mid-scoop tone1, which Pedal of the Day summed up as giving you Fuzz, Boost, Drive and Distortion all in one unit2.
The magnetic connection is the heart of the idea. The base has three effects slots for placing Mods, easily connecting via specially designed magnets on the bottom of each module, so no patch cables are needed between them2. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio noted that the module order can be organized as you wish and changed in between songs3.
Because the modules snap on and off magnetically, they can be swapped even while the effect is engaged, without additional patch cables1. The rightmost slot feeds the other two, so the physical position of a module matters to the signal chain3.
Delicious Audio's take on the format was positive on the concept: "Their Disruption modular pedal concept is intriguing because it's straightforward, flexible, clean looking, space-saving"3. On the signal path, De Gregorio explained the design goal this way: "which is why DISRUPTION is 100% analog and sounds just as good as the classics"3.
Kickstarter launch and shipping plan
The Disruption was on Kickstarter as of December 20211. Pedal of the Day had flagged the campaign a month earlier, in November 2021, with a "Kickstarter coming soon" note ahead of the launch2. At launch, a pledge of $259 (usually $319) got the Starter Pack with three modules included, and the pedals were planned to ship out in August 20221.
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Questions
Is the Modal Effects Disruption fully analog?
Yes. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio describes the Disruption as 100% analog, and ties that to its sound: the signal stays in the analog domain through the base pedal and the snap-on modules, with no digital conversion anywhere in the chain.
How many modules does the Disruption hold?
The Disruption Base holds up to three effect modules, called Mods, in three slots. The modules connect through specially designed magnets on the bottom of each one, so there are no patch cables to run between them. Six modules were announced at launch: fuzz, distortion, overdrive, boost, low-pass tone and mid-scoop tone.
Can you swap Disruption modules while the pedal is engaged?
Yes. Guitar.com reports that the modules can be swapped even while the effect is engaged, and without the need for additional patch cables. That means you can pull one Mod off the base and snap another on mid-song without killing the effect.
What does the Solo Channel Selector do on the Disruption?
The Solo Channel Selector switch lets you engage individual modules on their own, so you can hear a single Mod in isolation rather than always running the full stack of three. It works alongside the two footswitches, which turn the whole unit and the first module slot on and off.
Does the Disruption need patch cables between modules?
No. The modules connect to the base and to each other through specially designed magnets on the bottom of each module, so snapping a Mod into a slot makes the connection mechanically and electrically. No additional patch cables are needed.
How much did the Disruption cost on Kickstarter?
At the December 2021 Kickstarter launch, a pledge of $259, usually $319, got the Starter Pack with three modules included, according to Guitar.com. The pedals were planned to ship out in August 2022.
Sources (3)
- The Modal Effects Disruption is modular distortion pedal with a snap-on, snap-off approach, Guitar.com, 2021-12-15
- Modal Effects Disruption Modular Gain, Pedal of the Day, 2021-11-07
- Modal Effects Disruption Modular Pedal, Delicious Audio, 2022-01-28
