The Modal Effects Disruption Modular Gain is a modular gain effects pedal built around swappable effect modules called Mods. Rather than one fixed circuit, the pedal has three effects slots, and each Mod connects through specially designed magnets on the bottom of the module, so players can rearrange their dirt chain by moving hardware instead of patching cables. Modal Effects describes the unit as "giving you Fuzz, Boost, Drive and Distortion all in one unit", covering ground normally spread across separate fuzz, boost, overdrive and distortion pedals1.
Controls
The pedal keeps its footswitch layout simple, with two switches described by Pedal of the Day1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| On/Off switch | Works as a bypass for the entire unit1 |
| Activate+ switch | Turns on and off the first module slot (the rightmost slot) when the pedal is on1 |
The Activate+ switch is the practical hook of the modular design: with the pedal engaged, a player can switch the first Mod slot in and out of the circuit, effectively giving a second footswitchable voice on top of whatever the other slots are doing1.
Sound
Modal Effects' stated aim for the unit is to "maintain the high-quality, authentic sound of guitar pedal classics", meaning the Mods are presented as alternatives to familiar standalone dirt pedals rather than a new kind of effect1.
Availability
As of the November 2021 coverage, the Disruption Modular Gain had not been released. Pedal of the Day listed it as upcoming, with the message "KICKSTARTER COMING SOON, STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS"1.
Pedal of the Day's overall impression was that "This one is intriguing, to say the least…", reflecting interest in the magnet-mounted modular format rather than a verdict on a shipping product1.
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Questions
What is the Modal Effects Disruption Modular Gain?
It is a modular gain effects pedal from Modal Effects. Instead of fixed circuitry, it uses individual swappable effect modules, called Mods, that connect to the pedal through specially designed magnets. The unit has three slots for Mods, and Modal Effects describes it as delivering fuzz, boost, drive and distortion all in one unit while keeping the sound of classic guitar pedals.
How do the controls on the Disruption Modular Gain work?
The pedal has an On/Off switch and an Activate+ switch. The On/Off switch works as a bypass for the entire unit. The Activate+ switch turns the first module slot, the rightmost slot, on and off while the pedal is on, so a player can bring one Mod in and out of the circuit without touching the main bypass.
Sources (1)
- Modal Effects Disruption Modular Gain, Pedal of the Day, 2021-11-07
