The Mozztronics MF-1 Baconizer Mosfet Fuzz is a fuzz pedal from Mozztronics, a maker based in Australia. Its circuit uses multiple stages of intensely asymmetrical gain built around a Mosfet transistor, and the design was inspired by the sound of sizzling bacon, which explains the control names. Pedal of the Day reviewed it in March 2021 and called it "another scorcher from Mozztronics," noting that each pedal from the maker is hotter and louder than the previous one, and that they are digging it overall1.
The circuit: a Mosfet as a gain device
Many fuzz and distortion pedals use Mosfets as clipping diodes. The Baconizer does something different: Pedal of the Day points out that it uses a Mosfet transistor "not as a reverse diode for clipping, but as a gain device," with several stages of intensely asymmetrical gain arranged around it1. Asymmetrical gain clips the signal unevenly in one direction, which is the source of the pedal's character and the joke behind its name: B.A.C.O.N stands for Bigly Asymmetrical Creator Of Noise1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Sizzle | Sets the amount of gain, from a nice crunch to an ultra crispy fuzz1 |
| Phat | Sets the amount of treble in the output, from treble cut to treble boost1 |
| Heat | Adjusts the overall volume out of the pedal1 |
| Gain switch | Selects between Low and High gain1 |
The Gain switch sets the overall character before the knobs: in low gain mode the pedal gives nice crunchy tones, closer to an overdrive feel, while in high gain mode Pedal of the Day says "this beast squeals like a pig"1. Sizzle then dials the gain within the selected mode, and Phat lets you shape the top end either way, which is useful for taming a bright amp or adding bite to a dark one.
The Baconizer has no battery option. Pedal of the Day notes that Mozztronics is "dedicated to keeping batteries out of the landfills," so plan on external power1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's 2021 review is the published verdict on the pedal. The reviewer summed it up as another scorcher from Mozztronics, with each pedal from the maker hotter and louder than the previous one, and said they were digging it overall1.
Videos
Pedal of the Day
TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow
Captain Cherry
Questions
What does B.A.C.O.N stand for on the Mozztronics Baconizer?
B.A.C.O.N stands for Bigly Asymmetrical Creator Of Noise. The name fits the circuit: the pedal is built around multiple stages of intensely asymmetrical gain based on a Mosfet transistor, and the whole design was inspired by the sound of sizzling bacon, which is where the Sizzle, Phat and Heat control names come from as well.
Does the Baconizer use a Mosfet for clipping?
No. According to Pedal of the Day, the MF-1 Baconizer uses a Mosfet transistor not as a reverse diode for clipping, but as a gain device. The circuit has multiple stages of intensely asymmetrical gain built around that transistor, which is what gives the pedal its character.
Does the Mozztronics MF-1 Baconizer take a battery?
No. The pedal has no battery compartment. Pedal of the Day notes that Mozztronics is dedicated to keeping batteries out of landfills, so the Baconizer is powered externally rather than by an internal 9V battery.
What does the Gain switch do on the Baconizer?
The Gain switch selects between Low and High gain modes. In low gain mode the pedal gives nice crunchy tones, while in high gain mode Pedal of the Day describes it as squealing like a pig. The Sizzle knob then sets the amount of gain within whichever mode you have chosen.
Sources (1)
- Mozztronics MF-1 Baconizer Mosfet Fuzz, Pedal of the Day, 2021-03-18