The whole pedal is built around one control knob, two boost options, and two bypass modes, in a small aluminum die-cast chassis1.
What it does
In Clean mode, the Lacerate works as a straight volume boost. NUX says it "only boosts the signal, increasing the volume without any sound colorization"1, which suits solos, driving an amp harder, or making up for a quiet pickup.
Crank mode is the second voice. Hold the footswitch down for one second and the gain signal is cranked up3, engaging a second stage that NUX describes as adding "fat, harmonically rich boost tone"1. Guitar World also noted that beyond boosting clean volume, players can boost the gain and adjust the signal level separately, keeping it the same as, higher, or lower than the input level3.
| Mode | What it does | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Clean | Volume boost, no colorization | Normal footswitch press1 |
| Crank | Up to +35dB gain with second-stage overdrive tone | Hold footswitch for one second13 |
Bypass and buffering
The Lacerate's bypass is selectable: you can run it as true bypass or as buffer bypass using the embedded buffer1. That choice matters for placement. True bypass keeps the pedal out of the signal path entirely when off, while buffer mode can help drive long cable runs or large pedalboards. Players comparing boosts can read more about the trade-offs on the buffer pedals page.
Power and connections
The pedal runs on a 9V center negative DC supply with a 75mA current draw1. NUX states that only a 9V power source is to be used with it1, and there is no battery option.
The 75mA draw is modest, and the pedal's power input is 9V DC center negative only1.
Where it came from
The Lacerate is one of NUX's mini pedals, built around the maker's Dual FET Circuit Design in a compact aluminum die-cast chassis1. NUX indexes its pedals by effect type, and lists the Lacerate as a FET Boost2. Players looking at other NUX boost options can compare it with the NUX Boost Core Deluxe and the NUX Masamune Booster & Kompressor.
Videos
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Questions
How do you engage the Crank Boost on the NUX Lacerate?
Hold the footswitch down for one second. The pedal starts in Clean mode, and holding the switch engages the second stage, which cranks the gain signal up for a fat, harmonically rich boost tone. A quick tap returns you to normal operation.
Is the NUX Lacerate true bypass or buffered?
It can be either. The Lacerate has an embedded, selectable buffer bypass, so you choose between true bypass and buffer bypass. That makes it flexible at either end of a pedalboard, where a buffer can help preserve signal over long cable runs.
Does the NUX Lacerate color the tone?
In Clean mode, no. NUX says the pedal only boosts the signal, increasing volume without any sound colorization. Crank mode is different: it engages a second stage that adds gain and what the maker describes as a fat, harmonically rich boost tone.
Can the NUX Lacerate run on a battery?
No. The Lacerate is powered by a 9V center negative DC supply drawing 75mA, and NUX states you should only use a 9V power source. There is no battery option, so it needs a spot on a power supply.
Sources (3)
- Lacerate, NUX Audio, 2025-11-26
- Mini Core Series Stompboxes, NUX Audio, 2025-08-18
- Nux Announces Lacerate FET Boost Mini Pedal, Guitar World, 2017-09-18
