The Paul Cochrane Zefram is a full-range harmonic overdrive that spans clean boost, overdrive and distortion, with sustaining harmonics and an active Mid control that adds its own clipping1. It is Paul Cochrane's first new pedal in 20 years, and it is endorsed by Josh Scott1.
What it does to your sound
Guitar Pedal X's reviewer, Stefan Karlsson, describes the Zefram as a mid to high gain overdrive rather than a transparent boost, with a tonne of range across its sweep. At the top end, he found you can easily dial in a sort of saturated AC30 / Brian May lead style tone, while the pedal still cleans up from the guitar volume knob1. That puts it in different territory from the transparent low-gain overdrives Cochrane is best known for, and it sits closer to the gain range of distortion pedals than a typical overdrive or boost.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Clip | Three-position switch: Most Compression / Least Compression / More Compression1 |
| Mid | Active mid boost circuit, first in the signal path; acts like a flat buffer at '0' and adds its own clipping around 2 o'clock1 |
The Mid control is the pedal's distinguishing feature. Because it is active and sits first in the design, it works as a flat buffer at its zero position and becomes a clipping mid boost as it is turned up, which is what lets one pedal cover boost, overdrive and distortion duties1.
How it relates to the Timmy
The Zefram is a departure from the Timmy, the circuit Cochrane is best known for (later licensed to MXR as a mini pedal). It uses the same sort of clipping control as on the Timmy, but arranged horizontally1. Where the Timmy built its reputation on transparency, the Zefram is deliberately voiced as a mid to high gain overdrive1.
What reviewers said
Guitar Pedal X reviewed the Zefram in February 2025 and came away enthusiastic:
"That Mid control is pure magic - especially applied in the way I deploy it. This is a super versatile and beautifully ca..." [truncated in review]1
Stefan Karlsson, Guitar Pedal X, 17 February 20251
His overall verdict was that the Zefram is a super versatile extended range Boost, Overdrive and Distortion all-rounder, highly recommended1.
The Zefram is sold exclusively through Humbucker Music, and at the time of the February 2025 review it was available there at a discount from its $179 list price1.
Videos
Ambient Endeavors
Jeremy's Below Average Channel
Humbucker Soup
Questions
Where can I buy the Paul Cochrane Zefram?
According to Guitar Pedal X, the Zefram is sold exclusively through Humbucker Music, and as of the February 2025 review it was available there at a discount from its $179 list price. Because it is a single-store exclusive, it may not appear at the usual large pedal retailers.
How is the Zefram different from the Timmy?
Guitar Pedal X describes the Zefram as quite a departure from the Timmy. It uses the same sort of clipping control as the Timmy but arranged horizontally, and where the Timmy is known for transparency, the Zefram is a mid to high gain overdrive with sustaining harmonics and an active Mid control.
Why is it called the Zefram?
Guitar Pedal X notes that the name Zefram references a Star Trek character, introduced from season 2 onwards, who shares the same surname as Paul Cochrane.
Can the Zefram do Brian May tones?
Guitar Pedal X's reviewer found that you can easily dial in a sort of saturated AC30 / Brian May lead style tone with the Zefram, and that the pedal still cleans up from the guitar volume knob, so it covers more than just the high-gain end.
Sources (1)
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2025-02-17