The Rainger FX Air Space Invader 2 is a fuzz-based synth pedal for guitar, combining a fuzz or distortion circuit with a synth filter in a single mini enclosure. It is the mini version of the Air Traffic Controller, but with a switchable filter, which is the main difference between the two1.
The fuzz side of the pedal is not switchable: its overdrive circuit comes from the El Distorto, a pedal that has since been discontinued, which makes the Air Space Invader 2 a two-in-one design1.
The controls
The pedal carries volume and drive controls, a "hi/lo" resonance button, and an "incoming" signal indicator. Two further buttons sit at the bottom of the case, controlling the filter and its resonance (the hi/lo switch)1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Output level1 |
| Drive | Sets the saturation of the fuzz/distortion circuit1 |
| Mix | Blends fuzz/distortion, synth filter and white noise1 |
| Hi/Lo resonance button | Switches the filter resonance between hi and lo1 |
| Filter button (bottom of case) | Switches the synth filter on and off1 |
| "Incoming" indicator | Signal indicator1 |
The Mix knob
The Mix knob is the heart of the pedal. At maximum settings it is pure fuzz or distortion, with the Drive knob setting the saturation. Turning it anti-clockwise introduces the synth filter and blendable white noise, and set fully left the output is all white noise1.
Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio described the range of sounds this gives:
"With the filter on and some white noise blended in it gives a 'moogy-soloing' hi-resonance funk sound, or a stinging and intense lead tone"
With the filter off, the pedal gives what he called the tweaked mid-rangey optimum fuzz1.
Power
The Air Space Invader 2 is powered by a standard 9V PSU with center earth (center negative) polarity. The power supply is not included with the pedal1.
The El Distorto, whose overdrive circuit the Air Space Invader 2 uses, has been discontinued1.
Videos
Jackson Brooksby
SpiralCasterPlaysPedals
Sources (1)
- Rainger FX Air Space Invader 2, Delicious Audio, 2021-12-13
