The Recovery Effects RFZ-1 is a fuzz pedal and the maker's take on the original Vox Distortion Booster circuit. Recovery Effects describes it as staying tight and crunchy when the drive is cranked, with a warm, compressed, fuzzed-out tone with plenty of bite whether the drive is set at 3 or 10. The maker notes that the pedal became known for its classic garage and psych tones, calling the name deceptive.1
Circuit and sound
The RFZ-1 takes its circuit from the original Vox Distortion Booster, a design that despite its name sits in fuzz territory for most players comparing it against modern distortion or overdrive pedals. Recovery Effects describes the character as warm, compressed and fuzzed-out, holding together at higher drive settings rather than falling apart into loose saturation.1
The pedal carries a single drive control, adjustable from 3 to 10, and the maker says the tone keeps its bite at any setting on that range.1
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Sets the amount of fuzz, adjustable from 3 to 10; the maker says the tone stays tight and crunchy with bite at any setting1 |
Limited edition status
The RFZ-1 was offered in a Cream Gold finish as part of Recovery Effects' Rare Bird Sale, a run of one-offs, samples and prototypes sold ready to ship. The maker's page currently shows the pedal sold out, with a "notify when product available" option for players who want word of a restock.1
Because the RFZ-1 was a limited edition release, availability depends on whether Recovery Effects runs the circuit again. The email notification on the product page is the maker's own channel for restock news.1
Power, size and practical details
The RFZ-1 runs on a standard Boss style 9V DC supply, the same center-negative format as most compact pedals, so it fits a normal pedalboard power setup. Switching is true bypass.1
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Power | 9V DC, standard Boss style supply1 |
| Bypass | True bypass1 |
| Enclosure | 4.77" x 2.6" x 1.39"1 |
| Finish | Cream Gold1 |
| Warranty | Limited 1-year, if registered within 30 days of purchase1 |
Recovery Effects builds other fuzzes as well, including The Grizzled Mighty Fuzz, originally created for the band of the same name, and the Zenith and Vales bit-crushing fuzz. For more on the effect type, see the fuzz pedals page.
Questions
Is the Recovery Effects RFZ-1 true bypass?
Yes. Recovery Effects specifies true bypass switching on the RFZ-1, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes straight through without any buffering from the circuit.
What power does the RFZ-1 need?
The RFZ-1 operates on a standard Boss style 9V DC power supply, the same center-negative type used by most compact pedals, so it will work with a typical pedalboard power supply.
Where is the RFZ-1 made?
Recovery Effects hand-wires the RFZ-1 in Seattle, Washington.
How big is the RFZ-1?
The enclosure measures 4.77 by 2.6 by 1.39 inches, a compact footprint in line with standard small-format fuzz pedals.
Does the RFZ-1 have a warranty?
Yes. The RFZ-1 includes a limited 1-year warranty, provided it is registered within 30 days of purchase.
Is the RFZ-1 still available?
The RFZ-1 was sold as a limited edition as part of Recovery Effects' Rare Bird Sale of one-offs, samples and prototypes. The maker's page shows it sold out, with an email notification option for restocks.
Sources (1)
- RFZ-1 (Limited Edition Fuzz), Recovery Effects and Devices
