The Recovery Effects Zenith And Vales is a bit crushing digital fuzz effects pedal from Recovery Effects. Instead of a conventional clipping circuit, it applies bit crushing, sample rate reduction and aliasing to manipulate the input signal, producing what the maker describes as unconventional, angular fuzz tones with intense digital distortion, resulting in wild peaks and valleys1.
What it does
The pedal combines three digital mangling techniques. Bit crushing reduces the resolution of the signal, sample rate reduction thins it further, and aliasing adds the digital artifacts that give the pedal its character. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson described it as "A really unique Sample Rate Reduction and Bitcrushing Fuzz with unique warble and Aliasing impact"3.
The pedal offers four modes across two switches:
- Two algorithm modes that alternate between jagged, uneven distorted sounds that are mangled beyond recognition1
- Two aliasing modes that toggle between light undersampling and heavily pixelated artifacts1
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Sample Rate | Sets the sample rate reduction |
| Bit Reduction | Sets the bit crushing depth |
| Volume | Output level |
| Warble Speed | Speed of the warble modulation |
| Warble Amount | Depth of the warble modulation |
| Aliasing | Amount of aliasing artifact |
| SR / BR A/B switch | Switches between the two algorithm modes |
| Aliasing A/B switch | Switches between the two aliasing modes |
What reviewers said
Karlsson, who reviewed the pedal for Guitar Pedal X in June 2024, treated it as a fuzz in name only: "A really cool sort of fuzz oddity, which is even less of a proper fuzz than the Mattoverse AirTrash," with very sci-fi, synth-leaning sound character2. In his year-end roundup of 2024 fuzz releases he was more measured, writing: "This is quite a distinctly different fuzz - and does require some delicacy on dial-in - certainly not for everyone"3.
The pedal is sold out on Recovery Effects' own page as of October 2026, with a notify-when-available option in its place1.
Price and availability
The Zenith and Vales lists at $2293. It is currently shown as sold out, with a "notify when available" option offered instead1.
Videos
recoverysounds
Questions
Is the Zenith and Vales a traditional fuzz pedal?
No. Guitar Pedal X's Stefan Karlsson called it a fuzz oddity that is even less of a proper fuzz than the Mattoverse AirTrash, rendering very sci-fi, synth-leaning sounds. It uses bit crushing, sample rate reduction and aliasing rather than a conventional clipping circuit, and he noted it requires some delicacy on dial-in and is certainly not for everyone.
How much does the Zenith and Vales cost?
Guitar Pedal X listed it at $229 as of December 2024. It originally went on presale in May 2024 at $199, with the regular $229 price taking effect on May 14, 2024.
Sources (3)
- ZENITH AND VALES (Bit Crushing Digital Fuzz effects pedal), Recovery Effects and Devices
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-06-14
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-12-18
