The Red Witch Zeus Bass Fuzz and Suboctave is a bass pedal that combines an all-analog silicon fuzz with a lower octave, announced by Red Witch on October 1, 20151. It was the second addition to the Red Witch Bass pedal range, following the Factotum, and both effects run independently: two footswitches let you activate the fuzz side, the octave side, or both at the same time12.
The fuzz section is a silicon circuit that Red Witch says comprises the very best features of the Fuzz God II1. The suboctave uses what MusicRadar describes as gnarly analog tracking3. Red Witch's own description of the sound runs from quiet to cataclysmic:
"Zeus is capable of generating anything from a distant rumble to an all out subterranean cataclysm"1
A bass fuzz with an analog suboctave
Both sides of the pedal are analog. Red Witch describes the fuzz as 100% analog, Pedal of the Day describes the suboctave the same way, and MusicRadar calls the whole pedal an all-analog silicon fuzz with lower octave132. The pedal was designed specifically for bass, which Red Witch says translates to no low-end roll off, unlike the majority of guitar effects1.
The Zeus builds on the success of Red Witch's Factotum, and its fuzz side serves up features culled from the Fuzz God II3. Pedal of the Day's reviewers found the analog suboctave has a fantastic, tactile springiness with extremely good tracking1.
The controls
The Zeus puts separate mix controls on each side, so you dial in as little or as much of each effect as you want1. The two footswitches activate their designated side, Octave or Fuzz, and both can be used at the same time2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Fuzz knob | Adds in or takes away fuzz from the output; also works in conjunction with the instrument's volume knob2 |
| Sputter knob | A fuzz gauge, shifting from smooth, warm and fuzzy fuzz to splattered, squelchy sounds2 |
| Two mix controls | Dial as little or as much of each effect in1 |
| Ear toggle | Boosts the treble frequencies in the pedal, adding brightness to the overall tone2 |
| Left and right footswitches | Activate the Octave or Fuzz side; both can run together2 |
The Sputter control is the character control of the fuzz side. Pedal of the Day describes it as a fuzz gauge, allowing the player to shift from smooth, warm and fuzzy fuzz to all-out splattered, squelchy sounds2. MusicRadar groups Sputter and Fuzz together as the controls that adjust the tone3.
The Fuzz knob does more than set the amount of fuzz. Pedal of the Day notes it also works in conjunction with the instrument's volume knob, so rolling your bass or guitar's volume back changes how the fuzz responds2.
Internal trimmers
Inside the pedal are two trimmers:
MusicRadar also notes these internal controls for fuzz and octave master volume3. They set the overall output level of each side, so the two effects can be matched to each other and to your clean level.
On guitar as well as bass
Although the Zeus is marketed as a bass pedal, Pedal of the Day's reviewers found it fits comfortably in the guitar realm as well2. The full frequency response and lack of low-end roll off that Red Witch designed in for bass players is what lets it hold up with a guitar1.
MusicRadar's launch coverage put it more colorfully, quoting the pedal as "so good, your guitar player will already be plotting to steal it"3.
Who designed it
The Zeus was designed by Ben Fulton, Red Witch's company founder and designer1.
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Questions
Can you use the Red Witch Zeus on guitar?
Yes. It is marketed as a bass pedal, but Pedal of the Day's reviewers found it fits comfortably in the guitar realm as well. The fuzz and suboctave circuits were designed specifically for bass with no low-end roll off, unlike most guitar effects, which is what makes it work for both instruments.
What does the Sputter knob do?
Pedal of the Day describes the Sputter control as a fuzz gauge, letting you shift from smooth, warm and fuzzy fuzz to splattered, squelchy sounds. MusicRadar groups it with the Fuzz knob as a control that adjusts the tone.
Is the Red Witch Zeus analog or digital?
It is fully analog. Red Witch's announcement describes the fuzz section as 100% analog, Pedal of the Day describes the suboctave as 100% analog, and MusicRadar calls the pedal an all-analogue silicon fuzz with a lower octave.
Where are the internal master volume trimmers?
Inside the pedal. Red Witch's announcement lists an internal Fuzz master volume trimmer and an internal Octave master volume trimmer, and MusicRadar notes there are internal controls for fuzz and octave master volume. You set them once to match the output levels of the two sides.
Who designed the Red Witch Zeus?
Ben Fulton, Red Witch's company founder and designer, is named as the designer in the announcement of the Zeus Bass Fuzz Suboctave pedal.
Sources (3)
- Red Witch Unveils the Zeus Bass Fuzz Suboctave, Premier Guitar, 2015-10-01
- Red Witch Pedals Zeus Bass Fuzz Suboctave, Pedal of the Day, 2015-12-06
- Red Witch launches Zeus Bass Fuzz and Suboctave pedal, MusicRadar, 2015-09-30
