The Rift Amplification Elysium Low-Gain Fuzz is a fuzz pedal from UK amplifier maker Rift Amplification, released in early 2023. It sits in the low-gain range by design: Rift describes it as combining the clarity and dynamic response of a great overdrive with the raw texture of fuzz, and calls the result "a textural and dynamic fuzz with a double personality that interacts with your guitar's volume."1
What sets it apart from most pedals is how it is built. Rift says the Elysium is fully handwired using the same parts and techniques as its amplifiers, with true point-to-point construction rather than a printed circuit board.1
Controls
The Elysium keeps things deliberately simple. There is no gain or fuzz knob: the fuzz amount is fixed and always in the low-gain range.1
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| LEVEL | One knob controlling the output volume1 |
| VOICE switch | Moves the fuzz's voice between Fat (scooped) and War (tight)1 |
Because the fuzz level is fixed, the way players shape it is with the guitar's volume knob and the two voicings. Rift frames the pedal as something that responds to playing dynamics rather than offering a sweep of distortion settings.1
"The circuit gives you the option to add more output through a volume knob and to change the fuzz's voice from 'Fat' (scooped)..."
Power and practicalities
The Elysium runs on 9 volts at 10mA through an industry standard center-negative 2.1mm DC input socket. There is no battery option.1
No battery: the Elysium powers only from a 9V center-negative 2.1mm DC supply, so it needs a spot on a pedalboard power supply or a dedicated adapter.
At 125mm x 60mm x 55mm and 255g, it is a compact pedal that fits a standard board without fuss.1
Warranty
Rift backs the Elysium with a full no-quibble lifetime warranty to the original owner, with proof of purchase required.1
Videos
Max Rossell
MusicGearz
Dickie's 90-Second Pedal Demos
Questions
Does the Rift Elysium have a gain or fuzz knob?
No. The fuzz amount is fixed and always sits in the low-gain range. The only knob is LEVEL, which controls the output volume. The other control is a VOICE switch that changes the fuzz's character between Fat and War. Rift describes the result as a textural and dynamic fuzz with a double personality that interacts with your guitar's volume.
What do the Fat and War voices sound like?
The VOICE switch moves between two voicings Rift labels Fat and War, also described as Scooped and Tight. Fat gives a scooped character, while War gives a tighter one. Beyond those two words, the switch changes how the fixed low-gain fuzz sits in a mix rather than changing how much fuzz there is.
Does the Elysium take a battery?
No. The Elysium runs on 9 volts through an industry standard centre-negative 2.1mm DC input socket, and there is no battery compartment. Plan to power it from a pedalboard supply or a dedicated adapter.
Is the Elysium Low-Gain Fuzz handwired?
Yes. Rift says the pedal is fully handwired using the same parts and techniques as its amplifiers, with true point-to-point construction. That places it among a smaller group of pedals built the way amplifiers are, rather than on a printed circuit board.
What warranty does the Rift Amplification Elysium have?
Rift offers a full no-quibble lifetime warranty to the original owner, with proof of purchase required. That covers the pedal for as long as the original buyer owns it.
How big is the Elysium pedal?
The enclosure measures 125mm x 60mm x 55mm (LxWxH) and the pedal weighs 255g, so it fits a standard pedalboard footprint without taking much room.
Sources (1)
- New Pedal: Rift Amplification Elysium Low-Gain Fuzz, Delicious Audio, 2023-03-01
