The Rocktron Black Cat Moan is a multi-functional wah pedal with a second effect built in: a distortion-style circuit Rocktron calls the Moan. The Moan can run as a stand alone distortion or be applied to the wah effect, so the pedal covers two jobs on a board that would normally take two boxes. Rocktron describes it as offering "extremely useful and musical features"1.
What the Moan circuit does
The Moan is not a boost or a clean overdrive. Rocktron says it "has been specifically designed for heavy distortion situations, although it can be used in all situations," and that its character is most apparent with heavier distortion, sometimes subtle depending on the guitar or bass's natural harmonics1. The clipping comes from built-in germanium diodes, which Rocktron credits with providing "a unique sweepable sonic effect (THE MOAN)"1.
Two knobs control the Moan side:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Moan Gain | Provides a mid-frequency band pass filter harmonic boost1 |
| Moan Level | Adjusts the overall output of the Moan effect when it is activated1 |
The COMBINE MOAN/WAH switch is the heart of the pedal's flexibility. Rocktron explains: "The MOAN can be used as a stand alone distortion or applied to the wah effect using the COMBINE MOAN/WAH switch"1. With the Moan applied to the wah, the distortion tracks the rocker's sweep rather than sitting behind it as a separate stage.
The three wah voicings and the footswitches
A three-position Wah Type Selector Control chooses between three wah voicing modes: Normal, Classic and Bass1. The third mode is a bass voicing: Rocktron announces it as "the third mode, now get this, is 'BASS', yes, that is right, BASS!"1, intended for use with a bass rig. That puts the pedal in the company of Rocktron's other multi-voicing wah designs, such as the Rocktron Tri-Wah and the later Mike Orlando Signature Wah, which also paired three voicing settings with extra controls.
Two switches handle on/off duties, and they work separately:
- A Wah ON/OFF switch is located under the toe of the rocker footpedal, so rocking forward operates it1.
- A side "kicker" switch turns the Moan effect on or off1.
Because the two switches are independent, you can run wah alone, Moan alone as a stand alone distortion, or both together with the Moan combined into the wah sweep1.
Rocker tension and the manual
A pedal rocker tension adjustment screw lets you adjust the "action" of the Black Cat Moan pedal to suit your technique, using an allen wrench1. For more information, Rocktron points players to the instruction manual in the SUPPORT section of its website1.
For more on the effect type, see Wah-Wah Pedals, and for the distortion side of the pedal, see Distortion Pedals.
Videos
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Questions
What does the Moan circuit do on the Rocktron Black Cat Moan?
The Moan is a distortion-style effect built into the pedal, using germanium diodes to create what Rocktron calls a unique sweepable sonic effect. Its Gain control provides a mid-frequency band pass filter harmonic boost, and its Level control sets the overall output when the effect is active. Rocktron designed it for heavy distortion situations, though it says the effect can be used in all situations.
Can the Moan effect be used without the wah?
Yes. Rocktron says the Moan can act as a stand alone distortion, and it can also be combined with the wah using the COMBINE MOAN/WAH switch, which applies the Moan to the wah effect. A side kicker switch turns the Moan on or off independently of the wah.
Does the Black Cat Moan have a bass mode?
Yes. The three-position Wah Type Selector offers Normal, Classic and Bass modes, and the third mode is a BASS setting intended for use with a bass rig. That makes the pedal usable with bass as well as guitar.
What kind of diodes does the Black Cat Moan use?
The Moan circuit uses built-in germanium diodes, which Rocktron says provide the pedal's unique sweepable sonic effect. Germanium clipping is a softer-sounding choice than silicon in most distortion designs.
How do I adjust the rocker tension on the Black Cat Moan?
A pedal rocker tension adjustment screw lets you change the action of the rocker footpedal to suit your playing style. Rocktron specifies using an allen wrench for the adjustment, so no disassembly of the pedal is required.
Where can I find the Black Cat Moan manual?
Rocktron directs players to the instruction manual in the SUPPORT section of the Rocktron website for more information about the Black Cat Moan.
Sources (1)
- Black Cat Moan, Rocktron (www.rocktron.com), 2024-09-24
