The Rocktron Metal Planet is a distortion pedal aimed squarely at heavy metal players. Rocktron describes it as a "high octane" metal distortion and says plainly that it is "not for the timid at heart," promising "a heavy metal distortion unmatched by other pedals"1. What sets it apart from a straightforward dirt box is its EQ section: a four-band EQ designed specifically for guitar distortion, with separate level and distortion controls1.
The controls
The Metal Planet's four-band EQ gives more control over a distorted tone than the usual three-knob pedal. The bands work together with the gain and level stages312:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Distortion | Adjusts the amount of distortion in the signal2 |
| Low | Adjusts the low-end frequencies1 |
| Middle | Adjusts the mid frequencies' bite of the distorted sound1 |
| Middle Frequency | Adjusts the actual midrange EQ sweep1 |
| High | Adjusts the high-end frequencies2 |
The pair of mid controls is the one to understand. The Middle knob sets how much bite the mids carry in the distorted sound, while the Middle Frequency knob sets where in the midrange that control sits. Rocktron says the mid-frequency sweep "allows for a wide range of tones from scooped heavy metal tones to more modern rock tones"3. In practice, that means one pedal can cover the scooped, low-and-high heavy metal voicing and a more forward, mid-focused rock sound depending on where the sweep is set.
Power and battery
The Metal Planet runs on 9VDC. Rocktron lists a current consumption of 35mA with a maximum of 300mA2. It also takes a battery: the pedal has an easy-access battery compartment, which the maker says "makes changing batteries during a gig a breeze"1.
Rocktron lists the power requirement as 9VDC at up to 300mA2. Check the current rating of any supply you put on a daisy chain with other pedals before sharing power.
Build and specifications
The pedal is housed in what Rocktron calls its "rugged road worthy extruded aluminum chassis," which the maker says will stand up to the abuses of time and road wear and tear1. On the input side, the impedance is 1M ohm with a maximum input level of +10dBu2. Rocktron makes a manual available as a download from the product page2.
Where it sits in Rocktron's distortion line
Rocktron has built a range of distortion pedals around different metal voicings, and the Metal Planet is the maker's four-band EQ take on the format. Others in the line include the Rocktron Zombie, the Rocktron Metal Embrace, the Rocktron Rampage Distortion, the Rocktron Third Angel Distortion and the Rocktron Gary Hoey Intimidator. For a broader look at the category, see the site's Distortion Pedals page23.
Videos
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Ola Englund
Questions
Does the Rocktron Metal Planet take a battery?
Yes. Rocktron gives the Metal Planet an easy-access battery compartment, which the maker says makes changing batteries during a gig a breeze. It can also run on a 9V DC supply, with a current consumption of 35mA.
What voltage does the Rocktron Metal Planet need?
Rocktron lists the power requirements as 9VDC, with a current consumption of 35mA and a maximum of 300mA. A standard 9V DC pedal supply within that limit will run it, and it also takes a battery through its easy-access compartment.
What does the mid-frequency sweep do on the Metal Planet?
The Middle Frequency control adjusts the actual midrange EQ sweep. Rocktron says this sweep allows for a wide range of tones, from scooped heavy metal tones to more modern rock tones, while the separate Middle control sets the mid frequencies' bite of the distorted sound.
What is the input impedance of the Metal Planet?
Rocktron lists the input impedance at 1M ohm, with a maximum input level of +10dBu.
Sources (3)
- Rocktron, Rocktron, 2024-09-24
- Metal Planet Distortion Stomp Box, Rocktron, 2024-08-28
- Metal Planet, Rocktron, 2024-08-28
