The Rocktron Third Angel Distortion is a distortion stomp box voiced for metal, announced by Rocktron in January 2010 as part of the company's Boutique Series lineup1. Rocktron describes it as providing "ultra-heavy distortion and tone and serves well with tube amps or solid state amps"1. It sits alongside other heavy-voiced pedals in the same family, such as the Rocktron Metal Planet, the Rocktron Metal Embrace and the Rocktron Zombie.
The controls
The Third Angel keeps its panel to three knobs, each with a Rocktron name rather than a conventional label12:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| DECIEVE | Controls the amount of gain1 |
| BASS | Controls bass level1 |
| UNRIGHTEOUS | Controls the distortion waveform symmetry and definition1 |
So while there is no knob labeled Gain, the Decieve control is the gain knob: it sets how much distortion the pedal produces. Unrighteous works on the shape of the clipping itself, adjusting the symmetry and definition of the distortion waveform, which changes the character of the overdrive rather than just its amount. A single footswitch toggles the effect on and off, with an LED showing the status1.
Power and bypass
The pedal runs on a 9V battery or the Rocktron DC OnTap Universal Power Adaptor1. Rocktron also emphasizes its switching: "This is a TRUE BYPASS pedal: when you turn it off…it is out of your signal path!"1. True bypass means the pedal's circuit is removed from the guitar's signal chain when off, so it will not load down or dull your clean tone.
Enclosure and design
The Third Angel comes in a rugged metal chassis with what Rocktron calls "eye popping retro custom design laser etched artwork"1.
What reviewers said
Guitar World reviewed the Boutique Series stomp boxes, including the Third Angel Distortion, and counted it among pedals that "offer guitarists a great introduction to the Boutique Series' impressive lineup"2. On its sound, the reviewer found that "the pedal's midrange remains full, so even the most radical settings never get lost in the mix"2, a point that matters for metal playing, where heavy distortion settings can otherwise swamp a band mix. The same review noted the pedal's control set simply: "while it has controls for level, bass and treble"2.
Videos
rocktron FR
CT Music Shop / Chordtabs
The Tone King
Questions
Is the Rocktron Third Angel Distortion true bypass?
Yes. Rocktron describes the Third Angel as a true bypass pedal, meaning that when it is switched off it is removed entirely from your signal path, so it does not color your clean tone when disengaged. The footswitch controls the on/off status, indicated by an LED.
Does the Rocktron Third Angel take a battery?
Yes. The Third Angel runs on a 9V battery, or it can be powered with the Rocktron DC OnTap Universal Power Adaptor.
Does the Third Angel have a gain knob?
Yes, though Rocktron calls it Decieve. The Decieve control sets the amount of gain, alongside Bass for bass level and Unrighteous, which shapes the distortion waveform symmetry and definition. There is no control labeled Gain.
What power adapter does the Rocktron Third Angel use?
Rocktron specifies its own DC OnTap Universal Power Adaptor for the Third Angel. The pedal can also run on a 9V battery.
Does the Rocktron Third Angel work with solid state amps?
Rocktron says so. According to the company's announcement, the Third Angel provides ultra-heavy distortion and tone and serves well with tube amps or solid state amps.
Sources (2)
- Rocktron Launches New Chorus & Distortion Pedals, Premier Guitar, 2010-01-07
- Review: Rocktron Boutique Series Stomp Boxes, Guitar World, 2013-06-17
