The Rocktron Zombie is a Rectified Distortion stompbox: a distortion pedal built around asymmetric, rectified clipping aimed at heavy sounds. Rocktron describes it as having "an absolutely monstrously heavy sound" and giving the player "user control of the symmetry balance of the distortion output waveform", which lets you shape how the clipping treats the two halves of the guitar signal1.
Controls and what they do
The Zombie keeps its control set simple, with a two-band EQ over the distortion1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| BASS | Adjusts the bass frequencies1 |
| TREBLE | Adjusts the overall treble frequencies1 |
| ON LED | Lights when the Zombie is active1 |
Beyond the EQ, the pedal's distinguishing feature is the symmetry control over the rectified distortion waveform, together with what Rocktron calls a psycho-acoustic 3D sound positioning effect, which the maker says "will make your sound jump out of the cab"1. Psycho-acoustic effects like this work on how the ear perceives space and depth, so the pedal aims for a bigger, more open presentation than a straightforward distortion alone.
Power and input specifications
The Zombie runs from a 9V DC supply with a built-in regulator and draws 15mA, so it sits comfortably within what a standard pedalboard power supply delivers1. Its 1M input impedance and +8dBu maximum input mean it accepts a normal guitar or pedal-level signal without trouble1.
Rocktron's specifications list DC9V power with a built-in regulator and do not mention battery operation, so a 9V DC adapter is the way to power the Zombie.
Related pedals
The Zombie sits in Rocktron's line of distortion pedals alongside the Rocktron Metal Planet, the Rocktron Metal Embrace, the Rocktron Rampage Distortion and the Rocktron Third Angel Distortion. If you are comparing heavy distortions across makers, the EC Pedals Zombie Distortion shares the Zombie name but is a different pedal from a different maker; Pedal of the Day notes it "operates on a standard 9 volt (negative tip) BOSS style adapter only"2. For the wider field, see the site's guide to Distortion Pedals.
Manual
Rocktron's product page for the Zombie carries a Download Manual link, so the manual is available directly from the maker1.
Videos
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Andrzej Dragan
Questions
What is rectified distortion?
Rectified distortion is clipping that reshapes the guitar signal asymmetrically, so the top and bottom halves of the waveform are treated differently. Rocktron describes the Zombie as creating a rectified asymmetric distortion, and gives the player control over the symmetry balance of the distortion output waveform, which changes the character of the clipping.
Does the Rocktron Zombie need a 9V battery or an adapter?
Rocktron lists the Zombie's power requirement as DC9V with a built-in regulator, drawing 15mA. The maker's page does not list battery operation, so plan on a 9V DC center-negative adapter of the standard BOSS style used by most pedals.
What is the 3D sound effect on the Zombie?
Rocktron says the Zombie creates a psycho-acoustic 3D sound positioning effect, which the maker describes as making your sound jump out of the cab. In practice it is a spatial enhancement built into the distortion circuit, intended to make the pedal sound bigger and more three-dimensional than a straight distortion.
Where can I download the Rocktron Zombie manual?
Rocktron's own product page for the Zombie Rectified Distortion stompbox carries a Download Manual link, so the manual is available directly from the maker's site.
Sources (2)
- Zombie Rectified Distortion Stomp Box, Rocktron, 2024-08-28
- EC Pedals Zombie Distortion, Pedal of the Day, 2014-12-16
