The Roger Mayer Mongoose-X is a fuzz/distortion pedal whose voice has a built-in focus: Premier Guitar described it as sounding "as if it has a preset-type wah voice that gives the distortion distinctive focus." The original Mongoose was developed in 1985 for guitarists who demand "lots of fat fuzz and enough bottom end," and the Mongoose-X is the updated X-series version of that design1.
Where it came from
The Mongoose-X pairs a discrete and IC analog design: Roger Mayer describes the circuit as "a combination of both discrete and IC analogue design techniques"1. Its clipping comes primarily from a passive diode circuit, which the maker says results in smooth compression and harmonic overtones1. In character, the pedal sounds as if it has a preset-type wah voice that gives the distortion distinctive focus, and it comes across as more modern sounding and civilized sounding than the Axis or Classic Fuzz1.
How it works
The Mongoose uses a combination of both discrete and IC analog design techniques. Its clipping comes primarily from a passive diode circuit, which the maker says results in smooth compression and harmonic overtones1.
The headline feature is the Fatness Control, which allows tweaking without destroying the overall tonal characteristics. That means you can adjust the pedal's weight and body while it stays recognisably a Mongoose1.
How it sounds
Premier Guitar's report on the X-series described the Mongoose as more modern sounding and civilized sounding than the Axis or Classic Fuzz, with that preset-type wah voice giving the distortion its distinctive focus1. If you want a pedal with a fixed, focused mid character rather than a wide-open fuzz, that is the design intent here. For other takes on Mayer's distortion designs, see the Voodoo-1 and the Visage, or browse fuzz pedals and distortion pedals more broadly.
Power and connections
- Outputs: hard wire, or two buffered outputs1
- Power: a standard DC power jack, with extra internal filtering to ensure low noise performance1
- Battery: easier battery access than the earlier versions1
The Mongoose-X is built from a combination of discrete and IC analog design techniques, and its clipping is handled mainly by a passive diode circuit that Roger Mayer says gives smooth compression and harmonic overtones1. Its voicing is more modern and civilized sounding than the Axis or Classic Fuzz1.
Videos
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Sources (1)
- New Pedals from Roger Mayer, Premier Guitar, 2008-08-26
