The Side FX Bug Elektrik is a handmade analog modulation pedal from Side FX, a Greek pedal manufacturer, combining tremolo and ring modulation in one unique circuit. Handbuilt in Athens, Greece, it is designed for creative, unpredictable modulation and experimental textures, and it can also be run with its modulation section completely off to work as an overdriven preamp.1
Delicious Audio reported the pedal's release in October 2018, describing it as a new, all analog pedal from the Greek makers.2
What it does
The Bug Elektrik puts two effects in one box. As a tremolo it chops the volume of your signal, and as a ring modulator it produces the bell-like, inharmonic tones ring modulation is known for. The maker positions it for players after unpredictable, experimental modulation rather than a straightforward pulse.1
Delicious Audio's report highlighted the ring mod side in particular, noting "Two amazingly usable ring mod settings," a phrase worth noting since ring modulators are often dismissed as one-joke effects.2
Controls and waveforms
The pedal offers traditional modulation controls, Depth and Rate, along with two waveform types, triangle and square, for shaping the modulation.1
Beyond the standard controls, the Bug has two envelope modes that affect the modulation Rate. One is based on your playing dynamics, so picking harder or softer changes the speed of the effect, and the other is controlled by a light sensitive element on the chassis, so blocking or exposing that sensor changes the Rate.2
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Depth | Traditional modulation depth control1 |
| Rate | Traditional modulation rate control1 |
| Waveform switch | Triangle or square modulation waveform1 |
| Envelope modes | Two modes affecting the Rate: one from playing dynamics, one from a light sensitive element on the chassis2 |
Power and bypass
The Bug Elektrik works with a standard 9 V DC adapter, center negative.1 The unit features true bypass, so the circuit is out of the signal path when off.1
Background
Side FX unveiled the Bug Elektrik Tremolo/Ring Modulator in October 2018. The maker's account of the design, as reported by Delicious Audio, was that designing the circuit took months and a busted breadboard in the process.2
For where the Bug Elektrik sits among tremolos generally, see the Tremolo Pedals page.
Videos
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SideFx pedals
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Questions
Is the Side FX Bug Elektrik true bypass?
Yes. According to the maker's product page, the unit features true bypass, so when it is switched off your guitar's signal passes through without the circuit loading it.
What power supply does the Bug Elektrik need?
The Bug Elektrik works with a standard 9 V DC adapter, center negative. The maker does not list a current draw figure, so a standard isolated 9 V supply is the safe choice.
Can the Bug Elektrik be used as an overdrive with the modulation off?
Yes. The maker says the modulation section can be completely turned off, letting the pedal act as an overdriven preamp, so it can sit on a board as a gain stage as well as a modulation effect.
Where is the Side FX Bug Elektrik made?
The Bug Elektrik is handbuilt in Athens, Greece by Side FX, a Greek pedal maker.
Sources (2)
- Bug Elektrik by SIDE FX, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- Side FX Unveils The Bug Elektrik Tremolo/Ring Modulator, Delicious Audio, 2018-10-26
