The Side FX Bug Elektrik is a handmade analog modulation pedal from the Greek maker Side FX that puts two effects in one box: a tremolo and a ring modulator. Side FX describes it as offering smooth or hard chopping tremolo alongside what Delicious Audio's announcement called "synthy, bit crushing ring mod madness"1. It was unveiled as out in October 20181.
What it does
The Bug Elektrik covers two related modulation effects. As a tremolo, it chops the signal's volume, and the two waveform types change the character of that chop: a triangle wave gives a smooth sweep, while a square wave gives a harder, more percussive one. As a ring modulator, it produces the inharmonic, bell-like or robotic tones the effect is known for, which Delicious Audio characterized as synthy and bit crushing sounding1.
A Gain knob adds clipping to the circuit. Delicious Audio's write-up explained the reasoning plainly: "a Gain knob (because ring modulation sounds even more dope with some clipping)"1. A Volume knob then lets you set "the perfect balance between your bypassed and modulated sound"1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Depth | Traditional modulation depth control2 |
| Rate | Traditional modulation rate control2 |
| Waveform | Two modulation waveforms, triangle and square2 |
| Gain | Adds clipping to the circuit1 |
| Volume | Balances bypassed and modulated levels1 |
Using it as a preamp
The modulation section can be completely turned off, and RockBoard's PedalPedia says the pedal can then be used as an overdriven preamp2. Delicious Audio's announcement made the same point: "Plus, you can turn the modulation off and use it as a preamp!"1. With the modulation off, the Gain knob's clipping is what shapes the sound, which puts the Bug Elektrik in territory closer to preamp pedals and overdrive pedals when you want it there.
Where it came from
Side FX is a Greek pedal manufacturer1. Delicious Audio's announcement noted that designing the circuit took months and, in the words of the piece, "a busted breadboard in the process"1. The pedal was announced as available in October 20181.
What reviewers said
Coverage of the Bug Elektrik came from Delicious Audio's announcement, written with input from Paolo De Gregorio and JustNick. Its verdict1:
"One of the most musical boxes I've played in a long time."
The same piece summed up the sound as "fully analog, smooth or hard chopping tremolo and synthy, bit crushing ring mod madness"1. For context on how the Bug Elektrik's tremolo side sits among other designs, see the tremolo pedals type page.
Videos
SideFx pedals
collector//emitter
Tri Pedal Reviews
Questions
Is the Side FX Bug Elektrik analog?
Yes. Side FX describes the Bug Elektrik as a handmade analog modulation pedal, and Delicious Audio's announcement called it a new, all analog pedal. Its tremolo and ring modulator sections are fully analog, and the Gain knob adds clipping to the circuit rather than any digital processing.
Can the Bug Elektrik be used as a preamp with the modulation off?
Yes. The modulation section can be completely turned off, and Side FX says the pedal can then be used as an overdriven preamp. Delicious Audio's announcement made the same point: turn the modulation off and use it as a preamp, with the Gain knob supplying the clipping.
Is the Side FX Bug Elektrik still in production?
The Bug Elektrik was announced as out in October 2018 by Delicious Audio.
What did reviewers say about the Side FX Bug Elektrik?
Coverage came from Delicious Audio's announcement, where the pedal was described as delivering fully analog, smooth or hard chopping tremolo and synthy, bit crushing ring mod madness. The same piece called it one of the most musical boxes I've played in a long time.
Sources (2)
- Side FX Unveils The Bug Elektrik Tremolo/Ring Modulator, Delicious Audio, 2018-10-26
- Bug Elektrik by SIDE FX, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
