The Spaceman Nebula is a fuzz and octave blender pedal from Spaceman Effects, first announced in July 20181. At its core is a dual-mode IC fuzz circuit, and around that the pedal adds two independently blendable layers: a high octave and your clean, dry signal2. Because all three layers can be mixed at once, the maker describes it as a fully blendable, multi-function tone manipulator, covering everything from gentle harmonic sweetening and overdrive to layered octave fuzz2.
A fuzz with blendable octave and clean layers
Most fuzz pedals hand you one voice and let a tone knob shape it. The Nebula instead gives you three signal paths, fuzz, octave-up and clean, and lets you layer them in any proportion2. Delicious Audio, covering the announcement, described the design as one that plays on a classic circuit in interesting and original ways1.
The payoff is range. With the clean layer up and the fuzz low, the maker says you get gentle harmonic sweetening or overdrive-like textures; push the fuzz and octave layers and you move into thick, harmonic-laden fuzz with a high octave stacked on top2. Pedal of the Day called it "the somewhat wacky and definitely fun Nebula, a Fuzz/Octave Blender"5.
"The Nebula is a fully blendable, multi-function tone manipulator, allowing for the discovery of unique layered tones."
The controls
The control set is small, and each control does a lot of work:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Emission | Sets the gain of the fuzz circuit, from smooth bluesy tones to thick harmonic-laden fuzz2 |
| Spectrum | A three-shape tone control for fine tuning the sound while the layers are blended2 |
| Blend layer(s) | Bring the fuzz, high octave and clean signal in and out of the mix2 |
| Infinity Mode switch | Adds a second octave instance shrouded in fuzz2 |
Infinity Mode is the pedal's most extreme setting. Spaceman says that with the Emission control cranked, the fuzz-octave collapses in on itself and blooms into sustain2. Pedal of the Day described it in similar terms: "On the right, Infinity Mode adds a second octave to the mix, one that's shrouded in fuzz"5.
Build and where it is made
The Nebula is completely hand-soldered and handmade in Portland, Oregon2. Inside, the maker lists open-frame Switchcraft jacks, a hand-soldered PCB, military-spec wiring and a custom Spaceman heavy-duty battery connector2. The circuit is built to the original spec, fully hand-wired and handmade3. The enclosure is cast aluminum with a durable engraved vinyl faceplate and a jewel indicator light on top2.
Each pedal carries a hand-hammered number on its nameplate stating its limited availability, and each is signed and numbered on the inside2. Pedal of the Day noted the engraved faceplate and counted the Nebula among the maker's limited release pedals5.
Finishes and limited editions
Spaceman sold the Nebula in a series of small colorways, and the maker's product pages show versions named Silver, Black, Moonrock, Nebula, Ruined, Chrome, Purple, Teal and Gloss Steel2. Two documented limited editions stand out:
| Edition | Finish | Run size | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red & Black | Textured red powdercoat, solid aluminum knobs, red jewel indicator4 | Limited Edition of 64 | Sold out4 |
| Black & Blue | Light blue heavily textured powdercoat, aluminum knobs, aqua jewel indicator3 | Limited Edition of 33 | Sold out3 |
Both limited editions run the same original-spec, fully hand-wired circuits as the standard pedal3.
The Nebula is sold out on Spaceman's own product pages, including both limited editions243. It was made in small numbered runs, so availability now depends on the secondhand market.
Power and bypass
The pedal passes your signal through quality open-frame Switchcraft jacks, and inside it is built on a hand-soldered PCB with military-spec wiring and a custom Spaceman heavy-duty battery connector2. Spaceman presents the Nebula as a fully blendable, multi-function tone manipulator built around a dual-mode IC fuzz circuit with independently blendable high octave and clean signal layers2.
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Questions
Is the Spaceman Nebula true bypass?
Yes. Spaceman Effects states that the Nebula uses true-bypass switching through what the maker calls the best mechanical footswitch available, so your clean signal passes untouched when the pedal is off.
Does the Spaceman Nebula run on a battery?
The pedal is built with a custom Spaceman heavy-duty battery connector inside, alongside its 9V DC power input, so internal battery power is part of the design. Spaceman does not state a battery life figure.
Where is the Spaceman Nebula made?
The Nebula is completely hand-soldered and handmade in Portland, Oregon, by Spaceman Effects. The maker describes it as built to the highest degree of quality possible, with military-spec wiring and a hand-soldered PCB.
How much current does the Spaceman Nebula draw?
Spaceman lists a bypass current draw of 15.8 mA for this pedal, and either figure is a light load for a 9V DC supply.
Is the Spaceman Nebula still available?
No. The maker's product pages list the Nebula as sold out, including the limited edition colorways. It was released in small numbered runs, so finding one now means the secondhand market.
Sources (5)
- Spaceman Effects Unveil The Nebula Fuzz/Octave Blender, Delicious Audio, 2018-07-18
- Nebula - Fuzz / Octave Blender - Spaceman Effects, Spaceman Effects
- Nebula: Fuzz / Octave Blender, Spaceman Effects
- Nebula: Fuzz / Octave Blender, Spaceman Effects
- Spaceman Effects Nebula Fuzz Octave Blender, Pedal of the Day, 2020-01-07
