The Spaceman Wow! Signal is a modulated fuzz from Spaceman Effects: a fuzz tone whose filter is swept by an LFO section, which the maker describes as providing "a range of unique filter modulation from subtle to extreme." It was made as a collaboration with The Dandy Warhols, whose guitarist Peter Holmström worked with the Portland builder12.
What it does
The pedal is a fuzz first, with a Speed control governing an LFO that modulates the filter over that fuzz tone. The modulation runs from subtle movement to extreme sweeps1. Spaceman says the Wow! Signal "sounds best with passive pickups and can be used with guitar, bass, baritone, synth or your favorite sonic transmission device"1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Speed | Sets the LFO speed that modulates the filter over the fuzz tone1 |
| Offset | On the special modified version with the LFO disengaged, becomes a second manual filter1 |
| Internal switch | Under the bottom cover; factory setting is "normal", and flipping it greatly increases the LFO depth1 |
Editions and the special version
The pedal is offered in a Copper Edition and a Chrome Edition, the latter carrying the same features in a polished chrome finish1. A special version adds modifications selected by internal switches:
- Switch 1: remounts the internal depth selector to the outside panel1
- Switch 2: disengages the LFO, which also turns the Offset control into a second manual filter1
- A wider speed range selector, including mega-fast ring-mod type sounds1
- A Sustain Mod that adds longer, smoother sustain1
The Wow! Signal is listed as sold out on the Spaceman Effects site as of 26 October 20261.
Where it sits in the Spaceman range
Spaceman's fuzz line runs from the Rumblefuzz and Rumblefuzz II through the Spacerocket II octave fuzz, the Gemini III dual fuzz, the Charon Ge/Si Hybrid Fuzz and the Sputnik series, up to the Titan II: Fuzz Machine. The Wow! Signal is the line's modulated take, pairing fuzz with filter modulation rather than octave or dual-fuzz designs. For more on the type, see the Fuzz Pedals page1.
Videos
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Vintage Stompboxes
Sources (2)
- WOW Signal: Alien Fuzz Communicator, Spaceman Effects
- Visiting Peter Holmström, Stompbox Book (stompboxbook.com), 2019-07-13
