The Acid Cat Fuzz Distortion is a fuzz distortion pedal from Stacks FX, part of the maker's Ohms Series. Pedal of the Day, reviewing it in March 2022, described it as an absolute crusher of a pedal, with lots to explore between mild crunch and all-out sonic destruction, and noted that the original circuit takes your signal and sends it into brutally heavy territory with ease1. It sits in the fuzz and distortion territory alongside the rest of the Ohms Series, which the same publication described as having a nice sonic range, going from mild crunch to all-out sonic destruction2.
What it does to your sound
Pedal of the Day found the Acid Cat very dynamic and responsive to the guitar's own volume control: "The Acid Cat is very dynamic and responds really well to your guitar's Volume level, letting you achieve some classic blues/rock tones instantly"1. That means the pedal is not just a one-note heavy fuzz; rolling the guitar's volume back cleans things up toward blues and rock territory, while opening it up pushes the circuit into its heavier character.
The controls
The Acid Cat keeps its panel simple: two knobs and two switches.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume (big knob, middle) | Sets the output level1 |
| Smaller knob below the Volume knob | Sets the amount of input signal coming through, acting as a sort of "gain" control1 |
| F switch (left) | 3-position Fat switch that gives you control of the amount of bass injected into the signal1 |
| T switch | Lets you choose from three different hi-cut choices post-clipping1 |
The two switches work around the clipping stage: the F switch shapes how much low end goes in, and the T switch trims the highs after the clipping. Between them and the gain-style knob, the pedal covers a wide spread of textures, from the mild crunch end of its range to the heavier fuzz sounds the review highlights2.
Videos
Puisheen
Pedal of the Day
Tinkercity Music
Questions
What does the F switch do on the Acid Cat Fuzz Distortion?
The F switch on the left of the pedal is a 3-position Fat switch. It gives you control over the amount of bass injected into the signal, so you can fatten up the low end or thin it out depending on the amp, the guitar and how much weight you want under the fuzz.
What does the T switch do on the Acid Cat?
The T switch lets you choose from three different hi-cut choices post-clipping. In practice it shapes the top end after the fuzz has done its work, letting you tame brightness or keep the edge intact without touching the gain.
Is the Stacks FX Acid Cat true bypass?
Yes. Pedal of the Day's review notes true bypass switching, along with a power draw of less than 100mA, and calls the combination a perfect fit with any pedalboard.
How much current does the Acid Cat Fuzz Distortion draw?
Pedal of the Day's review gives the current draw as less than 100mA, which keeps it comfortable on a standard pedalboard power supply.
Does the Acid Cat respond to the guitar's volume knob?
According to Pedal of the Day, the Acid Cat is very dynamic and responds really well to your guitar's Volume level, letting you achieve some classic blues/rock tones instantly. Rolling back the guitar's volume cleans up the pedal's output.
Sources (2)
- Stacks FX Ohms Series: Acid Cat Fuzz Distortion, Pedal of the Day, 2022-03-19
- Stacks FX Ohms Series: Distorter of Worlds, Pedal of the Day, 2022-04-30
