The Stagg BLAXX BX-DIST A is a compact overdrive and distortion pedal for electric guitar, built into a die-cast metal housing. It carries gain, level and tone controls, an on/off LED indicator, and a true bypass foot switch, and it runs on 9V DC power1. It sits in Stagg's BLAXX range of small, low-cost pedals, alongside the BX-DRIVE A, BX-DRIVE B and BX-METAL.
Controls and switching
The pedal has three controls: gain, which sets how much drive the circuit applies, level, which sets the output volume, and tone, which shapes the treble character of the distorted sound1. A foot switch turns the effect on and off, and Stagg lists this switching as true bypass, meaning the pedal's circuit is taken out of the signal path when it is off1. An LED indicator shows whether the effect is on or off1.
Power and connections
Power comes from a 9V external DC adapter, which is not included, or from a 9V battery with adapter, also not included1. The input and output are both 6.35 mm (1/4") jacks, so it connects to a guitar and amplifier with standard instrument cables1.
Neither a power adapter nor a battery comes with the pedal. If you plan to run it from a pedalboard power supply, you will need a 9V DC adapter connection.
BX-DIST A compared with the BX-DIST B
Stagg makes a second pedal in the same family, the BLAXX BX-DIST B, which the maker describes as a 3-mode distortion pedal for electric guitar2. The two share the same die-cast housing, dimensions, true bypass switching and 1/4" jacks, and both run on 9V power12. The main differences are in the effect itself and the weight:
| BX-DIST A | BX-DIST B | |
|---|---|---|
| Effect | Overdrive / Distortion | 3-mode Distortion |
| Dimensions | 95 x 45 x 48 mm (3.7 x 1.8 x 1.9") | 95 x 45 x 48 mm (3.7 x 1.8 x 1.9") |
| Weight | 200 g (0.44 lb) | 205 g (0.45 lb) |
| Bypass | True bypass | True bypass |
| Power | 9V DC adapter or 9V battery (not included) | 9V DC adapter or 9V battery (not included) |
For a player choosing between them, the BX-DIST A is the simpler of the two, with a single gain, level and tone control set, while the BX-DIST B offers three distortion modes in the same sized box12. Both belong to the wider family of distortion pedals and overdrive pedals covered elsewhere on the site.
Questions
Is the Stagg BLAXX BX-DIST A true bypass?
Yes. Stagg lists the BX-DIST A with a true bypass foot switch, so when the effect is switched off, the guitar's signal passes through the pedal without any of the circuitry in the path. The same true bypass switching is found on its sibling, the BX-DIST B.
Does the Stagg BX-DIST A take a battery?
Stagg's product page lists the power supply as a 9V external DC adapter, not included, or a 9V battery with adapter, also not included. So the pedal can run from a 9V battery, but neither the battery nor a power adapter comes in the box, and you will need to supply one or the other.
Does the Stagg BX-DIST A come with a power adapter?
No. Stagg lists the power supply as a 9V external DC adapter (not included), with a 9V battery with adapter also listed as not included. You will need to add a 9V DC adapter or a battery to power the pedal.
How big is the Stagg BX-DIST A?
Stagg gives the dimensions as 95 x 45 x 48 mm, which is 3.7 x 1.8 x 1.9 inches, and the weight as 200 g, or 0.44 lb. That makes it a compact pedal that takes up little room on a pedalboard.
What is the difference between the Stagg BX-DIST A and BX-DIST B?
Both are BLAXX distortion pedals for electric guitar from Stagg in the same size die-cast case, with true bypass switching and 6.35 mm input and output jacks. The BX-DIST B is described by Stagg as a 3-mode distortion pedal, while the BX-DIST A is listed as an overdrive and distortion pedal with gain, level and tone controls. The two also differ slightly in weight.
Sources (2)
- Products » Stagg, Stagg
- Products » Stagg, Stagg
