The Stagg BLAXX BX-DIST B is a compact distortion pedal for electric guitar, part of Stagg's BLAXX range. Its defining feature is a three-position mode switch offering natural, tight and classic settings, alongside the usual gain, level and tone controls found on most distortion pedals. It sits in the distortion family, a step beyond the gentler clipping of overdrive pedals and distinct from the heavier voicing of dedicated metal pedals1.
Controls and modes
The BX-DIST B keeps its control layout simple: gain sets how much distortion the pedal produces, level sets the output volume, and tone shapes the brightness. The mode switch is what sets this pedal apart from a basic single-voice distortion unit, letting you choose between natural, tight and classic characters1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of distortion |
| Level | Sets the output volume |
| Tone | Shapes the brightness of the sound |
| Mode switch | Selects natural, tight or classic mode1 |
| Footswitch | Turns the effect on and off, true bypass1 |
An LED indicator shows whether the effect is on or off1.
Power and connections
The BX-DIST B runs on either a 9V external DC adapter or a 9V battery, and Stagg notes that neither is included with the pedal1. Input and output are both standard 6.35 mm (1/4") jacks, so it connects to your guitar and amp with ordinary instrument cables1.
No power supply comes in the box. If you are building a pedalboard, plan for a 9V DC adapter or a spot on your existing power supply, and budget for a battery if you play without one.
How it compares in the BLAXX range
Stagg's BLAXX line includes several drive-flavored pedals, and the BX-DIST B sits among them as the three-mode distortion option1:
| Pedal | Character |
|---|---|
| Stagg BLAXX BX-DRIVE A | Overdrive-style drive pedal |
| Stagg BLAXX BX-DRIVE B | Drive pedal |
| Stagg BLAXX BX-DIST A | Single-mode distortion |
| Stagg BLAXX BX-DIST B | Three-mode distortion (natural, tight, classic) |
| Stagg BLAXX BX-METAL | Metal voicing |
The closest sibling is the BX-DIST A, which shares the same gain, level and tone control layout, true bypass switching, die-cast metal housing and 9V power, but offers a single distortion voice rather than the B's three-position mode switch2. One difference worth noting: the BX-DIST A's power listing mentions only the 9V external DC adapter, while the BX-DIST B also lists a 9V battery option2.
Questions
Is the Stagg BLAXX BX-DIST B true bypass?
Yes. Stagg lists the BX-DIST B with true bypass switching, so when the pedal is off, the footswitch routes your guitar signal straight through without any active circuitry in the way. An on/off LED indicator shows when the effect is engaged.
What do the natural, tight and classic modes do?
The BX-DIST B has a three-position mode switch offering natural, tight and classic settings. Stagg's product page names the three modes but does not describe each one's character in detail, so the quickest way to hear the differences is to switch between them while playing and adjust the gain and tone controls to taste.
Can the BX-DIST B run on a battery?
Yes. Stagg lists the BX-DIST B as running on a 9V battery with adapter, or on a 9V external DC adapter. Note that neither the battery nor the adapter is included with the pedal, so you will need to supply your own power.
Does the BX-DIST B come with a power supply?
No. Stagg's product page states that the pedal runs on a 9V external DC adapter or a 9V battery, and that the adapter is not included. If you plan to power it from a pedalboard supply, make sure your supply delivers 9V DC.
What is the difference between the BX-DIST A and the BX-DIST B?
The BX-DIST A is Stagg's single-mode distortion pedal in the same BLAXX range, while the BX-DIST B adds a three-position mode switch with natural, tight and classic settings. Both share gain, level and tone controls, true bypass, a die-cast metal housing and 9V power, though the BX-DIST A's power listing mentions only the external adapter.
Sources (2)
- Products » Stagg, Stagg
- Products » Stagg, Stagg
