The Stagg BLAXX BX-METAL is a compact distortion pedal for electric guitar, sold as a "3-mode Metal pedal" under Stagg's BLAXX line. Its central feature is a three-position mode switch offering Hi Boost, Boost Cut or Lo Boost voicings, alongside the usual distortion, tone and volume controls. It sits in the overdrive and distortion family, alongside related BLAXX pedals such as the Stagg BLAXX BX-DIST A, Stagg BLAXX BX-DIST B, Stagg BLAXX BX-DRIVE A and Stagg BLAXX BX-DRIVE B, and it belongs to the broader field of distortion pedals and overdrive pedals.1
Controls and modes
The BX-METAL keeps its control layout simple. The mode switch is what gives the pedal its "3-mode" name, selecting between Hi Boost, Boost Cut and Lo Boost. In practice that means one voicing that leans into the top end for cutting rhythm sounds, one that pulls the boost back, and one that leans into the low end. An LED indicator shows whether the pedal is on or off.1
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Distortion | Sets the amount of gain |
| Tone | Shapes the high end |
| Volume | Sets the output level |
| Mode switch | Selects Hi Boost, Boost Cut or Lo Boost voicing |
| Foot switch | Turns the effect on and off, true bypass1 |
Power and connections
The pedal runs on a 9V external DC adapter or on a 9V battery fitted with an adapter, and Stagg notes that neither the adapter nor the battery is included, so a player needs to supply one before the pedal will run. Input and output are both 6.35 mm (1/4") jacks, the standard plug size for guitar cables. The foot switch is true bypass, so with the pedal off the signal passes through without the distortion circuit in the path.1
No power supply comes in the box: Stagg lists both the 9V DC adapter and the 9V battery as not included.1
Size and build
The housing is die-cast metal, and the pedal is small and light by pedalboard standards. That footprint leaves room for other pedals on a board and keeps added weight down.1
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Housing | Die-cast metal |
| Dimensions | 95 x 45 x 48 mm (3.7 x 1.8 x 1.9") |
| Weight | 205 g (0.45 lb) |
| Input / Output | 6.35 mm (1/4") jacks |
| Power | 9V DC adapter or 9V battery, neither included1 |
Questions
Is the Stagg BLAXX BX-METAL true bypass?
Yes. Stagg lists the foot switch as true bypass, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes through without the distortion circuit loading it. That matters on a pedalboard where several pedals in a row can each dull the tone a little when engaged circuits are bypassed.
Is a power adapter included with the BX-METAL?
No. Stagg specifies a 9V external DC adapter, not included, or a 9V battery fitted with an adapter, also not included. You will need to supply one or the other yourself before the pedal will run.
What are the three modes on the BX-METAL?
A mode switch selects between Hi Boost, Boost Cut and Lo Boost. These are three voicings of the distortion: one that emphasises the high end, one that cuts the boosted character back, and one that emphasises the low end. It is the pedal's main way of shaping its metal character beyond the distortion, tone and volume knobs.
How big is the Stagg BX-METAL?
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 205 g, about 0.45 lb. It is a compact pedal that takes little room on a board.
Sources (1)
- Products » Stagg, Stagg
