T-Rex FuzzTopia

The T-Rex FuzzTopia is a hybrid fuzz and distortion pedal: two complete circuits in one enclosure, each with its own footswitch and its own set of controls. T-Rex describes it as "a hybrid between retro fuzz and warm distortion," and says it "can go from the nastiest thunderstorm to the sweetest, smoothest distortion without losing its character."¹ It is designed and handmade in Denmark, and T-Rex frames it as "a tribute to the sound that began with a studio accident in the '60s and still inspires us today."¹

Two circuits, three sounds

The FuzzTopia's layout is built around independence. Each section carries the same four controls, and the two footswitches operate independently, controlling each effect separately.¹

Guitar.com's reviewer, Richard Purvis, described the result: "two circuits in one box with separate footswitches means instant access to three sounds: left, right and both at once."²

A push-button on the back handles 'individual/both' switching. T-Rex's product page describes a rear toggle switch that links both effects for simultaneous on/off, or separates them for individual use.¹ Purvis noted that this lets you turn both circuits on and off simultaneously with either footswitch.² Each circuit also has backgrounds that light up when the relevant channel is engaged.²

The Blend control

The Blend knob is the pedal's distinguishing feature. T-Rex calls it "the unique Blend control, which is a new feature on a fuzz pedal," and says it "lets you mix clean and distorted signal for dynamic tonal shaping, from subtle crunch to full-blown chaos."¹ Each of the two circuits carries its own blend, alongside gain, tone and volume.² For players familiar with fuzz pedals and distortion pedals as separate categories, the idea is that you can keep low-end and clarity from the clean signal underneath the affected one, rather than committing fully to either.

Build, power and size

Purvis found the build solid: "the metal enclosure feels rugged, and the knobs are recessed to protect them from your clumsy hooves."² The pedal is not valve-powered and runs off a standard 9V power supply, which he noted as a practical advantage.²

T-Rex's specifications for the pedal:

• Power: 9VDC, 2.1mm barrel plug¹
• Current draw: 60mA¹
• Input impedance: greater than 1M Ohm @ 1KHz¹
• Size: 2.36 x 4.45 x 4.61 inches (W x H x D), including knobs¹

The FuzzTopia draws 60mA at 9VDC, so a standard 9V supply handles it, though a daisy chain shared with other pedals needs enough headroom for that draw.¹ Its list price was £129 (€149/$189), which puts it in the mid-price range for a fuzz pedal.³²

What reviewers said

Guitar.com's review gave the FuzzTopia a rating of 7. Purvis's verdict was mixed. On the positive side²:

• He called it "a compact two-in-one solution at a great price"²
• He found the distortion sounds really nice at lower gain levels²

On the critical side:

• He described the fuzz as quite spitty and hard to tame²
• He judged it not the most elegantly designed stompbox²
• He characterized the fuzz side as more gnarly Maestro FZ-1 than purring Tone Bender²
• He found the tone control softens the midrange but does nothing with the piercing treble²

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