Vertex Effects Blackout Axis Wah

The Vertex Effects Blackout Axis Wah is a wah pedal built on a modified Cry Baby platform, voiced after the early 1970s style of wah. Vertex Effects describes it as "a great representation of the early 1970's style Wah on modified Crybaby platform"¹. The Cry Baby is the pedal most players think of first in this territory: as Guitar World put it, "no wah run-through is complete without a Cry Baby"².

Sound and voicing

Vertex Effects describes the Blackout's character this way: "The Blackout has great mid-range growl (perfect for OD and distortion pedals), but less overall highs than most vintage wahs" while still offering "plenty of top-end for funk"¹. In practice, that voicing points the pedal at players who run a wah in front of an overdrive or distortion pedal, where a mid-forward sweep tends to sit well. Players chasing the brightest, most open top end of a vintage-style wah should note the maker's own comparison, while funk players are told there is still enough top-end on hand¹.

Circuit and build

The pedal is built around what Vertex Effects calls a "Hot Rodded 70's CryBaby Circuit & Voicing"¹. The maker lists these features:

100% analog circuitry
100% Class-A design
True bypass
Modified and handcrafted in California¹

Analog circuitry means the audio path never leaves the electrical domain, in keeping with the vintage wahs this pedal draws from. True bypass means that when the wah is off, the circuit is switched out of the chain entirely.

Warranty and buying terms

Vertex Effects backs the Blackout Axis Wah with a lifetime warranty¹. The maker also offers a 30-day money back guarantee return policy¹.

Videos

**Testando o Wah Vertex Axis Blackout.**
Felipe Melanio

**VERTEX AXIS WAH-BBE BEN WAH COMPARISON.**
StratMatt70

Questions

Is the Vertex Blackout Axis Wah true bypass?

Yes. Vertex Effects lists the Blackout Axis Wah as true bypass, meaning the pedal's circuit is removed from the signal path entirely when the effect is off. That helps keep your clean tone untouched when the wah is not engaged, which matters on a pedalboard with many pedals in line.

Is the Blackout Axis Wah analog?

Yes. Vertex Effects describes the Blackout Axis Wah as having 100% analog circuitry, and also calls it a 100% Class-A design. There is no digital conversion in the signal path, which is typical of wah pedals and of the vintage circuits this pedal draws on.

What circuit is the Blackout Axis Wah based on?

Vertex Effects says the Blackout Axis Wah uses a hot rodded 1970s Cry Baby circuit and voicing. The pedal is described as a great representation of the early 1970s style wah, built on a modified Cry Baby platform and modified and handcrafted in California.

Where is the Vertex Blackout Axis Wah made?

Vertex Effects states that the Blackout Axis Wah is modified and handcrafted in California. Vertex Effects is the maker of the pedal.

What warranty does the Vertex Blackout Axis Wah have?

The Blackout Axis Wah carries a lifetime warranty from Vertex Effects. The maker also offers a 30-day money back guarantee return policy, so a player can return the pedal within that window if it does not suit their rig.

Does the Blackout Axis Wah have fewer highs than a vintage wah?

According to Vertex Effects, the Blackout has great mid-range growl, perfect for overdrive and distortion pedals, but less overall highs than most vintage wahs. The maker adds that it still has plenty of top-end for funk playing.

Sources (2)

Blackout Wah, vertexeffects.com
Hear the ethereal (and "ridiculous") sounds of a harp run through a wah pedal, Guitar World, 2022-08-17