The ZT Extortion Expressive Distortion is a distortion pedal from ZT, a maker better known for amps that was, as Premier Guitar put it, "extending its reach into the stompbox game" with this release1. It is an overdrive/distortion combo with fuzz capability, built around both analog and DSP-driven distortion voices that you can blend against each other1. Premier Guitar's reviewer called it "an exceptional overdrive/distortion combo" and found the DSP side capable of "fuzzy sustain or high-gain growl that still sits well with the analog distortion," describing the overall result as varied, transparent, and huge-sounding1. Street price at the time of the review was $1991.
Controls
The pedal keeps its face simple: three knobs and two footswitches. The enclosure is a box about the size of the most recent Electro-Harmonix Memory Man Deluxe, with a faceplate screened with a stylized version of Edvard Munch's The Scream over the ZT logo1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Functions with the same general range you'd expect in any distortion gain control1 |
| Spectral DSP | Blends analog and DSP distortion flavors to significantly alter the tone; below noon gives a sludgier, heavier distortion, clockwise produces more compression and a biting, fiery top end1 |
| Tone | Moves through an array of EQ curves: noon is flat, left is progressively more scooped midrange, clockwise is a mid boost for definition and presence on leads1 |
| Level | Controls the overall output1 |
Footswitches and expression control
The two footswitches split the work. The right-hand one engages the effect itself, and the left-hand one engages the spectral DSP, which can only be activated if the effect is already engaged via the right-hand footswitch. The left switch can be left on ready with a flashing LED, so the DSP sweep can be brought in while playing1.
For hands-free control, a 1/4" jack next to the input allows hooking up an expression pedal to control the sweep of the spectral DSP1. That makes the blend between the analog and DSP voices something you can ride with your foot rather than a setting you commit to before a song starts. Players looking at that option can see the type covered on the Expression Pedals page.
Power and connections
Input and output jacks are located on the sides of the unit, with the expression jack sitting next to the input1. Power comes from either a 9V barrel adaptor plugged into the crown or a 9V battery installed via the undercarriage trapdoor1.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's review, published June 27, 2023, credited the pedal with lots of tonal possibilities and good sound clarity and transparency among its pros1. On the DSP voices specifically, the reviewer wrote:
"the DSP distortion also makes it capable of fuzzy sustain or high-gain growl that still sits well with the analog distortion"
For context on where the Extortion sits among its neighbors, see the site's pages on Distortion Pedals, Overdrive Pedals, and Fuzz Pedals.
Videos
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Questions
What does the Spectral DSP knob do on the ZT Extortion?
The Spectral DSP knob blends the analog and DSP distortion flavors, which significantly alters the tone of the distortion. Below noon it gives a sludgier, heavier distortion, while turning it clockwise produces more compression and a biting, fiery top end, according to Premier Guitar's review.
Can I use an expression pedal with the ZT Extortion?
Yes. A 1/4-inch jack next to the input allows you to hook up an expression pedal to control the sweep of the spectral DSP, so you can move through the blend of analog and DSP distortion voices while playing.
Does the ZT Extortion run on a battery?
Yes. A 9V battery can be installed via the undercarriage trapdoor, and a 9V barrel adaptor can also be plugged into the crown of the pedal.
Is the ZT Extortion analog or digital?
It is both. The pedal carries both analog and DSP-driven distortion voices, and the Spectral DSP knob blends between the two flavors. Premier Guitar's reviewer found the DSP side capable of fuzzy sustain or high-gain growl that still sits well with the analog distortion.
What does the left footswitch do on the ZT Extortion?
The left footswitch engages the spectral DSP. It can only be activated if the effect is engaged via the right-hand footswitch, and it can be left on ready with a flashing LED so the DSP can be brought in at the moment you want it.
Sources (1)
- ZT Extortion Expressive Distortion Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2013-06-10
