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Average Price: $150

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$181+

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Description

Dive into the realm of iconic distortion with the ARC Effects Soothsayer, a pedal that reimagines the legendary '70s and '80s distortion with a modern twist. It's not just about emulating the past; it’s about creating something uniquely yours. With its versatile clipping options and the ability to switch between high-gain distortion and smoother overdrive, the Soothsayer offers a sonic palette that caters to both the purists and the pioneers. Whether you're looking to replicate classic tube amp breakup or forge your own path with intricate soundscapes, this pedal grants you the power to shape your sound precisely how you envision it. The LM308 chip ensures your tone remains authentic, while the internal gain modes invite you to explore the boundaries of your musical expression. Perfect for the guitarist who demands control and quality, the Soothsayer is your companion on the journey to your ultimate sound.

Key Features:

  • LM308 chip for authentic '70s and '80s distortion
  • Four clipping options: classic, boutique, open, and turbo LED
  • Internally-switched gain modes for versatile distortion and drive
  • Controls for volume, filter, and gain to sculpt your ideal sound

Product specs

Brand ARC Effects
Model Soothsayer Distortion
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What type of distortion tones can I expect from the ARC Effects Soothsayer?

The ARC Effects Soothsayer delivers a versatile range of distortion tones, from classic overdrive to heavy, saturated distortion. It's designed to maintain clarity and articulation while providing a rich, dynamic sound suitable for various genres.

Is the ARC Effects Soothsayer suitable for use with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the Soothsayer is designed to work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, offering consistent performance and tonal quality across different guitar types.

Does the ARC Effects Soothsayer require a specific power supply?

The Soothsayer operates with a standard 9V DC power supply, which is typical for many guitar pedals, ensuring compatibility with most pedalboard power setups.

How does the ARC Effects Soothsayer compare to other distortion pedals?

The Soothsayer is known for its clarity and dynamic response, setting it apart from other distortion pedals that may sound muddier or less articulate. It provides a wide tonal range, making it a versatile choice for various styles.

Can the ARC Effects Soothsayer be used for live performances?

Absolutely, the Soothsayer is built for both studio and live performance settings, offering reliable and consistent sound quality that cuts through the mix effectively on stage.

The Pedal Bored

The Pedal Bored

4 RAT Style Pedals (ProCo RAT 2, Mooer Black Secret, Arc Soothsayer, Little Bear R.Attack)

Video thumbnail for 4 RAT Style Pedals (ProCo RAT 2, Mooer Black Secret, Arc Soothsayer, Little Bear R.Attack) by The Pedal Bored

4 RAT Style Pedals (ProCo RAT 2, Mooer Black Secret, Arc Soothsayer, Little Bear R.Attack)

The Pedal Bored

The Pedal Bored

Video thumbnail for Guitar Demo: ARC EFFECTS SOOTHSAYER  [Overdrive Pedal] by Greg's Guitar Lessons

Guitar Demo: ARC EFFECTS SOOTHSAYER [Overdrive Pedal]

Greg's Guitar Lessons

Greg's Guitar Lessons

Video thumbnail for ARC EFFECTS: SOOTHSAYER - DEMO (High-Gain Mode) by Brett Kingman

ARC EFFECTS: SOOTHSAYER - DEMO (High-Gain Mode)

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Arc Effects Soothsayer by Mike Hermans

Arc Effects Soothsayer

Mike Hermans

Mike Hermans

Video thumbnail for Arc Effects Soothsayer review by gilmourish

Arc Effects Soothsayer review

gilmourish

gilmourish

Video thumbnail for ARC EFFECTS: SOOTHSAYER - DEMO (Low-Gain Mode) by Brett Kingman

ARC EFFECTS: SOOTHSAYER - DEMO (Low-Gain Mode)

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Walrus Audio Iron Horse VS ARC Effects Soothsayer by Iga Massardi

Walrus Audio Iron Horse VS ARC Effects Soothsayer

Iga Massardi

Iga Massardi

Video thumbnail for Bass Demo: ARC EFFECTS SOOTHSAYER  [Overdrive Pedal] by Greg's Guitar Lessons

Bass Demo: ARC EFFECTS SOOTHSAYER [Overdrive Pedal]

Greg's Guitar Lessons

Greg's Guitar Lessons

Video thumbnail for Arc Effects Soothsayer & Moog MF Minifooger Delay "In Room" by Jeremy Varao

Arc Effects Soothsayer & Moog MF Minifooger Delay "In Room"

Jeremy Varao

Jeremy Varao

Video thumbnail for ARC Effects Soothsayer by Sam Vilo

ARC Effects Soothsayer

Sam Vilo

Sam Vilo

Reviews

PROS

  • Superior clarity even at high gain settings

  • Offers a wonderful low-gain mode

  • Maintains low-end, avoiding loss common in similar pedals

  • Features asymmetrical clipping option for tonal variety

  • Rich harmonic distortion that remains musical

  • Inspires creative playing with its unique tone

  • Solid build quality

CONS

  • Can sound flubby with certain guitar-amp combinations

  • Internal dip switches are difficult to adjust

  • Low gain setting may produce undesirable "farty" tones

  • Struggles to find a perfect balance between fuzz and distortion

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about ARC Effects Soothsayer.

Build quality

  • Issues with the stomp switch can lead to crackling and significant volume drops, indicating potential reliability concerns with the ARC Soothsayer.

    Source

User experience

  • The Soothsayer's low gain mode is praised for its versatility, making it a preferred choice among users seeking a range of distortion tones.

    Source
  • Owners report that ARC Effects' customer service is unresponsive, as emails went unanswered for over a year, complicating repair or support efforts.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the Soothsayer for its ability to replace lesser quality RAT clones, fulfilling the desire for a higher-end distortion pedal.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ARC Soothsayer's symmetrical clipping is favored for achieving a tone similar to a stock RAT2, offering a familiar sound for RAT enthusiasts.

    Source
  • In contrast to the ARC Soothsayer, the 1981 Inventions DRV is described as having less volume and gain, with a pronounced mid-range and brightness that requires filter adjustment.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners favor the Soothsayer's "boutique" asymmetrical clipping mode, combined with the low gain dip switch, for versatile low and high gain tones.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Soothsayer is noted for a superior build quality compared to mini pedal clones, offering enhanced sound quality and user satisfaction.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Soothsayer excels in producing Jonny Greenwood-inspired tones, especially when paired with other Radiohead-influenced gear setups.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use ARC Effects Soothsayer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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