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Average Price: $45

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$80

$181+

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Description

Unleash a sonic onslaught with the Arion SMM-1 Metal Master, a powerhouse in the realm of distortion effects pedals. Engineered to deliver a fierce and aggressive tone, this pedal is designed specifically for metal enthusiasts who crave a heavy and intense sound. The SMM-1 Metal Master is renowned for its extreme versatility, allowing guitarists to dial in a wide range of distortion levels from a gritty crunch to a full-on metal assault.

The pedal features an intuitive control layout, including gain, tone, and volume knobs, enabling precise tonal shaping to match any playing style or genre. Its robust construction ensures durability, whether you're shredding in the studio or dominating on stage. The unique distortion circuit of the SMM-1 provides a distinct and cutting edge, setting it apart from conventional distortion pedals and making it a favorite among metal guitarists seeking a signature sound.

A true bypass design ensures your guitar’s original tone remains uncolored when the pedal is disengaged, maintaining clarity and presence throughout your performance. Ideal for both rhythm and lead players, the Arion SMM-1 Metal Master offers an unparalleled level of expression and aural aggression.

Key Features:

  • Intuitive control layout with gain, tone, and volume knobs
  • Unique distortion circuit for a signature metal sound
  • True bypass design for unaltered guitar tone
  • Rugged construction suited for live and studio use
  • Versatile distortion levels from crunch to full-on metal

Product specs

Brand Arion
Model SMM-1 Metal Master
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Categories Distortion Pedals

FAQs

What type of distortion does the Arion SMM-1 Metal Master provide?

The Arion SMM-1 Metal Master offers a high-gain distortion tailored for heavy metal and hard rock genres, delivering a powerful, aggressive tone with a focus on sustain and clarity.

Is the Arion SMM-1 Metal Master suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Arion SMM-1 Metal Master is suitable for live performances, offering consistent and reliable distortion that cuts through the mix, making it ideal for gigging musicians.

Does the Arion SMM-1 Metal Master work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

The Arion SMM-1 Metal Master is compatible with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing a versatile distortion sound that accommodates various pickup types.

How does the Arion SMM-1 Metal Master compare to other distortion pedals from the 1980s?

The Arion SMM-1 Metal Master is known for its unique tone and rugged build, offering a distinct sound that stands out among other 1980s distortion pedals, particularly for metal and rock enthusiasts.

What are the control options available on the Arion SMM-1 Metal Master?

The Arion SMM-1 Metal Master features controls for level, tone, and distortion, allowing for precise adjustments to achieve the desired sound for various playing styles.

Dome

Dome

The Chainsaw Files – Arion SMM-1 Metal Master (Boss HM-2 clone comparison) feat. Dome / Nightbearer

Video thumbnail for The Chainsaw Files – Arion SMM-1 Metal Master (Boss HM-2 clone comparison) feat. Dome / Nightbearer by Dome

The Chainsaw Files – Arion SMM-1 Metal Master (Boss HM-2 clone comparison) feat. Dome / Nightbearer

Dome

Dome

Video thumbnail for Arion METAL MASTER SMM-1 vs. Boss HM-2 by HM2 CULT

Arion METAL MASTER SMM-1 vs. Boss HM-2

HM2 CULT

HM2 CULT

Video thumbnail for Who's the Heavy Metal Master? Boss HM2 vs Arion Metal Master Shootout! by Justin Longshore

Who's the Heavy Metal Master? Boss HM2 vs Arion Metal Master Shootout!

Justin Longshore

Justin Longshore

Video thumbnail for Test : Arion SMM-1 (Metal Master) MIJ by อานนท์ ปานสอาด

Test : Arion SMM-1 (Metal Master) MIJ

อานนท์ ปานสอาด

อานนท์ ปานสอาด

Video thumbnail for Arion Metal Master SMM-1 (No Talking) by Enoch Studio

Arion Metal Master SMM-1 (No Talking)

Enoch Studio

Enoch Studio

Reviews

PROS

  • Higher gain and more aggressive sound than HM2

  • Offers unique Chainsaw sound when dialed in correctly

  • Stacks well with HM2w for enhanced tone

  • Provides dynamic tone changes with guitar volume adjustment

  • Versatile with the ability to produce different tones using OUT2

  • Can boost output effectively for devices like a Zune into car stereo

  • Works well with bass guitar for a distinct sound

CONS

  • Misleading "stereo" functionality; not designed for true stereo setup

  • Main distortion character is thinner and raspier compared to similar pedals

  • "Soft" overdrive setting perceived as muffled and boxy

  • EQ settings can lead to unsatisfactory tones, especially when treble is cranked

  • Construction quality deemed low with plastic case and pots

  • Requires precise frequency control for optimal tone matching with amps

  • Not beginner-friendly; requires a decent amp and guitar setup to sound good

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Arion SMM-1 Metal Master.

Comparisons

  • The Arion SMM-1 is noted as an HM-2 clone with more high-end, offering a distinct tonal character compared to the original HM-2 pedal.

    Source
  • Owners mention that the Arion SMM-1 has more bass and low midrange than other similar pedals, providing a fuller sound profile.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Arion SMM-1 is highlighted for its high gain capabilities, making it suitable for black metal and other high-gain genres.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal is recommended for black metal due to its ability to deliver a cheap, high-gain sound that's comparable to more expensive options.

    Source

3.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jakobsteve

Arion Metal Master

Its a cool sound on bass guitar but its a cheap pedal, cheap sound

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Euronymous uses Arion SMM-1 Metal Master

Euronymous

Guitarist

Mayhem

...
Verified via eBay

Euronymous used the Arion SMM-1 Metal Master distortion pedal in his setup, placing it before an Ibanez Tube Screamer and after a Marshall Plexi to craft his distinctive black metal guitar tone, as noted on eBay.

See how Merzbow uses Arion SMM-1 Metal Master

Merzbow

Composer, Music Producer

Kikuri

...
Verified via Discogs

The Arion Metal Master is listed in the liner notes of the album Flesh Metal Orgasm.

See how The Great Kat uses Arion SMM-1 Metal Master

The Great Kat

Guitarist

...
Verified via Guitars Exchange

In this interview, The Great Kat mentions the use of an Arion SMM-1 Metal Master pedal. The article is a misprint, as there is no 'MM-1'.

Album Usage

The Arion SMM-1 Metal Master has been featured on the following albums:

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 Arion SMM-1 Metal Master, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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ariansyari_

ariansyari_

Gear IQ 204

de_enigma

de_enigma

Gear IQ 199

ariansyari_

ariansyari_

Gear IQ 204

ariansyari_

ariansyari_

Gear IQ 204

1 alternative for Arion SMM-1 Metal Master, curated by the Equipboard community.

Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal

$118.66

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

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    Gear IQ 211