Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $251
Standard/Professional
$150
$601+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Experience a harmonized symphony of sonic chaos with the EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter. This pedal is a modulated monophonic Phase Locked Loop (PLL) harmonizer that amplifies your input signal into a brutal square wave fuzz tone. The result is a wild, yet predictable, three-voice synthesizer that adds depth and texture to your sound.
At the core of this pedal is the Master Oscillator, which provides a synthesized frequency based on your input signal. This can be adjusted to create harmonies up to three octaves above the original signal, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities.
The Frequency Modulator allows you to add pitch bend modulation to the Master Oscillator. In 'Glide' mode, you’ll enjoy a smooth portamento as each note slides into the next. In 'Vibrato' mode, the pitch modulates up and down, creating an exciting retro sci-fi laser effect.
The Subharmonic section of the pedal assimilates the input signal into one of eight lower octave programs. This allows you to add depth to your tone by generating harmonies up to three octaves below the original signal.
Key Features:
- Monophonic PLL Harmonizing pedal
- Master Oscillator with selectable octave
- Frequency Modulator with 'Glide' and 'Vibrato' modes
- Subharmonic generator with up to three octaves below original signal
- All-analog signal path
- True bypass
- Silent relay-based switching
- Made in the USA
Product specs
| Available since | September 2017 |
| Effect Types | Harmonizer |
FAQs
-
What type of power supply does the EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter require?
-
The EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter requires a standard 9V DC power supply with a 2.1mm negative center barrel.
-
Can the EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter be used with a bass guitar?
-
Yes, the EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter can be used with a bass guitar, providing unique synth-like tones suitable for experimental and electronic music styles.
-
How does the Data Corrupter's harmonizer effect work?
-
The Data Corrupter's harmonizer effect generates multiple harmonies from your original signal, creating complex, layered synth-like sounds that can be adjusted with its modulation and frequency controls.
-
Is the EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter suitable for live performance?
-
Yes, the EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter is designed for live performance, offering intuitive controls and robust construction to deliver dynamic, synth-inspired sounds on stage.
-
Does the Data Corrupter have true bypass switching?
-
Yes, the EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter features true bypass switching, ensuring your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.
Equipboard's Expert Review
Equipboard tested this
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Earthquaker Devices Data Corrupter
Reviews
PROS
-
Offers a wide array of creative possibilities
-
Affordable and practical for both esoteric needs and fuzz pedal uses
-
Exceptional tracking capabilities, even with complex pedal chains
-
Produces complex, harmonic tones with unique sub-notes and echoes
-
Versatile across multiple instruments (electric guitar, bass, drum machine, synthesizer)
-
Intuitive design with a wide range of sounds and options
-
Strong build quality with durable pedal housing
-
Encourages experimentation with its unique sound capabilities
-
Can be used as a fuzz pedal using the square wave only
-
Creates an engaging live performance element when coupled with a loop pedal
CONS
-
Lacks a wet/dry dial for blending signals
-
Not universally needed across all musical styles
-
Occasionally struggles with tracking very low notes on bass guitar
-
Requires a keen interest in experimentation to fully appreciate
-
May be considered too niche or a "one-trick pony" by some users
-
Perceived as overrated and expensive by users looking for traditional synth sounds
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter.
Use cases and applications
-
The Data Corrupter is highly effective with electronic drum kits, producing unique effects like 808-style bass patterns from kick drums and chaotic textures when processing full drum kits.
Source -
Running the Data Corrupter in parallel with an all-wet analog delay offers a variable second voice for guitar parts, enhancing tonal complexity.
Source -
The pedal can be creatively paired with a semimodular synth to expand its sonic possibilities, showcasing its versatility beyond typical guitar setups.
Source -
Setting the Frequency Modulator to Glide instead of Vibrato prevents undesirable raygun-like sounds, resulting in a more pleasant auditory experience.
Source -
Particularly impressive on bass, the Data Corrupter delivers a muddy fuzz sound that can challenge a band mix but is highly distinctive.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The pedal transforms into a square wave octave fuzz with the Oscillation knob fully off, providing a versatile alternative to its more chaotic settings.
Source -
The Data Corrupter's Frequency Modulator operates more controllably in Glide mode with settings turned clockwise, enhancing its usability in compositions.
Source -
Described as producing "bzzbwwgeetlgvkrstt" noises, the pedal excels in creating chaotic sonic textures that deviate from traditional guitar sounds.
Source
User experience
-
One user found the Data Corrupter to be intimidating initially but discovered sweet spots by experimenting with settings, suggesting a learning curve before mastery.
Source -
Users find the Subharmonic & Oscillator channels more effective than the Square channel, which is best kept low for root note reference.
Source -
Users compare the pedal's chaotic sounds to the avant-garde styles of Geordie Greep's setup, especially during performances like Squid's KEXP session.
Source
Mods and upgrades
-
Using a signal splitter, such as the Old Blood Noise Endeavors Signal Blender, allows flexible routing for parallel effects processing with the Data Corrupter.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 34 Ratings
301
AMAZING SHIT
I rarely use oscillator thing (not sure if I even wrote it right lol). But the pretty much default settings are amazing! It can make a noise just by puff of wind. The more I played with it, the more I thought of this pedal of the one I want to play forever
780
HOLY CRAP THIS IS AMAZING
I have no words to describe how amazing this is! Amazing pedal for weird stuff!
Artist usage
Add artist
Lindsey Jordan uses the EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter guitar synth pedal, as highlighted on the EarthQuaker Devices website.
Gina Gleason of Baroness is seen using an Earthquaker Devices “Data Corrupter” pedal on her live pedalboard in the Premier guitar 2019 Baroness “rig rundown”. “Its completely insane...using it in part of interludes and stuff like that because we have so many interludes on the album. Seb starting doing this thing called “drums of DOOM where he is just hitting the drums with mallets and I use it for those sounds there for that part of the show.” Both John and Gina are known for constantly mixing up there live show and defining and re-defining there pedalboards and guitar sounds. Currently September 2019 on tour EQD Data Corrupter as well as Disaster Transport SR.are on Gina’s live board. The gig rig G 2 here and John both use seems to be a big part of controlling and navigating through there arsenal of sounds.
In this image, taken from his Premier Guitar interview, many of his studio pedals are photographed. One of the pedals in this photo is Earthquaker Data Corrupter.
Mentioned in an October 27, 2017 Reddit AMA reply.
kaygraphic What sort of signal processors do you use live and what kind of pick ups do you prefer? Also, thank you for all the inspiring sounds!
buttholesurfers_ These days I play a John Cruz Stratocaster with noiseless pickups that were custom-wound by John himself. I have an old Ibanez 808 Tube Screamer, a Boss DD3 delay, a Boss pitch-shifting pedal, a Boss chorus pedal, and a "Dirty Little Secret" distortion pedal. I'm exploring Earthquaker pedals now, they have a new one called a "Data Corrupter" (I think), and it is really fun
Album Usage
The EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter 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 EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter, curated by the Equipboard community.
More EarthQuaker Devices Guitar Synth Pedals
Accessories & Related Items
Most Popular Guitar Synth Pedals
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
battonnickGear IQ 647
-