Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (9)
$279.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$279.00
Amazon
4.5 (78)
Used
Reverb
5.0 (53)
$227.36 New
$199.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$279.00
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$249.00
Thomann
4.6 (25)
$279.00 $277.00 $2.00

Average Price: $256

Standard/Professional

$150

$601+

Price Tier

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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.

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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

Equipboard tested this

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Earthquaker Devices Data Corrupter

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices Data Corrupter by ProGuitarShopDemos

Earthquaker Devices Data Corrupter

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for EarthQuaker - Data Corrupter by Knobs

EarthQuaker - Data Corrupter

Knobs

Knobs

Video thumbnail for EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter Modulated Monophonic Harmonizing PLL Demo by EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter Modulated Monophonic Harmonizing PLL Demo

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuakerDevices

Video thumbnail for EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter Monophonic Harmonizing PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) Demo by The Pedal Zone

EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter Monophonic Harmonizing PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) Demo

The Pedal Zone

The Pedal Zone

Video thumbnail for EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter Modulated Monophonic Harmonizer | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter Modulated Monophonic Harmonizer | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices Data Corrupter with Mike Hermans by ProGuitarShopDemos

Earthquaker Devices Data Corrupter with Mike Hermans

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter Pedal Demo — Daniel Fisher by Sweetwater

EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter Pedal Demo — Daniel Fisher

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter First Impression - Sasami Ashworth (Cherry Glazerr) by EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter First Impression - Sasami Ashworth (Cherry Glazerr)

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuakerDevices

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices Data Corrupter Guitar Synth Pedal - Review & Demo by PMTVUK

Earthquaker Devices Data Corrupter Guitar Synth Pedal - Review & Demo

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for EarthQuaker Devices: Data Corrupter by Brett Kingman

EarthQuaker Devices: Data Corrupter

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

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

Build quality

  • The Data Corrupter's LED is extremely bright, prompting some users to cover it with tape to reduce glare during performances.

    Source

Critic Reviews

EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

EarthQuaker Devices' Data Corrupter is a bold stompbox for those seeking sonic adventure. It turns your guitar into a quirky, synth-like noise machine, offering fat, buzzy square waves and pitch manipulation across octaves. The pedal shines with its aggressive, full-frequency sound that's perfect for EDM, fuzz bass, or adding wild textures to guitar riffs. However, it's strictly monophonic and lacks dynamic control, envelope, and filter options, making it less versatile than a traditional synth. Despite these constraints, its robust build and accessible price point make it a fun, affordable addition to any experimental guitarist's rig.

positive

EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter Review

guitar.com

EarthQuaker Devices' Data Corrupter is an adventurous pedal, offering a chaotic blend of fuzzy synth tones that can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Its phase-locked loop circuitry delivers unique, unpredictable sounds that may seem daunting without clear guidance. While its tracking is impressively accurate, the pedal's wild nature might limit its practical use to occasional experimental sessions. The lack of suggested settings in the manual might leave users feeling lost, but perseverance reveals a surprising depth of sonic potential. For those ready to embrace its eccentricities, it promises a rewarding exploration of unconventional soundscapes.

Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 34 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
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gigsucker

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

From Gear Setup
am_studio

HOLY CRAP THIS IS AMAZING

I have no words to describe how amazing this is! Amazing pedal for weird stuff!

From Gear Setup
bart11grr

A usable modulation pedal ...

Finally a modulation pedal that can create what's in my head. Easy to use and a real eye candy.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Audrey Zoe Whitesides uses EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter

Audrey Zoe Whitesides

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

"just making some weird bleepy synth & pedal noises on a snowy day... Roland JP-08 into @earthquakerdev Data Corrupter, Rainbow Machine, & Pyramids. these little effects boxes are so cool & I love them. split into 2 parts b/c of Instagram’s time limits but swipe for the whole thing! it gets stranger! #earthquakerdevices #roland"

See how Ivo Schot uses EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter

Ivo Schot

Singer, Guitarist

Subterranean Street Society

...
Verified via Photo

In this pic you can spot Ivo's old pedalboard; you can spot the Data Corrupter

See how José P. García uses EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter

José P. García

Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

The EDQ Data Corrupter is used by JP in the song "cama" for his band Serbia.

See how Alex Bulli uses EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter

Alex Bulli

Bassist

Frankie and The Witch Fingers

...
Verified via reddit

Featured in this August 25, 2017 Reddit post, which includes the following comment:

D@+@ <0rrup+€r


Edit: Here's a quick Tascam / iPhone demo, just did a quick take playing a bassline for a while, then made gibberish noises over it on a second pass.

https://soundcloud.com/a-b-33759113/data_corrupter

Drum Track: Figure App > iPhone speaker against tele pickup > Tascam | Main Synth: Tele > Data Corrupter > Arc Klone > Tascam | Third Track: One pass of random gibberish sounds / riffs with Data Corrupter and other pedals (Oscar Fuzz, Arc Klone, Warped Vinyl, DD500, etc etc. This one is buried and I bring it in later on

More weird sounds come in about halfway, and after the drums drop out it's just the Data Corrupters noise w/ other pedals, some reverse stuff.

Recorded playing out of the tape deck > stereo > iPhone voice memo because I can't find a single 1/8" cable in the house.


Original Post:

After staying up until 3am last night watching every single video I could find of this thing, I called all the stores in town this afternoon and eventually found one left in stock. I was worried that all the (professional) demos sounded way too good, too pristine, too "straight out of the gameboy", and that they had to be heavily doctored / gated in post to get a usable, non-digital sound.

After about a couple hours of tinkering it became obvious that that was NOT the case, and once you figure out how to work with the pedal (neck pickup, 7th fret and up) it will basically turn anything you play into a rich, saturated, wobbling chiptune symphony.

I'm typing this quickly on my phone so I can get back to playing, but my mind is blown at how rich / organic / lively these entirely synthesized sounds feel. A good excuse to crank the bass and volume knobs way up and shake your entire house - very exciting addition to the collection.

I'd recommend watching the: Vintage King, EQD, and Reverb pedal demos.

Chain is currently: Data Corrupter > Oscar Fuzz > Arc Klone > Deluxe Plus > Warped Vinyl > Stigtronics V Drive > Empress Comp > Surf Rider > DD500

See how Zachary M. W. Corsa uses EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter

Zachary M. W. Corsa

Composer

Nonconnah

...
Verified via nonconnah

It's listed on his 'Arsenal' page.

See how JOHNNASCUS uses EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter

JOHNNASCUS

Singer, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

JOHNNASCUS is (hopefully) confirmed to use the EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter, as evidenced by the image taken from one of his concerts.

See how Mei Semones uses EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter

Mei Semones

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified

Mei Semones uses the EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter, as evidenced by a post on her Instagram account.

See how meija uses EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter

meija

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this instagram story from the 18th of June 2025, we can see meija's full pedalboard including the Data Corrupter

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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am_studio

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Gear IQ 780

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am_studio

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Gear IQ 780

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Gear IQ 780

nonconnahordeath

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gigsucker

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Gear IQ 301

am_studio

am_studio

Gear IQ 780

am_studio

am_studio

Gear IQ 780

itsjustmylo

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Gear IQ 992

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yurikmnv

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Gear IQ 206

ethansquire

ethansquire

Gear IQ 364

2 alternative and related items for EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter, curated by the Equipboard community.

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It has a very similar sound to the Dara Corrupter, it also has a similar oscillator setting.

Schumann Electronics PLL

 

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound

Has a similar sound, specifically with the oscillator feature.

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