Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $163
Standard/Professional
$60
$181+
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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter is not your average fuzz pedal; it's a sonic powerhouse that brings old-school vibes to the modern stage. Crafted around a silicon transistor circuit, this pedal delivers a fuzz effect that ranges from subtle grit to full-on, wall-of-sound distortion. Unique to the Dirt Transmitter is its Bias knob, which allows you to experiment with the fuzz's character by simulating a dying battery's voltage starve. This results in a velcro-like, gated fuzz tone that's both nostalgic and innovative.
Versatility is at the heart of the Dirt Transmitter. The Tone control offers a sweeping range of high frequencies, enabling you to dial in anything from a smooth rhythm section to a sharp, cutting lead. Meanwhile, the Level and Dirt knobs let you tailor the pedal's intensity and depth to suit any musical setting. Whether you're aiming for a light overdrive or a complete fuzz meltdown, this pedal has you covered.
Housed in a compact and rugged chassis, the Dirt Transmitter is designed for both durability and portability, making it an ideal companion for gigs, studio sessions, or jam-packed tours. It's more than just a pedal; it's a gateway to a world of fuzz-infused creativity.
Key Features:
- Silicon transistor fuzz circuit for classic tonal character
- Bias knob for simulating voltage starve, creating gated fuzz tones
- Wide-sweeping Tone control for versatile sound shaping
- Level and Dirt knobs for comprehensive control over fuzz intensity
- Rugged and portable design for gig and studio use
Product specs
| Brand | EarthQuaker Devices |
| Model | Dirt Transmitter Fuzz Driver |
| Finish | Various |
| Year | 2007 - 2017 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Fuzz Pedals and Effects |
| Pedal Format | Standard |
FAQs
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What type of fuzz circuit does the EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter use?
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The EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter is based on a silicon transistor fuzz circuit, offering a range of classic fuzz tones.
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How does the Bias knob on the Dirt Transmitter affect the sound?
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The Bias knob on the Dirt Transmitter allows you to simulate the voltage starve effect of a dying battery, creating velcro-like fuzz tones and adding texture to your sound.
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Is the EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter suitable for bass guitar?
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Yes, the Dirt Transmitter can be used with a bass guitar, providing rich and textured fuzz tones that complement the low-end frequencies.
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What power supply does the EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter require?
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The EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is not included with the pedal.
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Can the EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter achieve clean tones?
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The Dirt Transmitter is designed primarily for fuzz tones, and while it can be dialed back for less aggressive sounds, it is not intended for clean tones.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Earthquaker Dirt Transmitter
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile across low and high gain settings
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Unique bias knob for texture control
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Plays well with bass and guitar
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High input impedance, flexible placement in signal chain
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Offers a modern sound distinct from classic fuzz pedals
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Capable of both aggressive and mellow tones
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Compatible with humbuckers and single-coils
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Can mimic effects of battery starvation or overpowering for varied fuzz decay
CONS
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Discontinued, making it hard to find
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter.
Features and functionality
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The bias knob offers a wide range of tonal versatility, enhancing the pedal's capability to produce dying battery velcro splatter fuzz tones.
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The external bias control on the Dirt Transmitter is highlighted as one of the better ones available, providing significant tonal adjustment.
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The Dirt Transmitter can deliver a "Tonebender full of angry bees" sound, making it versatile for aggressive fuzz tones.
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Setup and maintenance
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The Dirt Transmitter performs best when placed early in the signal chain, but it can handle being after buffers without issue.
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User experience
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Owners find the Dirt Transmitter captivating, with some purchasing additional units quickly due to high demand and limited availability.
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Some users find the Dirt Transmitter's sound less full compared to other fuzz pedals like the Tuna Fuzz, despite its bias control flexibility.
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The pedal is praised for its "tempered, warm, and softer" fuzz, appreciated for easy dialing among fuzz enthusiasts.
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Value and pricing
Comparisons
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The Dirt Transmitter is noted for its ability to create a unique "spitty, velcro gated fuzz" that stands out among other fuzz pedals.
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The Dirt Transmitter is compared to the Carcosa, which is noted for better usability and range, though the Dirt Transmitter is credited for doing it first.
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The Dirt Transmitter's tonal qualities are likened to a "treble-heavy gated velcro sizzle fuzz," contrasting with the Hizumitas' "rich, deep, dark, rumbling thick fuzz."
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It's compared with a Green Russian in DIY pedal combos, emphasizing its standalone strength rather than stacking with other fuzz pedals.
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Use cases and applications
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The Dirt Transmitter is praised for its performance on bass, offering great tonal characteristics for bass players looking for fuzz options.
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It excels when used with octave pedals and long reverb effects, creating a massive soundscape ideal for psychedelic music.
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Optimal placement after a Rangemaster-style pedal offers a unique vibe, suggesting flexibility in pedalboard setups.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 6 Ratings
1001
Amazing
A super versatile and essential fuzz, probably my favorite of all time. It fits pretty much any style it's applied to and plays well with all instruments. Truly an amazing pedal.
1959
Fuzz City
Has tons of options for the amount of "decay" in your fuzz. It essentially starves the pedal (as if you had a low battery) or over powers the pedal
Artist usage
Add artist
This picture shows Taylor's pedalboard with is composed of a Dirt Transmitter.
Used on "The Evil Has Landed", "Domesticated Animals", and the lasest Mini Mansions album. "In my band called Mini Mansions we started using this on the last record, to mimic going through an old Ampex 351. And [this is] almost identical, and I think it has a lot to do with the Bias switch. And so on Villains, I use this as my main sound for The Evil Has Landed, and for Domesticated Animals. It's pretty obvious, it's a pretty distinct sound. That bias knob is everything. I don't really know what it's doing, but it's basically acting as some sort of natural gate, that kinda squeezes everything out of it. (1:30 in the video)
In a 2018 Instagram post, Justin Meldal-Johnsen references using the EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter, highlighting its role in his bass reamping setup.
In an Imgur post from October 2022 titled "SK Gear," a photograph of what appears to be Carrie Brownstein's pedalboard includes the EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter as part of her setup.
In Remo Drive's Reddit AMA (on the subreddit r/indieheads), user InDrublic inquired as to which pedals they used when recording "Greatest Hits." The band responded: "I used 2 earthquaker pedals (the dunes and the dirt transmitter) on the album. I also use a hall of fame and a shitty hardwire delay!"
According to Premier Guitar's rig rundown, Fairchild uses the Earthquaker Dirt Transmitter pedal.
In an interview with EarthQuaker Devices Emily Wolfe discusses the pedals she used on her Outlier album.
“I brought a bunch of pedals. We used the Erupter a ton and the Dirt Transmitter. The Tentacle is on, like, every song.”
The pedal was present in her 2021 pedalboard, according to Premier Guitar interview.
Nathan goes over his entire pedalboard over the course of five videos, as well as a post by Pedals and Effects on their website, the Dirt Transmitter is the third pedal shown in the second video.
this pedal can be seen in lower part of this pic, it's the green one with some leopard stripe on it.
This pedal can be seen on Drew's rack tray [https://www.walrusaudio.com/blogs/news/83805123-onerepublic-walrus-meet-up]
Album Usage
The EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter 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 Dirt Transmitter, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter, curated by the Equipboard community.
$298.54
The Dirt Transmitter Legacy Reissue, is a newer reissue version, limited to 1000 units. The Legacy Reissue is distinguishable by its new enclosure, featuring top mounted jacks.
$179.00 - $211.00
The Rancho de la Luna Dirt Transmitter is the latest reissue version, created in collaboration with guitarist and producer Dave Catching.
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