Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $163

Standard/Professional

$60

$181+

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Standard

High-end

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

What type of fuzz circuit does the EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter use?

The EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter is based on a silicon transistor fuzz circuit, offering a range of classic fuzz tones.

How does the Bias knob on the Dirt Transmitter affect the sound?

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.

Is the EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter suitable for bass guitar?

Yes, the Dirt Transmitter can be used with a bass guitar, providing rich and textured fuzz tones that complement the low-end frequencies.

What power supply does the EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter require?

The EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter requires a standard 9V DC power supply, which is not included with the pedal.

Can the EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter achieve clean tones?

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.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Earthquaker Dirt Transmitter

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Dirt Transmitter by ProGuitarShopDemos

Earthquaker Dirt Transmitter

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter Fuzz Driver by EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter Fuzz Driver

EarthQuakerDevices

EarthQuakerDevices

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices Dirt Transmitter by Prymaxe

Earthquaker Devices Dirt Transmitter

Prymaxe

Prymaxe

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices Dirt Transmitter | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Earthquaker Devices Dirt Transmitter | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter Fuzz by JetCityMusic

EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter Fuzz

JetCityMusic

JetCityMusic

Video thumbnail for Earthquaker Devices - Dirt Transmitter by Dennis Kayzer

Earthquaker Devices - Dirt Transmitter

Dennis Kayzer

Dennis Kayzer

Video thumbnail for EQD Dirt Transmitter - What Makes It Tick? by Effects Layouts

EQD Dirt Transmitter - What Makes It Tick?

Effects Layouts

Effects Layouts

Video thumbnail for GAS N' GO - EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter by 60 Cycle Hum

GAS N' GO - EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter

60 Cycle Hum

60 Cycle Hum

Video thumbnail for Dirt Transmitter Fuzz - Earthquaker Devices Demo by Lian GS

Dirt Transmitter Fuzz - Earthquaker Devices Demo

Lian GS

Lian GS

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile across low and high gain settings

  • Unique bias knob for texture control

  • Plays well with bass and guitar

  • High input impedance, flexible placement in signal chain

  • Offers a modern sound distinct from classic fuzz pedals

  • Capable of both aggressive and mellow tones

  • Compatible with humbuckers and single-coils

  • Can mimic effects of battery starvation or overpowering for varied fuzz decay

CONS

  • 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

  • The bias knob offers a wide range of tonal versatility, enhancing the pedal's capability to produce dying battery velcro splatter fuzz tones.

    Source
  • The external bias control on the Dirt Transmitter is highlighted as one of the better ones available, providing significant tonal adjustment.

    Source
  • The Dirt Transmitter can deliver a "Tonebender full of angry bees" sound, making it versatile for aggressive fuzz tones.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Dirt Transmitter performs best when placed early in the signal chain, but it can handle being after buffers without issue.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the Dirt Transmitter captivating, with some purchasing additional units quickly due to high demand and limited availability.

    Source
  • Some users find the Dirt Transmitter's sound less full compared to other fuzz pedals like the Tuna Fuzz, despite its bias control flexibility.

    Source
  • The pedal is praised for its "tempered, warm, and softer" fuzz, appreciated for easy dialing among fuzz enthusiasts.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The EarthQuaker Devices' warranty adds to the pedal's appeal, providing reassurance for potential buyers.

    Source
  • The limited edition release is allegedly capped at 1600 units, adding to its collectible appeal.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Dirt Transmitter is noted for its ability to create a unique "spitty, velcro gated fuzz" that stands out among other fuzz pedals.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • 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."

    Source
  • It's compared with a Green Russian in DIY pedal combos, emphasizing its standalone strength rather than stacking with other fuzz pedals.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Dirt Transmitter is praised for its performance on bass, offering great tonal characteristics for bass players looking for fuzz options.

    Source
  • It excels when used with octave pedals and long reverb effects, creating a massive soundscape ideal for psychedelic music.

    Source
  • Optimal placement after a Rangemaster-style pedal offers a unique vibe, suggesting flexibility in pedalboard setups.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
nbaker1251

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.

caiomachado

THE PERFECT FUZZ

THIS IS THE ONE! I JUST HAVE NO WORDS! IT'S NASTY, HEAVY, CREAMY, VELCRO, NOISY, EVERYTHING!

From Gear Setup
carlodefranco

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
See how Taylor York uses EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter

Taylor York

Guitarist

Paramore

...
Verified via BlogSpot

This picture shows Taylor's pedalboard with is composed of a Dirt Transmitter.

See how Michael Shuman uses EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter

Michael Shuman

Singer, Guitarist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via YouTube

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)

See how Justin Meldal-Johnsen uses EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter

Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Bassist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

In a 2018 Instagram post, Justin Meldal-Johnsen references using the EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter, highlighting its role in his bass reamping setup.

See how Carrie Brownstein uses EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter

Carrie Brownstein

Guitarist

Sleater-Kinney

...
Verified via Imgur

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.

See how Emma Ruth Rundle uses EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter

Emma Ruth Rundle

Singer, Guitarist

Red Sparowes

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this Instagram post.

See how Mike Moya uses EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter

Mike Moya

Guitarist

Godspeed You! Black Emperor

...
Verified via Photo

The Dirt Transmitter fuzz is the pedal to the left of the carbon copy

See how Erik Paulson uses EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter

Erik Paulson

Singer, Guitarist

Remo Drive

...
Verified via reddit

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!"

See how Jim Fairchild uses EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter

Jim Fairchild

Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar's rig rundown, Fairchild uses the Earthquaker Dirt Transmitter pedal.

See how Emily Wolfe uses EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter

Emily Wolfe

Guitarist

...
Verified via EarthQuaker Devices

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.

See how Nathan Latona uses EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter

Nathan Latona

Bassist

Tera Melos

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Hanni El Khatib uses EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter

Hanni El Khatib

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Photo

this pedal can be seen in lower part of this pic, it's the green one with some leopard stripe on it.

See how Drew Brown uses EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter

Drew Brown

Guitarist

OneRepublic

...
Verified via Photo

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.

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Community setups

Show yours
caiomachado

caiomachado

Gear IQ 1959

2 alternative and related items for EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter, curated by the Equipboard community.

EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter Fuzz Driver Legacy Reissue
newer similar sound limited edition

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.

EarthQuaker Devices Rancho de la Luna Dirt Transmitter

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newer similar sound limited edition

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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