Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $295
High-end/Boutique
$80
$181+
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High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 Octave Distortion + Booster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 Octave Distortion + Booster. This heavy-duty guitar pedal has been fine-tuned from its original version to deliver a powerful, bone-crushing tone that will leave you in awe. A unique blend of distortion, analog octave up, and booster come together in one compact package to create a sound that is truly remarkable.
The "Amplitude" side of the pedal, inspired by the classic "White Face" distortion, uses modern, reliable components that are built to last. The distortion side features Distortion, Filter, and Amplitude knobs, providing you with the ultimate control over your sound.
But the magic doesn't stop there. The Life Pedal V3 introduces two additional clipping options, allowing it to adapt perfectly to different rigs. The first position removes diodes for full, grinding Op Amp, while the second uses two silicon diodes and one LED in an asymmetrical clipping configuration for a slightly compressed, smooth crunch. Lastly, the traditional double silicon diode configuration delivers that classic tone you know and love.
Combine all these features with an all-discrete MOSFET booster, and you have a pedal that can deliver an overwhelming sonic experience. Whether you're a fan of Sunn O)))'s Life Metal album, or just love to experiment with your sound, the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 Octave Distortion + Booster is an essential addition to your gear.
Key Features:
- Blendable analog octave up and booster combined in one package
- Distortion, Filter, and Amplitude knobs for versatile sound customization
- Two additional clipping options: full Op Amp and asymmetrical clipping configuration
- All-discrete MOSFET booster for extra punch
- Third footswitch with Flexi Switch Technology for real-time octave control
- Built with modern, reliable components for long-lasting performance
- Inspired by the tones of Sunn O)))'s Life Metal album
- Perfect for creating heavy, crushing tones.
Product specs
| Pedal Type | Distortion |
| Analog/Digital | Analog |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Other I/O | 1 x 1/4" (expression) |
| True Bypass | Yes |
| Controls | Magnitude, Octave, Amplitude, Clip |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (sold separately) |
| Batteries | M/A |
| Power Usage | 25mA |
| Height | 2.25" |
| Width | 5.65" |
| Depth | 4.75" |
FAQs
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What type of distortion does the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 provide?
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The EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 offers a rich, heavy distortion inspired by the iconic sound of the Sunn O))) band, featuring a blend of fuzz and octave-up effects for a powerful, doom-laden tone.
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Can I use an expression pedal with the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3?
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Yes, the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 includes a 1/4" expression input, allowing you to control the octave blend with an expression pedal for dynamic performance adjustments.
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Is the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 suitable for bass guitar?
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While primarily designed for electric guitar, the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 can also work well with bass guitar, providing a thick, textured distortion that complements lower frequencies.
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Does the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 have true bypass switching?
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Yes, the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 features true bypass switching, ensuring your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.
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What power supply does the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 require?
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The EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately, and it consumes 25mA of power.
Videos
EarthQuakerDevices
Iggor Cavalera featuring the Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3
Reviews
PROS
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Quality build and aesthetically pleasing design
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Versatile with a range of sounds from subtle fuzz to brutal distortion
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Integrates well with other pedals for enhanced tones
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Offers both dirty and clean boost capabilities
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Octave blend feature adds color without muddying chords
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Can replace multiple pedals, saving space on the board
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Different clipping options provide unique sounds and volume levels
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Third footswitch for engaging octave adds to tonal variety
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Clean-up well when volume is rolled back
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Suitable for both studio and live setups
CONS
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Uses OP07 chip, lacking the mystique of the LM308 found in earlier versions
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 Octave Distortion + Booster.
User experience
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Owners find the clean boost feature exceptional, standing out even when compared to other similar pedals.
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The pedal's versatility is praised, with owners using it across genres beyond doom music, challenging initial expectations.
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Owners appreciate the move to permanent production, reducing the stress of chasing limited editions and avoiding inflated resale prices.
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Comparisons
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Some users believe the pedal's distortion is not as unique as expected, comparing it unfavorably to other high-gain pedals like the Lichtlaerm Altar.
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The Life Pedal V3 is essentially a modified Rat circuit combined with a Green Ringer-style octave and Black Eye Boost, distinguishing it from standard Rat pedals.
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Despite some skepticism, the Life Pedal V3 is said to provide a synergistic sound that surpasses the combined use of separate Rat, octave, and boost pedals.
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Features and functionality
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The Life Pedal V3's clipping options provide distinct tonal differences, surprising owners with their versatility.
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Some users find the octave effect less audible with limited tonal diversity, suggesting it's not essential for all playing styles.
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The octave effect in the Life Pedal V3 isn't standalone; it requires the distortion to be engaged, which some owners find limiting.
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Use cases and applications
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Stacking the Life Pedal's distortion into a fuzz pedal yields a massive sound, ideal for experimental and heavy music styles.
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The Life Pedal V3 can be placed early in the signal chain to explore different tonal combinations with other effects like fuzz and overdrive.
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The pedal’s octave is described as more of an octave fuzz, which provides a distinct sound compared to typical octave pedals.
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The pedal is effectively used with both bass and guitar, offering versatility across instruments.
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The pedal is capable of achieving a range from Blues tones to Drone, offering flexibility across different musical styles.
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Value and pricing
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Owners recommend seeking discounts on platforms like Reverb, noting resale values between $250-280.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 8 Ratings
Amazing and Versatile Fuzz and Boost Pedal
One of my all time favorite pedals. You can go from overdrive to complete destruction.
106
Flawed, could be better (3 stars).
I love the boost. The octave is a deal breaker. And a modded rat is just as good if not better. Overpriced, if it breaks I'm not replacing it.
Good points: (1) Despite what has been said I think the strongest point of the pedal is the boost. It goes with almost everything, pushes great any amp (clean, breakup, crunchy, distorted, etc.). It's the part I've enjoyed the most, and it has replaced other settings in my board, I tend to build or account for that sound. (2) OP amp setting for the rat section is great. And in a switch you can just turn it to the left and you got the classic bass heavy rat. OP amp is where is at, you can always cut through and you don't need to compensate for the dark sound for different genres. (3) Cleans up with your guitar controls making it flexible.
Bad points: (1) You should have the option to use the octave independently from the distortion, it makes it unusable despite the fact of the footswitch controller - it really gets lost depending on your settings. This to me is almost a deal breaker, like I if it breaks, I'm not buying another one I rather buy a similar boost and a JHS Packrat. You could have almost taken it out entirely and you'd have a better pedal, smaller, probably less expensive and you wouldn't have that gnawing issue of "this is totally unusable 95% of the time". I know it's a Sunn pedal, but if you'd given more flexibility to this pedal, it would have breathe life into it and become a solid piece of gear - but I guess EQD already has the Hoof Reaper pedal, which does just what I said. Honestly just replace the octave with the Acapulco Gold. (2) Most of its cache is unmerited, it's okay but you could have gotten the same results for half the price with individual pedals.
343
Not for the faint-hearted..
Initially wanted this as part of the studio setup to drive my bass guitars even harder, but after running it in the testing room, and feeling that my stomach was going to fall out, decided to adopt it into the live rig/pedalboard. Essentially it sounds like Sunn, and more importantly it feels like them too- a great quality build, and looks fabulous too. Now part of my live keyboard rig- despite accusations of me being 'mad'...
449
Great - Too many knobs
I know this will seem wrong to say but this pedal is fantastic it just will not work for any tour due to the number of knobs.
Artist usage
Add artist
I saw mud honey in Cleveland last month and I saw mark using some new pedals since I saw them in 2019 and saw the earthquaker devices life v3 on his board and 3 catalinbread pedals and a new super fuzz
In this photo from 8/27/24 Mike's prebuilt board can be seen with an array of pedals including Version 3 of the life pedal
Phil Elvrum is confirmed to use the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 Octave Distortion + Booster, as it appears in an image within the booklet accompanying Mount Eerie's "Night Palace" vinyl release.
Submitted as a story in Unwound's official Instagram. It reads "Revealed" and tags EarthQuaker Devices' Instagram.
In this picture from Christian's Twitter/X you can see the Life Pedal version III in front of his monitor and beside his Mac.
Tyler Bates uses the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 Octave Distortion + Booster, as confirmed by an Instagram post from his official account. In the post, he provides a rundown of his tour pedalboard used during the 2025 Marilyn Manson tour, explicitly thanking EarthQuaker Devices for their support.
In the video titled "Elder - Merged in Dreams - Live @ Palp Festival 2023 - 4K" by More Fuzz on YouTube, Nick DiSalvo can be seen using the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 Octave Distortion + Booster on his pedalboard.
King Princess is confirmed to use the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 Octave Distortion + Booster, as evidenced by its visible placement at the bottom of her pedalboard in a provided image.
Album Usage
The EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 Octave Distortion + Booster 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 Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 Octave Distortion + Booster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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