Empress Distortion

$109.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (1)

Find out who is using Empress Distortion

1 wishlisted

7 saved

Page last updated Jun 06, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated June 5, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.0 (2)

$109.00

View Deal

$109.00

View Deal

5.0 (4)

$109.00 10 available New

$125.14 1 available Used

View Deal

5.0 (1)

$109.00

View Deal

$109.00

View Deal

$109.00

View Deal

Average Price: $111

Standard/Professional

$80

$181+

Price Tier

In the Distortion Effects Pedals category, Empress Distortion is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Empress Distortion". 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

Edit description

Unleash sonic versatility with the Empress Distortion pedal, a masterclass in tonal sculpting. Designed for guitarists who crave precision, this pedal delivers a spectrum of distortion tones that range from subtle warmth to face-melting intensity. At its core, the Empress Distortion features a three-way toggle switch, allowing you to effortlessly switch between mild, crunch, and lead modes. Each mode offers a unique flavor, ensuring your sound is as dynamic as your playing style.

The intuitive four-knob interface lets you dial in your desired tone with precision. Adjust the gain, output, and two-band EQ to find your perfect balance, whether you're looking for a smooth, creamy overdrive or a gritty, aggressive distortion. The pedal's pristine analog circuitry ensures that your guitar's natural character shines through, maintaining clarity and depth across all settings. For the discerning musician, the Empress Distortion is not just a pedal—it's a powerful tool for creative expression.

Key Features:

Three-way toggle switch for mild, crunch, and lead modes
Four-knob interface: gain, output, and two-band EQ
Pristine analog circuitry for clarity and depth
Durable construction for reliable performance on stage or in the studio

Owner's manual

Empress Distortion User Manual

Product specs

Pedal Type	Distortion
Analog/Digital	Analog
Inputs	1 x 1/4"
Outputs	1 x 1/4"
True Bypass	Yes
EQ	2-band EQ
Controls	Distortion Type 3-way toggle
Power Source	9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Power Usage	35mA
Height	2.0"
Width	2.5"
Depth	4.5"
Weight	0.5 lbs.

FAQs

What type of power supply does the Empress Distortion pedal require?: The Empress Distortion pedal requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It has a power usage of 35mA.
Does the Empress Distortion pedal feature true bypass?: Yes, the Empress Distortion pedal is equipped with true bypass, ensuring that your signal remains uncolored when the pedal is not engaged.
How versatile is the tone shaping on the Empress Distortion pedal?: The Empress Distortion pedal offers a 2-band EQ and a 3-way toggle for distortion type, allowing for a wide range of tonal possibilities from smooth overdrive to aggressive distortion.
Is the Empress Distortion pedal suitable for live performances?: Yes, with its compact size and true bypass feature, the Empress Distortion pedal is well-suited for live performances, providing reliable and high-quality distortion tones.
Can the Empress Distortion pedal be used with bass guitars?: While primarily designed for electric guitars, the Empress Distortion pedal can be used with bass guitars. However, tonal results may vary depending on your setup and preferences.

Videos

Add video

Lance Keltner Music

Empress Distortion

Lance Keltner Music

Empress Distortion Effect Pedal Demo

Phil Vickman

Empress Distortion Demo

thejay (Big Battle Bear)

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Offers three distinct modes: Mild, Crunch, and Lead for versatile tones
High-quality construction with durable enclosure and weighted knobs
Intuitive controls with detailed manual for easy tone shaping
Effective treble and bass knobs with active low/high pass filters
Low noise floor for clean sound output
Compact design without sacrificing performance
Excellent bass/mid presence for cutting through mixes
Great value for the quality offered

CONS

May not reach modern metal distortion without additional stacking
Some find the sound to be mediocre compared to other options

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Empress Distortion.

Features and functionality

0 0

The Empress Distortion's bass and treble knobs are highly responsive and dynamic, enhancing sound sculpting capabilities significantly.
Source
0 0

The Empress Heavy includes a highly effective noise gate, praised for maintaining clarity across a range of high-gain distortion tones.
Source
0 0

The Empress Heavy Menace includes a built-in noise gate, making it ideal for maintaining clarity across high-gain tones without needing additional gear.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners appreciate the tight and punchy main lead distortion, ideal for achieving hard rock sounds.
Source
0 0

Users report that the Empress Heavy Menace excels at delivering thick, heavy distortion suited for non-gigging players who prioritize tone over mix cutting.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The pedal is praised for its versatility, allowing users to craft a wide variety of dirt tones when combined with other overdrive pedals.
Source
0 0

Owners find it ideal for achieving tones reminiscent of Metallica, Weezer's Maladroit era, and System of a Down, highlighting its versatility for various metal subgenres.
Source
0 0

While perfect for heavy and djent music, it's noted that the pedal might be too intense for genres less heavy than metal.
Source
0 0

It's noted that the Empress Heavy Menace is well-suited for players using clean amps, providing a substantial low end even without gig use.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

It's compared favorably to the Revv G4 for versatility, making it a competitive choice for those considering high-gain distortion pedals.
Source
0 0

The Empress Heavy Menace is compared to the Friedman BE-OD, with some users preferring the BE-OD for its more Marshall-like sound.
Source
0 0

The Empress Heavy Menace is likened to the Dracarys pedal, with some users noting the Dracarys provides tighter sounds when used with an overdrive.
Source