Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $329
High-end/Boutique
$50
$176+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 8 merchants for "Empress Effects Heavy". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Discover the Empress Effects Heavy, a powerhouse that redefines what an overdrive pedal can do. Designed for the discerning musician who craves a formidable and versatile sound palette, this pedal is your ticket to a universe of crushing tones and unique sonic textures. With its dual-channel design and shared two-band EQ, the Heavy offers immense customization, letting you shape your sound with precision and ease.
Whether you're laying down thick, resonant riffs or need a searing lead tone that cuts through the mix, the Empress Heavy delivers. Its optional two-mode gated feature provides additional control, allowing you to toggle between natural and aggressive gate modes for a tailored attack that suits any genre. The mid-frequency focus is perfect for dialing in those big, bold attacks that metalheads and rock enthusiasts covet. This pedal doesn’t just make noise; it crafts an auditory experience that is both rich and dynamic, perfect for expanding your musical horizons.
Crafted with the modern guitarist in mind, the Empress Heavy isn’t just about raw power. It’s about giving you the tools to explore, experiment, and ultimately, express your unique sound. Whether you're a gigging musician or a studio aficionado, you'll find this pedal to be an indispensable part of your rig.
Key Features:
- Dual-channel design for versatile sound options
- Shared two-band EQ for tailored tone shaping
- Optional two-mode gated feature: natural and aggressive
- Mid-frequency focus for enhanced tonal precision
- Robust construction for reliable performance
Product specs
| Brand | Empress |
| Model | Heavy |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | Canada |
| Categories | Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals |
FAQs
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What kind of power supply does the Empress Effects Heavy require?
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The Empress Effects Heavy requires a 9-12V DC power supply with a current draw of 250mA.
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How does the dual channel design of the Empress Heavy work?
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The Empress Heavy features a dual channel design with "Heavy" and "Heavier" settings, allowing users to configure one channel for rhythm and the other for solos, or to create distinct tonal variations.
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Can the Empress Effects Heavy handle high-gain distortion?
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Yes, the Empress Effects Heavy is designed for super high gain, making it ideal for achieving heavy distortion tones.
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What is the purpose of the "Weight" control on the Empress Heavy pedal?
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The "Weight" control on the Empress Heavy adjusts the character of the low end, allowing for precise sculpting of bass frequencies in your tone.
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Does the Empress Effects Heavy include any noise gate features?
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Yes, the Empress Heavy includes a noise gate with natural and aggressive settings to help manage unwanted noise in your signal chain.
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Is the Empress Effects Heavy pedal true bypass?
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Yes, the Empress Heavy pedal features true bypass, ensuring that it does not affect your signal when disengaged.
Videos
Ola Englund
WILL IT CHUG? - Empress Heavy
Reviews
PROS
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Smooth, high gain without harshness
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Compact design, saves pedalboard space
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Versatile, customizable tones suitable for metal and rock
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Integrated noise gate for clean sound
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Two channels offer distinct tonal options
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Excellent for high-gain metal sounds
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Outstanding build quality with high-end components
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Easy to integrate with other pedals
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Mid-frequency tweaking allows for precise tone shaping
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No need to stack with other pedals for heavy tones
CONS
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Noise gate toggle switch may be prone to damage
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Can be too powerful, requiring volume adjustment
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Slight sagginess on the low end, not the tightest chugs
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Empress Effects Heavy.
Features and functionality
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The noise gate on the Empress Heavy is highly praised for its effectiveness, making it suitable for controlling feedback in high-gain settings.
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The "Lite(ish)" channel with gain maxed is heavier than "Heavy" or "Heavier" on low-gain, offering a neck pickup-like thickness that cleans up through the channels.
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Users appreciate the built-in noise gate for effectively managing unwanted noise, enhancing the pedal's utility in high-gain scenarios.
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Use cases and applications
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The pedal excels in producing tones suitable for bands like Metallica, System of a Down, and Weezer's Maladroit-era, offering a broad range of heavy sounds.
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While ideal for metal and djent genres, the Empress Heavy may not be the best fit for punk or post-punk styles due to its intense tonal leaning.
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Dialing gain down and output up enables driving tube amps into breakup, providing a unique effect far from a clean boost.
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The Empress Heavy Menace can achieve tones ranging from Metallica to Van Halen, making it versatile for various metal styles.
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Comparisons
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It has been compared to the Revv G4 pedal, noted as being more versatile for diverse heavy music styles.
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When paired with an SD-1, the Empress Heavy shifts towards doom/sludge tones, differing from the usual modern metal tightening effect.
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The Boss MT-2W is recommended for budget-friendly metal tones, with a custom voice that enhances its sound significantly, making it a viable alternative to the Empress Heavy.
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The Vox Cutting Edge distortion is noted for delivering a high-gain tube sound that some find preferable over their amplifier's native tone.
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The EAE Longsword paired with an SD-1 is favored by some over the Empress Heavy Menace for achieving desired metal tones.
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Value and pricing
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Owners find it challenging to locate used units, indicating high satisfaction and retention among current users.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
145
Best chug pedal i've ever had
I have tried many high gain pedals and this one right here did it for me. Of course, the tone that you prefer is subjected to your own. The main reason I bought this was that how you can actually tweak the mid frequency. Also, how organic and natural the gate can be is a plus.
The only downside to this pedal is its sagginess especially on the low end. Might not be the tightest chugs but the gnarliest for sure.
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Empress Effects Heavy, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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