Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (18)
$329.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (5)
$329.00
Amazon
4.2 (73)
$329.00 $322.42 $6.58 · All time low
Reverb
5.0 (29)
$320.98 New
$205.00 Used
Thomann
4.8 (47)
$325.00 $322.00 $3.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£294.00

Average Price: $305

High-end/Boutique

$80

$181+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Empress Heavy". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover the raw power and unparalleled versatility of the Empress Heavy, an overdrive effects pedal that’s like a double-barreled shotgun in the realm of distortion. Designed for musicians who dare to tread the heavier side of music, this pedal offers an expansive range of tones, from earth-shattering lows to screaming highs. With its dual-channel design and shared two-band EQ, the Empress Heavy allows for meticulous sculpting of your sound. Whether you're anchoring the rhythm section of a metal powerhouse or exploring new territories in sound design, this pedal is your ticket to a world of sonic exploration.

Key Features:

  • Dual-channel design for layered distortion tones
  • Shared two-band EQ for precise tone shaping
  • Optional two-mode gated feature for tighter sound control
  • Mid-frequency adjustment for pinpoint tonal sculpting
  • Versatile for various music genres, especially suited for metal and heavy rock

Owner's manual

Empress Heavy User Manual

Product specs

Available since April 2014
Overdrive No
Distortion Yes
Fuzz No
Metal Yes

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Empress Heavy for metal music?

The Empress Heavy is designed specifically for high-gain distortion, delivering aggressive and tight tones suitable for modern metal genres. Its dual-channel setup allows you to switch between two distinct distortion voices, offering a versatile range from heavy crunch to searing lead tones.

Does the Empress Heavy pedal work well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

Yes, the Empress Heavy is designed to perform well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing clear articulation and powerful distortion regardless of the pickup type. Its three-band EQ further allows you to fine-tune your tone to complement your guitar's natural sound.

What power supply does the Empress Heavy require?

The Empress Heavy requires a 9-12V DC power supply. It is important to use a power supply that provides at least 100mA of current to ensure optimal performance and avoid any potential noise issues.

Is the Empress Heavy pedal suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Empress Heavy is well-suited for live performances, offering robust build quality and intuitive controls. Its dual-channel design allows quick switching between different distortion settings, making it ideal for dynamic stage use.

Can the Empress Heavy pedal be used in a pedalboard setup?

Absolutely, the Empress Heavy is designed to integrate seamlessly into any pedalboard setup. Its compact size and true bypass switching ensure it won't compromise your signal chain, while the buffered bypass option can help maintain signal clarity over long cable runs.

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

WILL IT CHUG? - Empress Heavy

Video thumbnail for WILL IT CHUG? - Empress Heavy by Ola Englund

WILL IT CHUG? - Empress Heavy

Ola Englund

Ola Englund

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects Heavy by Empress Effects

Empress Effects Heavy

Empress Effects

Empress Effects

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects Heavy by ProGuitarShopDemos

Empress Effects Heavy

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for THE HEAVIEST DISTORTION BOX EVER? EMPRESS HEAVY by Pete Thorn

THE HEAVIEST DISTORTION BOX EVER? EMPRESS HEAVY

Pete Thorn

Pete Thorn

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects Heavy Review - BestGuitarEffects.com by Best Guitar Effects

Empress Effects Heavy Review - BestGuitarEffects.com

Best Guitar Effects

Best Guitar Effects

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects - Heavy by Dennis Kayzer

Empress Effects - Heavy

Dennis Kayzer

Dennis Kayzer

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects Heavy Dual-Channel Distortion - DEMO by Victor Hugo Targino

Empress Effects Heavy Dual-Channel Distortion - DEMO

Victor Hugo Targino

Victor Hugo Targino

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects: HEAVY Distortion with Tape Delay - ESP Stef T7 & Carl Martin Custom 50 Combo by Brett Kingman

Empress Effects: HEAVY Distortion with Tape Delay - ESP Stef T7 & Carl Martin Custom 50 Combo

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Empress Heavy Overdrive Pedal Demo by Sweetwater

Empress Heavy Overdrive Pedal Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Empress Heavy | 6 User Presets Demo | Tone Matrix #06 by Matt Pula

Empress Heavy | 6 User Presets Demo | Tone Matrix #06

Matt Pula

Matt Pula

Reviews

PROS

  • Smooth drive, from mild to high gain, suitable for various genres

  • Compact design, doesn't take much space on pedalboard

  • Built-in noise gate with adjustable settings

  • Versatile tones, easy to customize sound

  • Dual-channel operation for quick tone switching

  • High-quality components for durability

  • Can function without stacking other pedals

  • Effective with different types of guitars (P90s, humbuckers)

  • Provides amp-like distortion quality

  • Global EQ settings facilitate use with multiple amps

CONS

  • No power adapter included

  • Does not clean up well at low gain settings, less flexible

  • Noise gate toggle switch can be fragile/damaged upon delivery

  • Input/output and power jacks on the sides, which may affect pedalboard placement

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Empress Heavy Menace has a built-in noise gate, praised for effectively eliminating unwanted noise during high-gain distortion use.

    Source
  • Criticism is noted regarding the Empress Heavy Menace's switch layout, suggesting a preference for a footswitch for voicings rather than the noise gate.

    Source
  • The pedal offers three distinct channels, "Lite(ish)," "Heavy," and "Heavier," each providing unique tonal characteristics similar to H-H pickup selector positions.

    Source
  • Users find the noise gate highly responsive and effective for staccato riffs, clamping down quickly to maintain clarity even at high gain levels.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Boss MT-2W is suggested as a budget alternative, noted for its custom voice suited for metal tones.

    Source
  • The Lichtlaerm Audio Medusa is highlighted for its chug and crunch, with an emphasis on its presence control for managing trebly guitar outputs.

    Source
  • When paired with an SD-1, the pedal transitions from modern metal tones to doom/sludge, indicating its versatility beyond metal genres.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Some owners find the Empress Heavy Menace excels in creating high-gain metal tones reminiscent of 80s Metallica and Megadeth.

    Source
  • The Empress Heavy can drive tube amps into breakup by dialing back the gain and cranking the output, though it doesn't function as a clean boost.

    Source

User experience

  • Several users express satisfaction with the pedal's versatility, noting it functions well for both metal and non-high-gain applications.

    Source
  • Owners describe the pedal's tone as modern and tight, avoiding overly polished sounds, and note a defined core character that permeates all settings.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend stacking the Empress Heavy Menace with fuzz pedals, particularly a Fuzz Face, for achieving a gnarly sludge sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • The pedal's finish is noted for a subtle glitter effect, adding to its visual appeal while maintaining a robust build quality.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Empress Heavy review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Empress Heavy is a robust distortion pedal, perfect for metal enthusiasts and anyone craving intense distortion. With abundant tone-shaping options and a durable build, it excels in offering customizable high-gain tones through its dual channels. Each channel includes adjustable noise gates and a versatile mid knob for frequency tweaking. While its complex controls may deter those seeking simplicity, the pedal's flexibility in shaping sound—from scooped mids to hefty lows—makes it a remarkable tool for serious tone seekers.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
cristian_carvajal

Amazing!!!!

An excellent distortion, very versatile, that offers you a very interesting range of sound, as you can have the features of an overdrive with a good load, up to a full gain, heavy, forceful, with a lot of body. I invite you to get to know it and let yourself be captivated by this excellent pedal.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ola Englund uses Empress Heavy

Ola Englund

Guitarist, Podcasters & Streamers

Six Feet Under

...
Verified via YouTube

Empress Heavy can be seen in this video

See how Scott Middleton uses Empress Heavy

Scott Middleton

Guitarist

Cancer Bats

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In an interview with Premier Guitar, Scott Middleton discusses using the Empress Heavy distortion pedal, highlighting its role in his sound with the Cancer Bats.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Empress Heavy, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
nathaniel_danger_fitzgerald

nathaniel_danger_fitzgerald

Gear IQ 145

jasonoldsu

jasonoldsu

Gear IQ 149

jasonoldsu

jasonoldsu

Gear IQ 149

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