Meet the Empress Heavy Menace Distortion Pedal, the newest evolution of Empress Effects' original Heavy pedal. This compact, pedalboard-friendly device is a powerhouse of versatility, capable of producing anything from vintage hard rock tones to the grittiest modern metal sounds. The Heavy Menace is armed with three modes, including the new Lite(ish) option, that cover a wide spectrum of high-gain sounds to cater to every guitarist's preference.

The Weight control is a standout feature that adjusts a high-pass filter in the distortion circuit, allowing you to shape the low-end character of your sound. Turn it up for a full-bodied, rich tone or dial it down for a tight, sharp response that's perfect for palm-muting and extended-range guitars.

The mid-frequency is sweepable from 200Hz to 2.5kHz, giving you the flexibility to dial in everything from traditional pushes tones to modern scooped sounds. The Heavy Menace also boasts a footswitchable gate with a key input for triggering the gate with an external signal, providing an additional layer of customization.

Advanced setup options let you choose between True Bypass and Buffered Bypass, and dictate whether the gate is linked to the distortion or operates independently. This pedal is the perfect fit for any high-gain player looking for a versatile and reliable tool to enhance their sound.

Key Features:

• Versatile distortion pedal that covers everything from classic hard rock to searing modern metal
• Three modes: Heavy, Heavier, and Lite(ish)
• Weight control to adjust a highpass filter in the distortion circuit, shaping your low-end character
• Sweepable mid-frequency from 200Hz–2.5kHz
• Footswitchable noise gate with adjustable threshold and 2 operating modes
• Key input triggers the gate with an external signal
• Switchable true/buffered bypass for greater flexibility and control

Owner's manual

Product specs

FAQs

What modes does the Empress Heavy Menace Distortion Pedal offer?

The Empress Heavy Menace Distortion Pedal features three modes: Heavy, Heavier, and Lite(ish). These modes provide a range of high-gain tones suitable for various styles, from classic hard rock to modern metal.

Does the Empress Heavy Menace Pedal support true bypass?

Yes, the Empress Heavy Menace Pedal supports true bypass and can be switched to buffered bypass if desired, ensuring your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is not in use.

How can I control the mid frequencies on the Empress Heavy Menace?

The Empress Heavy Menace features an active 3-band EQ with a sweepable mid-frequency control, allowing you to precisely shape your midrange tones for optimal sound customization.

What power supply does the Empress Heavy Menace require?

The Empress Heavy Menace Distortion Pedal requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It consumes 250mA of power.

Can the Empress Heavy Menace Distortion Pedal be used with a noise gate?

Yes, the Empress Heavy Menace includes a 1/8" TS gate key input, allowing integration with a noise gate to manage unwanted noise during high-gain performances.