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Description

Unleash your inner metalhead with the Hughes Kettner Warp Factor, an overdrive effects pedal expertly crafted to deliver the raw, aggressive tones that define heavy music. The Warp Factor is designed for guitarists who crave powerful distortion with a touch of finesse, offering a unique Warp Control that adjusts the pedal's tonal aggression with precision. Whether you're crafting thunderous riffs or piercing solos, this pedal ensures your sound remains tight and articulate, even at high gain levels.

The Warp Factor's all-analog circuitry delivers a full-bodied, warm distortion that is both dynamic and responsive, making it a versatile addition to any pedalboard. Its intuitive layout features controls for Gain, Level, and a 3-band EQ, allowing for easy customization of your sound to suit any playing style or genre. The pedal's robust construction ensures it stands up to the rigors of live performances and extensive studio sessions.

Key Features:

  • Unique Warp Control for precise tonal adjustment
  • All-analog circuitry for warm and dynamic distortion
  • Controls for Gain, Level, and 3-band EQ
  • Built for durability in live and studio settings
  • Seamless integration with any guitar setup

Product specs

Brand Hughes & Kettner
Model Warp Factor
Finish Black
Year 2000s
Categories Distortion Pedals

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor pedal?

The Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor pedal delivers a high-gain distortion ideal for heavy rock and metal genres, offering aggressive and saturated tones with a pronounced mid-scoop.

How does the Warp Factor pedal differ from standard overdrive pedals?

Unlike standard overdrive pedals that provide a mild boost and breakup, the Warp Factor is designed for intense distortion, offering a more aggressive and compressed sound suitable for heavier music styles.

Is the Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor suitable for bass guitar?

While primarily designed for electric guitar, the Warp Factor can be used with a bass guitar; however, it may result in a loss of low-end frequencies due to its high-gain distortion profile.

Does the Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor require a specific power supply?

The Warp Factor pedal typically operates on a standard 9V DC power supply, which is common for many guitar pedals, ensuring easy integration into most pedalboards.

Can the Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor be used in the effects loop of an amplifier?

Yes, the Warp Factor can be placed in the effects loop of an amplifier, although it is generally more effective when used in front of the amp to shape the preamp's tone.

Simon Smith

Simon Smith

Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor Distortion Pedal Demo

Video thumbnail for Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor Distortion Pedal Demo by Simon Smith

Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor Distortion Pedal Demo

Simon Smith

Simon Smith

Video thumbnail for Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor and Strymon El Capistan by TheColdNorthWind

Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor and Strymon El Capistan

TheColdNorthWind

TheColdNorthWind

Video thumbnail for A look at the Hughes and Kettner warp factor pedal by Guitars, Music and Tech

A look at the Hughes and Kettner warp factor pedal

Guitars, Music and Tech

Guitars, Music and Tech

Video thumbnail for Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor vs Behringer WD300 Warp Distortion - you need to know the warp sound by We As A Company

Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor vs Behringer WD300 Warp Distortion - you need to know the warp sound

We As A Company

We As A Company

Video thumbnail for hughes & kettner warp factor by iammyculture

hughes & kettner warp factor

iammyculture

iammyculture

Video thumbnail for Does a Nu Metal Pedal do Death Metal? Hughes and Kettner Warp Factor Distortion Review (Pedal Vault) by Dome

Does a Nu Metal Pedal do Death Metal? Hughes and Kettner Warp Factor Distortion Review (Pedal Vault)

Dome

Dome

Reviews

PROS

  • Creates brutal, heavy distortion ideal for metal

  • Rich harmonics and beefy chunk without tone squish

  • Unique Warp knob for shaping distortion

  • Versatile for down-tuned/extended range guitars

  • Clean distortion with warmth, can mimic fuzz

  • Sub button adds significant bass boost

  • Compatible with tube amps for enhanced sound

CONS

  • Large size takes up significant pedalboard space

  • Soft foam on bottom disintegrates, causing mess

  • AC powered only, no battery option

  • Some units have faulty stomp switches

  • Build quality concerns, including switch durability

  • Padding material can stain carpets

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor.

Mods and upgrades

  • Suggested mod involves removing C41, replacing R18 with a 22 kΩ resistor, and using a 330 Ω resistor or potentiometer for R19 to adjust mids and highs.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Modifying the pedal requires basic soldering skills; removing two resistors and a capacitor, and soldering potentiometers to resistor contacts is necessary.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pedal requires EQ tweaking to clean up the tone, indicating it might not suit all setups out of the box without adjustments.

    Source
  • The Warp Factor can deliver a range from bass-heavy scooped distortion to a cleanish overdrive, making it versatile for different tonal needs.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the pedal can sound muddy without modifications, suggesting the importance of custom tweaks for optimal performance.

    Source
  • Users highlight its capacity to handle both extreme distortion and cleaner settings, showcasing its adaptability in various musical contexts.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The pedal is compared to a "cheap sleeper," suggesting it offers unexpected performance similar to higher-end models at a lower price.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's specifically recommended for alt rock and nu metal genres, implying its suitability for these music styles.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor

mirosol.kapsi.fi

The Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor impresses with its massive rock to metal distortion range, delivering exceptional sound quality across volume levels. Despite its bulky design and the inconvenience of requiring a 12V AC supply, it compensates with a headroom that outshines typical 9V DC pedals. The pedal's controls offer a versatile sweep, and the sub switch's low-frequency boost is formidable. While some usability concerns exist, particularly with its size and power requirements, the Warp Factor's sound is undeniably "f*n awesome," making it a standout choice for distortion enthusiasts.

positive

Warp Factor Review: | Hughes & Kettner | Guitar Effects | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor excels at delivering heavy metal tones, perfect for fans of bands like Slipknot. However, it struggles with softer distortion, requiring some tweaking. While durable and stage-ready, the pedal's reliability is questionable, needing multiple stomps to switch channels. Its simplicity is marred by the lack of knob markings, making it difficult to recreate favorite settings. Overall, a solid yet flawed choice for metal enthusiasts.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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rackattack

the ufo landed

unique pedal, just look at it. comes with a 12V power supply, but says it takes 12 to even 14V. the input and output are in unusual order and it is certainly not something you buy, when you want a tight small pedal board. it basically sounds like you would expect it to sound, the warp factor is its main appeal for tone shaping, plus the higher voltage, it also has an additional tone switch. they can be had quite cheap, deffo buy with the power supply.

Roles:
Genres:
shok
shok

1509

KILLER PEDAL

I finally recently got this pedal and am delighted by both the condition it is in as well as the tones I am getting running bass through this as I had acquired it for the guitar initially.

johnmcclane

Great high gain bass pedal

If you want a massive fat higain bass sound - give it a try! Perfect for stoner/doom/(hardcore) bands.

Quick: massively built, has tones of gain and low end, needs a 12V power supply, looks like s***

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

1 alternative for Hughes & Kettner Warp Factor, curated by the Equipboard community.

Behringer WD300 Warp Distortion

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

If you can find the WD300, it is pretty much the same sound in a smaller footprint though in a plastic case.

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