We set out to create a pedal with the gain circuit based on the sound of a highly modded British full stack - but with a more effective EQ section that will work on clean and dirty amps alike. As per usual, we couldn't resist shooting way over target, resulting in the Katastrophe.

The Katastrophe is a well-rounded, articulate distortion pedal that complements a diverse range of playing styles, built to work perfectly in front of the amp, but also as a full preamp into a rental amp on stage. Enabling the player to retain fidelity as well as drastically reshape their signal - and to do so conveniently - has been a crucial objective in the KATASTROPHE's circuit design. Thus, the pedal comes equipped with an assortment of external and internal knobs for radical manipulation. Volume determines how hard you push the amp, or how loud you want your setup to be when using the Katastrophe as a preamp. Gain is pretty self-explanatory as always and so are the EQ controls Bass, Treble, and Presence, with presence controlling higher frequencies than the Treble knob. The externally located low cut will remove low rumble if you wish for a more modern high gain sound, or to go full doom with all the low end untouched. The analog Octave Up section has more gain than the usual octave-up circuits and is identical to the one found in our Silvermachine. An added footswitch for this circuit offers players more flexibility and allows for more drastic changes while playing. Internal adjustment options The internal Highcut switches let you control the highs even more than you are already able to, with the Treble and Presence knobs. You can also boost both the low end and the dry signal independently and in parallel, providing a versatility that will satisfy even the most discerning audiophile bass players out there (you know who you are). The Postgain trim pot lets you adjust the Katastrophe to function at its best with your pickup output.

Product specs