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Average Price: $722

High-end/Boutique

$70

$251+

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High-end

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Description

Introducing the Lovetone Meatball, an enigmatic envelope filter pedal that hails from the 90s era of music innovation. This rare gem is celebrated for its role in shaping the iconic sounds of influential guitarists, including the likes of Kirk Hammett. Crafted with a highly shapeable envelope filter, the Meatball has the prowess to replicate the effects of autowah or flange/phase pedals, giving you a wide array of soundscapes to explore. The pedal is split into two distinct sections: the Trigger section and Filter section, offering an impressive level of customization. Adding to its versatility, an effects loop allows for the integration of external effects, positioned after the trigger and preceding the filter section, putting the power of sound manipulation right at your feet.

Key Features:

  • Rare 90s-era envelope filter pedal
  • Highly shapeable envelope filter mimics autowah or flange/phase pedals
  • Two distinct sections: Trigger and Filter
  • Allows integration of external effects via an effects loop

Product specs

Brand Lovetone
Model Meatball
Finish Blue
Year 1990s
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Filter and Wah Pedals

FAQs

What type of sounds can the Lovetone Meatball filter pedal create?

The Lovetone Meatball is known for its versatile envelope filter effects, capable of producing funky auto-wah sounds, subtle filtering, and dynamic sweeps, making it suitable for a variety of music genres.

Can the Lovetone Meatball be used with instruments other than guitar?

Yes, the Lovetone Meatball can be used with bass guitars, keyboards, and other instruments, providing a wide range of filter effects across different sound sources.

Does the Lovetone Meatball require a specific power supply?

The Lovetone Meatball typically requires a 9V DC power supply. It's recommended to use a high-quality power adapter to ensure optimal performance and avoid noise issues.

How does the Lovetone Meatball differ from other envelope filter pedals?

The Lovetone Meatball offers extensive control options with multiple knobs and switches, allowing for precise shaping of the filter effect, which sets it apart from more basic envelope filter pedals.

Is the Lovetone Meatball suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Lovetone Meatball is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build and dynamic range of sounds, making it a favorite among touring musicians for its reliability and versatility.

blondegraemey

blondegraemey

Lovetone Meatball with Big Cheese!

Video thumbnail for Lovetone Meatball with Big Cheese! by blondegraemey

Lovetone Meatball with Big Cheese!

blondegraemey

blondegraemey

Video thumbnail for Lovetone - Meatball by Dennis Kayzer

Lovetone - Meatball

Dennis Kayzer

Dennis Kayzer

Video thumbnail for Lovetone Meatball Envelope Filter Guitar Demo by jfusion10

Lovetone Meatball Envelope Filter Guitar Demo

jfusion10

jfusion10

Video thumbnail for Exploring the LOVETONE MEATBALL w/ Frank Fleckenstein of Reverb.com (Stompbox Saturday Ep.102) by Sean Pierce Johnson

Exploring the LOVETONE MEATBALL w/ Frank Fleckenstein of Reverb.com (Stompbox Saturday Ep.102)

Sean Pierce Johnson

Sean Pierce Johnson

Video thumbnail for Lovetone Meatball Rundown by a Non-Expert. by Dan Crea

Lovetone Meatball Rundown by a Non-Expert.

Dan Crea

Dan Crea

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Meatball excels in studio environments with its ability to split signals into Dry, post-Tube, post-Drive, and post-Effects, enhancing versatility in recordings.

    Source
  • The Deadend Meatball clone is regarded as one of the best envelope filters by users, suggesting superior sound quality and performance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Meatball is integrated into complex pedal setups like with the Trickfish Trilobite, highlighting its adaptability for intricate signal chains.

    Source

User experience

  • Long-time users appreciate the Meatball's enduring appeal, often reacquiring it for its original MSRP after years without, underscoring its lasting value and desirability.

    Source
  • Owners of the Deadend build report frequent positive reactions when showcasing it, indicating a strong user satisfaction and value in live settings.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Aion PCB is praised for its top-notch instruction quality, making it more beginner-friendly with only two rotary switches compared to the Deadend's four.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Robot Factory Meatwad is highlighted as a direct clone of the Lovetone Meatball, available at about half the list price when purchased on Reverb.

    Source
  • The Mutron III and its clones, such as the 3Leaf Audio Proton and Mu-FX Tru-Tron, are frequently mentioned alongside the Meatball for their renowned envelope filter sounds.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Lovetone Cheese Source & Meatball

soundonsound.com

Lovetone's Meatball dynamic filter and Cheese Source fuzz/overdrive pedals impress with their unique analog warmth and versatility, offering a playful tone-shaping experience. The Meatball stands out for its complex dynamic filtering, capable of a range of effects from subtle tonal shifts to wild, synth-like modulation. The Cheese Source, combining fuzz and overdrive, delivers powerful tones though its fuzz can sometimes overshadow subtler applications. Both pedals boast robust build quality, making them stage-ready despite their studio-grade capabilities. While the lack of recall settings and cryptic labeling may deter some users, these pedals shine for those who value hands-on sonic exploration and analog character.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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eddie_sabotage

Eooowwww-wanh-wanh-waahhhhh-Zeewwooo

It's a legend! The first Lovetone pedal I had. I used it on my pedal bard on Guitar and bass and in the studio on everything from drums to keys, vocals and saxamaphone. Incredible pedal and a tweaker's dream.

beck_hall

The best filter pedal I’ve ever used.

For bass guitar, I’ve never play a better filter pedal of any type, and boy, this pedal can do it all.. HP, LP, BP, with extreme personalization options.it may take you awhile but you can get whatever sound you could ever want out of an envelope filter ( especially if you add a hint of subtle reverb directly after). An all time favorite.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jimmy Page uses Lovetone Meatball

Jimmy Page

Guitarist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified

Listed on the official Lovetone "Clients" page.

Jimmy Page MB/DG/BC/WL

See how Matthew Bellamy uses Lovetone Meatball

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Musewiki

Pictured in 2001, with Matt's original Manson Delorean and Matchless DC30, along with an array of other pedals. It is likely this is a recording session as Matt retired the Matchless from his live setup in 1999 and the Manson was not made until 2001. You can make out the Meatball in back of this picture from the shape, colour and pattern on the pedal.

See how Kirk Hammett uses Lovetone Meatball

Kirk Hammett

Guitarist

Metallica

...
Verified via Guitar-Rigs.com

According to Guitar-Rigs.com, Hammet used the Lovetone Meatball.

See how Dan Auerbach uses Lovetone Meatball

Dan Auerbach

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Black Keys

...
Verified via Photo

Taken from this interview which also discusses the studio pedalboard used by Dan:

That’s like an auto-wah [from renowned but defunct UK effects-maker Lovetone]. I didn’t use that on this record, though.

See how Johnny Marr uses Lovetone Meatball

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via marrchives

Lovetone Meatball is listed under effects used on Boomslang.

See how The Edge uses Lovetone Meatball

The Edge

Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via PhotoBucket

The Edge has utilized the Lovetone Meatball filter effects pedal since the Pop era, as evidenced by a photo of his Elevation Tour rig on Photobucket.

See how Trent Reznor uses Lovetone Meatball

Trent Reznor

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via nin.wiki

Trent Reznor is confirmed to use the Lovetone Meatball pedal as listed in the Fragility Tour program, which details the equipment used for recording "The Fragile," according to the source from nin.wiki.

See how Kevin Shields uses Lovetone Meatball

Kevin Shields

Singer, Guitarist

My Bloody Valentine

...
Verified via Photo

Displayed in his photo from an effects bay article is a Lovetone Meatball, from the pedal board of Kevin Shields from My Bloody Valentine.

See how Justin Chancellor uses Lovetone Meatball

Justin Chancellor

Bassist

Tool

...
Verified via Photo
See how J Mascis uses Lovetone Meatball

J Mascis

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via Guitarcenter

GC: The leads for "Alone" off of Hand It Over sounded a little bit different. Can you describe the tone you got for that and how you got it?

Mascis: "Alone" had a lot of effects. I think a lot of it is the LoveTone Meatball and the Ibanez AD9 delay from the same era as the Tube Screamers everybody liked.

See how Gustavo Cerati uses Lovetone Meatball

Gustavo Cerati

Singer, Guitarist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via Photo

El Lovetone Meatball es también uno de los pedales que tampoco se lo vio usar en vivo, pero al igual que el Fulltone Deja Vibe, formaba parte de la 1era versión de la Pedalboard para la gira MVV de Soda.

See how John Squire uses Lovetone Meatball

John Squire

Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified

Listed on the official Lovetone "Clients" page.

John Squire MB/DG/CS/WL

Genre Usage

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

Used With

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

Lovetone Big Cheese
Lovetone Big Cheese Fuzz Effects Pedals
34
Lovetone Doppelganger
Lovetone Doppelganger Phaser Effects Pedals
25
Lovetone Wobulator
Lovetone Wobulator Tremolo Effects Pedals
22
Lovetone Brown Source
Lovetone Brown Source Overdrive Effects Pedals
18
Lovetone Ring Stinger
Lovetone Ring Stinger Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
8
Boss OC-3 Super Octave
Boss OC-3 Super Octave Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
2
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler Delay Effects Pedals
2
Lovetone Cheese Source
Lovetone Cheese Source Multi Effects Pedals
2

2 alternative and related items for Lovetone Meatball, curated by the Equipboard community.

Mu-Tron Musitronics III Envelope Filter

$798.00

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative
Behringer Meatball

$95.00 - $119.00

similar sound cheaper alternative

The Behringer Meatball is direct and obvious clone of the highly sought after Lovetone Meatball, mimicking the original from circuit to font choice.

More Lovetone Filter Effects Pedals

Community setups

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    jpc
    jpc

    Gear IQ 445