Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $725

High-end/Boutique

$70

$251+

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Budget

Standard

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

5 star
4 star
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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 Jesse Quin uses Lovetone Meatball

Jesse Quin

Bassist

Keane

...
Verified via Photo

Jesse states that he has bought a meatball, saying "First rule of having a recording studio: only buy equipment that looks cool and has a weird name. It doesn’t matter what it sounds like"

See how Dominic Chad uses Lovetone Meatball

Dominic Chad

Guitarist, Composer

Mansun

...
Verified via Mansun

This transcription of a 1997 interview with Total Guitar magazine states, "In order to create their massive sound, Chad's fairly simple pedal board consists of a Boss ME-8 multi-FX processor, and the bizarrely-named Lovetone Meatball and Big Cheese."

See how Adrian Sherwood uses Lovetone Meatball

Adrian Sherwood

Music Producer

Singers & Players

...
Verified

Listed on the official Lovetone "Clients" page.

Adrian Sherwood (On-U Sound) MB

See how Jonathan Noyce uses Lovetone Meatball

Jonathan Noyce

Bassist

Jethro Tull

...
Verified via Photo

On the official Jethro Tull site, Jonathan Noyce states that he uses a Lovetone Meatball.

N

Nick Fyffe

Singer, Bassist

Jamiroquai

...
Verified

Listed on the official Lovetone "Clients" page.

Nick Fyffe (Jamiroquai) MB/BC

F

Fred Maher

Drummer

Richard Hell & The Voidoids

...
Verified

Listed on the official Lovetone "Clients" page.

Fred Maher MB/DG/BS/BC/WL

See how Tim Bran uses Lovetone Meatball

Tim Bran

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Dreadzone

...
Verified

Listed on the official Lovetone "Clients" page.

Tim Bran (Dreadzone/Rocket Network) MB/DG/BS/BC/WL

T

Tony Rémy

Guitarist

...
Verified

Listed on the official Lovetone "Clients" page.

Tony Remy MB

N

Nellee Hooper

Music Producer

Soul II Soul

...
Verified

Listed on the official Lovetone "Clients" page.

Nellee Hooper MB/DG/BS/BC/WL

See how Little Axe uses Lovetone Meatball

Little Axe

Guitarist, Music Producer

Fats Comet

...
Verified

Listed on the official Lovetone "Clients" page.

Skip McDonald (Little Axe) MB/DG/BC

M

Mike Hedges

Music Producer

...
Verified

Listed on the official Lovetone "Clients" page.

Mike Hedges MB/BC

C

Chris Kimsey

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

...
Verified

Listed on the official Lovetone "Clients" page.

Chris Kimsey MB/DG/BS/BC

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
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler
Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler Delay Effects Pedals
2
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Overdrive Effects Pedals
2
Boss OC-3 Super Octave
Boss OC-3 Super Octave Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
2

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

Mu-Tron Musitronics III Envelope Filter

$750.00

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound cheaper alternative
Behringer Meatball

$94.00 - $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