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Average Price: $330
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$50
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Description
Unleash the sonic power of the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1, a formidable overdrive pedal designed to replicate the colossal tones of Sunn O)))'s iconic drone metal. This pedal is a tribute to the legendary band's 2019 album, Life Metal, embodying its thunderous low-end and immersive soundscapes. Crafted for guitarists who crave depth and intensity, the Life Pedal V1 features three independent circuits that cater to a diverse range of tonal needs.
At its core, the pedal combines a monophonic octave-down effect with a vintage Whiteface Proco Rat–style distortion, delivering everything from subtle crunch to overwhelming saturation. Additionally, a clean boost circuit allows for pristine amplification without coloring your sound. Whether you're looking to push your amp into searing territory or seeking the perfect mix of drone and clarity, the Life Pedal V1 offers unparalleled versatility. Its intuitive controls and robust construction ensure it stands up to the demands of both studio work and live performances. Dive into the depths of sonic exploration and redefine your overdrive experience.
Key Features:
- Monophonic octave-down circuit for added depth
- Vintage Whiteface Proco Rat–style distortion circuit
- Clean boost circuit for distortion-free amplification
- Independent control over each circuit
- Rugged, road-ready construction
Product specs
| Brand | EarthQuaker Devices |
| Model | Sunn O))) LifePedal Octave Distortion + Booster |
| Finish | Various |
| Year | 2019 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Distortion Pedals, Octave and Pitch-Shifting Pedals |
| Pedal Format | Standard |
FAQs
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What is the primary function of the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1?
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The EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1 is designed to deliver distortion with a blendable analog octave up, combined with a booster, ideal for creating heavy, saturated tones.
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Does the Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1 work well with bass guitars?
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Yes, the Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1 is versatile and can be used with bass guitars to achieve thick, powerful tones, although it is primarily designed for electric guitars.
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What are the clipping modes available on the Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1?
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The Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1 features multiple clipping modes that significantly alter the pedal's tonal characteristics, providing a range of distortion textures.
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Can the Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1 be powered by a standard 9V power supply?
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Yes, the Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1 can be powered using a standard 9V DC power supply, making it compatible with most pedalboard setups.
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Is the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1 is well-suited for live performances, offering robust build quality and a range of tonal options ideal for dynamic stage use.
Videos
EarthQuakerDevices
Introducing Life Pedal | Sunn O))) + EarthQuaker Devices
Introducing Life Pedal | Sunn O))) + EarthQuaker Devices
EarthQuakerDevices
Sunn O))) Life Pedal Octave Distortion + Booster Demo | EarthQuaker Devices
EarthQuakerDevices
EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1 and V2 Comparison Demonstration
Sugaree Licks
Reviews
PROS
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Offers massive boost and thick distortion
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Unique sounds, especially suited for fans of SUNN O)))
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Maintains impressive headroom for expansive sound exploration
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Can push tube amps significantly for enhanced performance
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Adaptable to both bass and guitar, despite being optimized for guitar
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Encourages creative sound manipulation, ideal for genres like shoegaze, punk, metal
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Distinct RAT filter/tone control for precise sound shaping
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Commendable build quality with a flip-up design for easy battery swap
CONS
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Octave control lacks blendability, essentially functioning as an on/off switch
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May result in low end loss when used with bass, affecting full band context
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Pricey relative to other fuzz and distortion pedals on the market
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1.
Comparisons
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V1 and V2 are noted for a softer, organic, and saggier attack compared to the V3, which provides more bite suited for faster riffs.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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It's recommended to use sockets for diodes and OP amp chips when building, allowing for adjustments to taste for tonal experimentation.
Source
Features and functionality
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The switch from germanium to silicon diodes in V3 affects the pedal's sag, altering its response and character.
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The op-amp clipping option mimics a tube amp's overdrive, offering distinct tonal flexibility beyond doom metal, such as blues or rock styles.
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The clean boost is full frequency, providing significant gain potential, which can drive an amp into overdrive even at lower gain settings.
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The V1's clipping option knob reportedly slides between modes, sometimes landing imprecisely between the intended settings.
Source
Use cases and applications
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V1 and V2 excel in producing slow, doomy riffs due to their distinct sagging attack, enhancing their character in this musical style.
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Capable of achieving the fundamental Rat distortion sound, the pedal can also handle lower gain settings effectively, expanding its versatility.
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The V1 pedal produces a powerful sound through a Peavey 5150, described as "mean as hell," with significant impact on overall tone.
Source
User experience
Build quality
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The V1 model has been criticized for its flimsy enclosure and poorly printed text, with gaps and fuzziness noted on the bottom and lettering.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
1798
Serious saturation beyond saturation.
This pedal will peel the paint off of your walls and piss off your neighbors if you live in an apartment. It's based off the classic White Face Rat pedals and the chain and enclosure is based off of a pedal that Stephen O'Malley used during the early Sunn O))) concerts before Life Metal and is based off said signal chain (Oct.->Dist.->Boost). If you have a tube amp this will push your tubes harder than any dirt pedal you've used before. If you use solid state like myself then you can adapt this pedal to your rig and still sound just as amazing. While the initial reissues don't feature ocatve expression control like on the limited reissues the first releases still stand on their own. It's great for shoegaze, punk, metal, anything. Your imagination is the limit.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this YouTube video ( https://youtu.be/D83T9vTy0as ) Simon is seen using the Sunn O))) Life pedal V1
And also in a interview with Guitar World said “I managed to get an [EarthQuaker Devices] Sunn O))) drone pedal; that’s what you’re hearing through the chorus and it’s honestly one of the best bits of kit I’ve ever bought – just really twisted and an absolute life-changer. It was a limited-edition one, which cost a small fortune, but I think they make another version now
Conor discusses his use of the Life Pedal (which looks to be a V1 with top-mounted knobs) at 0:34 of this Rig Rundown video.
In this post in his instagram,David plays with a EQD Life Pedal
In a screenshot from Fontaines DC's KEXP at home performance, captured at 05:17, Carlos O'Connell's pedalboard is visible, clearly showing the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1. This image serves as evidence of O'Connell's use of this specific guitar pedal.
Sarah Lipstate uses the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1, as seen in her Instagram post discussing her contribution to a compilation benefiting Women of Banglatown.
Album Usage
The EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1 has been featured on the following albums:
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 EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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