Pricing and availability
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Reviews
Price
Average Price: $53
Budget/Beginner
$80
$181+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your inner rockstar with the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion pedal, a game-changer in the realm of guitar effects. This compact device is your ticket to creating gritty, distorted sounds that will add a new dimension to your music. But don't be fooled by its size - it brings a powerful punch that will make your guitar roar.
The Dark Matter Distortion pedal boasts a wide range of tonal possibilities. With controls for gain, level, bass, and treble, it allows you to shape your sound with precision. Whether you're looking for a subtle crunch or a full-on metal distortion, this pedal has you covered.
What sets Dark Matter apart is its 2 different voice settings. This feature lets you tailor the distortion to your liking, giving you the flexibility to switch between a tight, focused tone and a raw, loose sound.
Additionally, the pedal is equipped with a True Bypass function, ensuring your signal path remains unaffected when the distortion is disengaged. This means your guitar's natural tone will shine through, unaltered and clear.
Key Features:
- Distortion effect pedal for electric guitar
- Control: Gain, level, bass, treble
- 2 different voice settings for versatile sound shaping
- True Bypass function preserves your guitar's natural tone
- Powered by a 9 V DC power supply or 9 V battery (both not included)
Owner's manual
TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion User ManualProduct specs
| Pedal Type | Distortion |
| Inputs | 1 x Instrument |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (sold separately) |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Height | 1.97" |
| Width | 2.83" |
| Depth | 4.8" |
| Weight | 0.66 lbs. |
FAQs
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What type of power supply does the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion require?
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The TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It can also be powered by a single 9V battery.
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Does the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion work well with bass guitars?
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While primarily designed for electric guitars, the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion can be used with bass guitars, though it may color the low-end frequencies. Testing with your specific setup is recommended for best results.
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What tonal characteristics can I expect from the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion?
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The TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion offers a rich, dynamic range with a focus on clarity and punch. It provides a classic distortion sound with a two-band EQ for tonal shaping and a voicing switch for added versatility.
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How does the voicing switch on the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion affect the sound?
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The voicing switch on the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion alters the bass response, allowing you to toggle between a more pronounced low-end and a tighter, more focused sound.
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Is the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion suitable for beginners?
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Yes, the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion is suitable for beginners due to its straightforward controls and versatile sound, making it easy to dial in a variety of distortion tones.
Videos
TC Electronic
TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion
Reviews
PROS
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Versatile: from overdrive to high gain without sounding oversaturated
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Emulates early Boogie tones well, ideal for hard rock
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Responsive and natural feel compared to other distortion pedals
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Works great as a clean boost
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Transparent - retains the guitar's original sound
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EQ customization with bass and treble controls
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Good build quality and sturdy design
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Compatible with other pedals for expanded tonal range
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Excellent value for money, affordable
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Provides a wide range of sounds, from crunchy to heavy distortion
CONS
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Not suitable for thrash metal or super heavy metal sounds
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The "voice" switch has minimal impact on sound
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Lacks a mid-frequency control
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Can sound harsh and muffled on high gain without a good amp
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Some find the gain quality unsatisfactory for high gain metal
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Fragile on/off switch mentioned in one review
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 24 Reviews and 116 Ratings
95
Good tone, nice chunky metal and hard rock sounds.
I love this pedal, very useful for getting heavier chunky sounds similar to Metallica or Muse's heavier tracks, I love it.
Artist usage
Add artist
As stated on TC Electronic's homepage, the section about Products used by Duff McKagan.
Martin L. Gore utilizes the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion pedal, as confirmed by its listing on TC Electronic's website among the gear he uses.
He played through this pedal for "1 Guitar, 10 Overdrive Pedals" video. He can be seen playing through this one at 1:14 minute mark.
TC Electronic's artist page for Andy Summers includes a TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion pedal.
Richard Zven Kruspe, guitarist of Rammstein, is shown using the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion pedal. This is evidenced by a photo on his artist page, highlighting the range of TC Electronic pedals in his setup.
According to TC Electronic's artist page, Rudess uses a Dark Matter Distortion.
In this short video, Michael Shuman is playing with different effects and at around 0:32 there is a good view of his pedal board, which includes the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion.
According to the product website Vernon Reid uses the Dark Matter distortion pedal.
As stated on TC Electronic's homepage, the section about Products used by Roger Glover.
Peter Hayes incorporates the TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion pedal into his pedalboard, likely using it as an additional drive alongside his Klon Centaur, as detailed in the article "Black Rebel Motorcycle Club: Guitar Rig" on magazyngitarzysta.pl.
In 2018 Premier Guitar interview, Hayes mentioned the use of the pedal on "Little Thing Gone Wild" from BRMC's 2018 album "Wrong Creatures".
"thanks dave catching for my new favorite didtortion petal (and to tc electronic for building it )"
(Carlson was referring to Dave Catching of Eagles of Death Metal.)
"my pedalboard, which changes quite regularly as I come across some other new bit of kit. It is largely TC, though. I currently have a TC Corona chorus, Hall of Fame reverb, Flashback Delay and looper, Dark Matter overdrive, Helix phaser, ElectroHarmonix POG2, Radial Design Big Shot ABY amp switcher, Line 6 Relay G50 wireless system going into a TC Electronic Blacksmith 1600w head, and two 4×10 cabs."
Album Usage
The TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion 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 TC Electronic Dark Matter Distortion, it is most commonly used with the following gear.