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Average Price: $328

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$181+

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Description

Unleash the full spectrum of sonic chaos with the WMD Geiger Counter. This innovative distortion effects pedal transforms your guitar into a powerhouse of digital destruction. With a sample rate that ranges from 260Hz to 58kHz and a 252 wavetable modulator, the Geiger Counter serves as a high-octane preamp feeding into an 8-bit computer. This combination of technology and design catapults the concept of a bit crusher into a new dimension, producing an array of glitched-out pieces of sound art. It's not for the timid, but for those audacious enough to explore the boundaries of experimental, harsh noise, and avant-garde genres, the Geiger Counter's seismic potential is a game-changer.

Key Features:

  • Sample rate ranges from 260Hz to 58kHz
  • 252 wavetable modulator for a wide array of sound textures
  • Functions as a high-powered preamp feeding into an 8-bit computer
  • Takes the concept of a bit crusher to unprecedented levels
  • Ideal for experimental, harsh noise, and avant-garde genres.

Product specs

Brand WMD
Model Geiger Counter
Finish Yellow
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Noise Generator Pedals

FAQs

What kind of distortion does the WMD Geiger Counter pedal produce?

The WMD Geiger Counter pedal offers a unique distortion by combining digital bitcrushing and sampling rate reduction, resulting in a wide range of aggressive and experimental sounds that can create anything from subtle grit to extreme sonic chaos.

How does the WMD Geiger Counter differ from typical distortion pedals?

Unlike traditional distortion pedals, the WMD Geiger Counter uses a digital signal processing method to manipulate and degrade your guitar signal, providing a distinctive and versatile palette of distorted tones that can be highly unconventional.

Can the WMD Geiger Counter be used with instruments other than guitar?

Yes, the WMD Geiger Counter can be used with various instruments, including bass and synthesizers, to produce unique distortion effects, making it a versatile tool for musicians seeking experimental sounds across different instruments.

What power supply is required for the WMD Geiger Counter pedal?

The WMD Geiger Counter pedal requires a standard 9V DC power supply with a center-negative polarity, which is commonly used for most guitar pedals, ensuring easy integration into your existing pedalboard setup.

Is the WMD Geiger Counter pedal suitable for live performances?

Yes, the WMD Geiger Counter is well-suited for live performances, offering robust construction and a wide range of distortion effects that can be easily manipulated in real-time to create dynamic and engaging soundscapes on stage.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

WMD Geiger Counter Distortion

Video thumbnail for WMD Geiger Counter Distortion by ProGuitarShopDemos

WMD Geiger Counter Distortion

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for WMD Geiger Counter Guitar Effects Stomp Box Overview by OBEDIA

WMD Geiger Counter Guitar Effects Stomp Box Overview

OBEDIA

OBEDIA

Video thumbnail for WMD Geiger Counter Guitar Pedal Demo by MusicGearFast.com by Music Gear Fast

WMD Geiger Counter Guitar Pedal Demo by MusicGearFast.com

Music Gear Fast

Music Gear Fast

Video thumbnail for DOOM 2016 in a PEDAL!? | WMDevices Geiger Counter Pedal Demo & Review by Davey Perron

DOOM 2016 in a PEDAL!? | WMDevices Geiger Counter Pedal Demo & Review

Davey Perron

Davey Perron

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers a wide range of sounds from soft fuzz to extreme distortion

  • Compatible with guitar, bass, synth, and drum machines

  • Features like CV in and expression pedal input enhance versatility

  • Contains a vast number of presets for diverse sound exploration

  • Allows for in-depth customization of presets

  • Unique for producing bitcrusher effects and digital, glitchy sounds

  • Small, aesthetically pleasing design

  • Suitable for noise musicians and those seeking unique distortion

CONS

  • Some settings produce no sound, requiring patience to find preferred settings

  • Can be overwhelming due to its complexity and customization options

  • Difficult to integrate seamlessly into a band setting initially

  • Lacks the ability to save presets without upgrading to the Pro version

  • High cost, particularly for versions with more features like preset saving

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about WMD Geiger Counter.

Use cases and applications

  • The Geiger Counter is favored for its aggressive, cutting fuzz tones, especially when using algorithms 09 or 12 with gain and bit/sample rate maxed.

    Source
  • Sweeping the Sample Rate from full to zero at the end of a phrase, possibly into a delay, creates unique effects.

    Source
  • Users recommend using an expression pedal to sweep Sample Rate and Bit Rate for dynamic live modulation.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pedal excels in modulating sample rate in real-time during solos, offering blown-out, squishy, or nonlinear fuzz sounds.

    Source
  • The waveshaper feature allows users to explore new sonic territories, making it a versatile distortion machine not confined to traditional sounds.

    Source
  • The Sample Rate knob may cause volume drops, spikes, or cutouts, especially if set below 2x the note frequency.

    Source
  • Transfer tables interact significantly with the tone stack; some tables require the tone stack on to avoid overwhelming bass.

    Source
  • LED indicators on the Sample Rate and Bit Rate controls help determine the range and effectiveness of these settings.

    Source
  • The Geiger Counter can integrate into a modular setup using CV inputs to randomize wavetables and adjust sample rate and bit depth dynamically with note triggers.

    Source
  • Sample & Hold modules with built-in noise sources can generate random CV for wavetable changes with each new note, creating unique modulation possibilities.

    Source
  • Using an envelope follower with a resonant filter can enhance bass effects, allowing real-time modulation of the frequency cutoff.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Geiger Counter's preamp is noted as remarkable, distinguishing it from pedals like the EQD Data Corrupter, which lacks control over decay.

    Source
  • Bitmap 2 offers a more logical layout with waveshaping, wave folding, and a mix knob, reducing unexpected silences compared to the Geiger Counter.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Geiger Counter may increase in value due to WMD going out of business, making it a potential collector's item.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • An envelope follower is essential for making the pedal responsive to playing dynamics, enabling CV control based on volume changes.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The AI Synthesis pedal in/out module is recommended for converting signals between pedal and Eurorack levels, crucial for integrating the Geiger Counter into modular systems.

    Source

Critic Reviews

WMD Geiger Counter Pedal Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The WMD Geiger Counter pedal is a game-changer for those seeking out-of-this-world distortion effects. While it can deliver standard overdrives, its true strength lies in its ability to create a vast array of wild, twisted sounds thanks to its 252 selectable wave tables, bit settings, and adjustable sample rates. This pedal is perfect for musicians looking to push their sonic boundaries, offering effects that range from synth-like to raw, filtered fuzz. Despite its complex appearance with numerous controls, it remains user-friendly. However, traditionalists might find its extreme nature overwhelming. Overall, the review is positive, praising the pedal's versatility and innovative sound capabilities.

positive
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 17 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
T

Awesome

It's just so damn cool. There's nothing to hate, it's just so fun to mess around with!

dorgsan

For sound destruction

You need this pedal if you search for a bitcrusher or a fuzz factory replacement, if you want a truly unique distortion for your guitar, bass, synth or drum machine, if you like to experiment, if you are noise musician or fuzzy chaos/strange glitch sounds appreciator, if you like to mess around with knobs and be able to find hundreds of different sounds

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Fuzz Factory-like setting: Gain 5:00, Tone disabled, Wave Table: 61, Sample Rate 5:00, Bit Depth 1:00, Mask mode, red light mode for Sample Rate and Bit Depth.

reiniholzmann

WMD - Geiger Counter

Little sum up: + many different presets + good for any kind of noise + if you wanna sound like a cranked "Nintendo" Gameboy --> YOUR PEDAL! - not useable in the guitarists daily guitar work - not everybodies sound - cause its really cranked and digital sounding

fabiomuzik

I want it a lot

I need some weird flavours of distortion. Not fuzz, not bit crush, just a different noise distorted sound like this pedal can to offer. I saw several videos and i like everything about it. Maybe i gonna purchase the smallest version, the Civilian Issue, because it's expensive as hell, and don't have presets.

dorgsan

I don't recommend Civilian - it's too basic, presets are all the same

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Karl Hyde uses WMD Geiger Counter

Karl Hyde

Singer, Guitarist

Freur

...
Verified via Photo

In this image from Underworld's Instagram account, Karl has posted a photo of some pedals, with the Geiger Counter appearing on the left-hand side.

See how Markus Reuter uses WMD Geiger Counter

Markus Reuter

Guitarist, Music Producer

Stick Men

...
Verified via Photo

Complex bass sounds for Tony Levin

See how Toshiji Mikawa uses WMD Geiger Counter

Toshiji Mikawa

Composer, Music Producer

Hijokaidan

...
Verified via Facebook

In a photo posted by Sou Inomoto on Facebook, Toshiji Mikawa's setup clearly includes the WMD Geiger Counter.

See how Jerome Froese uses WMD Geiger Counter

Jerome Froese

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Jeromefroese

Jerome Froese lists the WMD Geiger Counter distortion effects pedal on his official website, indicating its inclusion in his gear setup.

See how Jamie Dean uses WMD Geiger Counter

Jamie Dean

Guitarist, Keyboardist

God Is an Astronaut

...
Verified via Photo

Photo from God Is An Astronaut’s Studio of Jamie’s pedalboard.

See how Romain Perrot uses WMD Geiger Counter

Romain Perrot

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by Romain Perrot (roro_vomir), the WMD Geiger Counter can be clearly seen on the pedalboard furthest away from the camera. The post is captioned "Back on decrepit tracks."

See how Sid Glover uses WMD Geiger Counter

Sid Glover

Singer, Guitarist

Heaven's Basement

...
Verified via Photo

In 2018 David Radahd of Red City Recordings confirmed a lot of gear that Sid used on the albums. One of which is the WMD Geiger Counter, David owns this one

See how Rod Abernethy uses WMD Geiger Counter

Rod Abernethy

Composer

...
Verified via Copcomm

"I've used everything from vintage Les Pauls to a Japanese Guyatone to a Gretsch Chet Atkins to Mosrite 'Ventures model' and others. I have an array of guitars I went through, and then I put them into a vintage fuzzbox or something new, like Geiger Counter by William Mathewson Devices."

Album Usage

The WMD Geiger Counter 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 WMD Geiger Counter, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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david_berner

david_berner

Gear IQ 68

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