powerful, and thick. The
fuzz had a bit of an edge
to it, almost like the digital,
low-bit distortion that
motorbikes made in certain
video games. Yet I’d say
that the Super Badass has a
distinctly analog flavor with
only a hint of that tone so
many of us associate with
digital music and effects.
As I added more voltage—
up to 15V—by spinning
the Variac knob, the tone
gradually cleaned up—the
higher the voltage, the
greater the headroom. If
I wanted more distortion,
I could boost the Gain.
Higher voltages produced
a distortion which wasn’t
as compressed or as heavy
as the low-voltage settings,
but I was more than satisfied
with the quality and quantity
of it.
Curiously, the Super
Badass actually behaves
a lot like an overdrive in
one way: its response to
playing dynamics. Greater
headroom allows for a
cleaner tone in general,
but I found that I could
add a bit of edge by simply
playing the notes louder.
Presumably, the louder
or harder the playing, the
higher the pickup output
voltage will be. Higher input
voltage to the distortion
circuit will cause the circuit
to behave as if the Gain
knob has been bumped up.
MXR made a wise choice
with its Tone control,
because the circuit seems
not to boost the low end.
Instead, the Super Badass
seems to leave the lower
frequencies as is but add or
remove higher frequencies
with a turn of the Tone
knob.
WHAT WE LIKE
Intense, compressed, heavy
fuzz; variable voltage for
higher headroom or all-out
distortion.
CONCERNS
I can’t think of any deal
breakers, but just be aware
that the pedal is very loud.
MXR’s new Super Badass
might be the company’s
most versatile fuzz. Its
sparkly purple finish
certainly won’t look bad
on the pedalboard, either.
Whether it’s clean with a
bit of edge, or downright
grungy, the Super Badass
has you covered.
ToneReport.com
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