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Electro-Harmonix Hell Melter Distortion Pedal

Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal with Active EQ, Normal/Burn Modes, Dry Level, Footswitchable Boost, and Noise Gate
$176.66

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Electro-Harmonix Hell Melter Distortion Pedal
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Classic. Chainsaw. Distortion.

Designed around the boss of all heavy metal distortion circuits, the Electro-Harmonix Hell Melter dishes out blasphemous quantities of Swedish-flavored, chainsaw-buzz carnage. This red-hot guitar effects pedal takes a tried-and-true formula to new depths, augmenting the classic, in-your-face high-gain sound of an early-'80s stompbox with expanded EQ options, increased output, and a whole horde of new bloodcurdling sonic capabilities. You also get Normal and Burn modes for extended clipping possibilities, a Dry Level control for maintaining clarity under severe circumstances, and a footswitchable boost section for applications that require absolute incineration. To top it off, the Hell Melter includes a built-in noise gate for taming the intermittent artifacts that surface between chugs. If you want to conquer the extreme metal underworld, the EXH Hell Melter is the pedal to do it with.

Built for entombment and dismemberment

The early-'80s distortion pedal that inspired the Hell Melter was capable of all sorts of sonic devastation, so much so that its sound has become synonymous with the Swedish death metal sound. Electro-Harmonix has taken this cult-classic buzzsaw tone to new levels of depravity with expanded controls and new sonic possibilities. For starters, the Hell Melter offers more output than its predecessor. It boasts an active EQ, with a parametric Mids control for precision midrange sculpting (scooping?). Its Normal/Burn switch — our favorite feature here at Sweetwater — toggles between the classic chainsaw sound and another that boosts the pedal's internal voltage for increased headroom, less compression, and a heavier attack. A Dry Level control allows for blending your input signal for improved low end under extreme distortion. You also get a footswitchable boost section, plus a built-in noise gate for eradicating the hiss inherent in high-gain situations.

Electro-Harmonix Hell Melter Distortion Pedal Features:

  • Designed around the boss of all heavy metal distortion circuits
  • Serves up the prototypical Swedish chainsaw-buzz guitar tone
  • Delivers more output than its predecessor
  • Separate Level and Distortion knobs
  • Active EQ with a parametric Mids control for precision midrange sculpting
  • Normal/Burn switch toggles between the classic chainsaw sound and a more open clipping option
  • Dry Level control allows for blending your input signal for improved low end under extreme distortion
  • Footswitchable boost section for applications that require absolute incineration
  • Built-in noise gate eradicates the hiss inherent in high-gain situations
  • Comes with a 9V power supply

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Tech Specs

  • Pedal Type: Distortion
  • Analog/Digital: Analog
  • Inputs: 1 x 1/4"
  • Outputs: 1 x 1/4"
  • Bypass Switching: Buffered
  • EQ: Active 3-band EQ, Mid-Freq
  • Controls: Normal/Burn Modes, Dry Level, Gate, Distortion Level, Boost Switch
  • Power Source: 9.6V DC 200mA power supply (included)
  • Power Usage: 140mA
  • Height: 2.25"
  • Width: 4.75"
  • Depth: 4"
  • Manufacturer Part Number: HELLMELTER

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 4.5/5

Swedish Chainsaw Death Metal Distortion with gate

Electro Harmonix improvement of the original Boss HM2. With this pedal no doubt you can get The Swedish Chainsaw Death Metal Distortion but compared to the Original boss HM 2 this is a more versatile pedal with extra features like a gate, dry level knob, and boost gain footswitch it sounds amazing the Burn mode is my favorite it really gives you a new and modern vibes and a different flavor with the essence of the HM 2.
Music background: Guitar player for over 15 years
Rated 5/5

Radical Pedal

I play Metal a lot and this is my go-to whenever I pick up my guitar. I record and jam with my friends with it and it works great in both settings. "Chainsaw" is definitely the best word to describe it. It's crunchy and crisp. You can clearly hear what's being played. You definitely don't have to sacrifice clarity of sound for the distortion. High quality and versatile pedal. Would 110% recommend for any metalhead!
Music background: Hobbyist
Rated 5/5

Most Versatile Pedal I've Played

Not only does this immediately pull off any HM-2/MT-2 tone you could want, but it allows for more "modern" metal tones as well. It doesn't stop there. The clean mix makes it great for country or bass if you turn the distortion down. For the first time since I can remember I'll only have one dirt pedal on my personal board!
Music background: Tech/Hobbyist
Rated 5/5

What the HM2 should have been

You want Nordic Death Metal? No problem. But this pedal is capable of a lot more. I've never been a fan of the original unmodded HM2, and was a bit skeptic about this pedal to begin with but Nick Bowcott's demo sold me on it. It's really what the HM2 should have been in the first place.
Music background: 40 years playing, gigging musician.
Rated 5/5

Thee absolute best HM-2 style pedal ever made.

Hails from the 901! Dollar for dollar, tone for tone, you can't beat this HM-2 style pedal! Easier to dial in other tones besides the maxed out Swedish death metal one. Doomers will love this with a Rat juicing it or the Hell Melter itself juicing a Metal Muff or Big Muff. Had to adjust the internal trim pot for the boost function because it was too loud for my tastes-lol! EHX hit the extreme metal ball outta da park with this pedal.
Music background: Amateur/Hobbyist
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