The Epitome of Dirt Box Versatility
No mere distortion pedal, the EarthQuaker Devices Zoar is ready to take on everything, from subtle tube-style overdrive to the deepest depths of fuzzy high-gain destruction. This all-analog pedal’s purely transistor-driven design delivers an exceptionally touch-sensitive feel that’s highly reactive to your pick attack, capturing all the nuance and dynamism of a top-class tube amplifier. Next, the Zoar’s incredibly powerful 3-band EQ comes fine-tuned from EarthQuaker Devices to cover all manner of modern dirt tones, but the real star of the show is this pedal’s unique Weight knob. By tweaking the amount of bass passed through the circuit, the Weight knob dramatically alters the Zoar’s voice, rewarding brave sonic adventurers with an almost infinite array of tones to choose from. All in all, the Zoar’s stunning versatility and amp-like feel make it a sterling addition to EarthQuaker Devices’ pedal pantheon.
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Weight knob and 3-band EQ for superior sonic sculpting
The Zoar’s greatest asset is undoubtedly its sheer versatility, a quality best exemplified by its 3-band EQ and distinctive Weight knob. First up, the 3-band EQ provides a decidedly modern tone-shaping experience, which, when combined with the stunning sweep of the Gain knob, transforms the Zoar into a blank tonal canvas to dial in your dream tones. Still, the Weight knob represents the Zoar’s most powerful tone-sculpting feature — a control that determines the extent of low end passed through the circuit. This knob is incredibly reactive to the position of the Zoar’s EQ and Gain and Level controls, providing you with a wealth of idiosyncratic overdrive, distortion, and fuzz voices to discover.
18-volt operation unlocks enhanced dynamics
Seeking a dirt box with superior clarity and range? Sweetwater guitarists recommend powering the Zoar with an 18-volt DC power supply. In fact, this pedal accepts voltages across the range from standard 9 volts DC to 18 volts DC, with higher voltages resulting in a clearer sound with tighter bass frequencies, a snappier attack, enhanced dynamics, and a fuller spectrum of tone. Frankly, it’s almost like playing with an entirely new pedal, only adding to the Zoar’s already superlative degree of sonic flexibility.
EarthQuaker Devices Zoar Features:
- All-analog, transistor-based dirt pedal for guitar and bass that covers everything, from subtle saturation to fuzz-like high-gain ferocity
- Transistor-driven design delivers a thoroughly amp-like playing experience with a remarkably touch-sensitive feel
- Powerful 3-band EQ allows you to tweak and twist your tone for any application, from biting blues tones to mid-scooped modern mayhem
- 3-band EQ and Level controls are highly interactive, offering slightly different tones depending on where the Level control is set
- Unique Weight control dictates the amount of low end in the circuit, dramatically changing the pedal’s voice and overall feel
- Silent relay-based switching and true bypass design keep your tone clean and uncolored when the pedal is not in use
- Operates at standard 9V DC, but can also be powered using 18V DC for a more articulate and dynamic response
