Inspired by a cult-classic '70s pedal that has become as rare as it is mysterious, the Electro-Harmonix Percolator is a fuzz pedal sporting asymmetrical clipping for musical, even-order harmonic saturation. From smooth dynamic drive to ripping fuzz tones, this pedal delivers a huge spectrum of saturation for a wide range of stylistic applications.
The Percolator sports Harmonics, Balance, and Bias knob controls. The Drive/Fuzz switch shifts the pedal from a heavy fuzz box with clipping diodes fully engaged (Fuzz) to a transistor drive pedal (Drive). An internal trim pot allows you to add more gain to the circuitry for enhanced sub-octave tones. The footswitch offers both latching and momentary action. With a mechanical relay true bypass, your tone remains free from high-frequency tone suck when bypassed. The Percolator can be powered via 9V power adapter or battery and includes a 9V battery.
- The Harmonics control sets the input gain of the pedal, from overdrive to complete fuzz destruction.
- The Bias control sets the bias of the gain circuit, creating sounds from smooth drive, to pseudo-octave fuzz, to ripping, gated fuzz tones.
- Balance sets the overall output of the effect.
- The Drive/Fuzz toggle engages the clipping diodes in the Fuzz position for heavy fuzz sounds.
- While in Drive mode with the diodes disengaged, the EHX Percolator acts more like a transistor drive pedal with a raw, organic character that’s both chewy and crunchy.
- Under the hood, an internal trim pot can be adjusted to further enhance and bring out the suboctave while also adding even more gain to the circuit, for massive distortion with extra rumble.