Sunn O))) and EarthQuaker Devices launch compact version of the acclaimed Life Pedal: “Half the size, just as heavy”
Drone metal band Sunn O))) and EarthQuaker Devices have launched a compact version of their collaborative Life Pedal, an octave distortion and booster, aptly named HalfLife.
Like the Life Pedal, HalfLife is designed to represent the core front end chain used in the writing sessions for the band’s 2019 album, Life Metal, to drive the tubes of the Greg Anderson and Stephen O’Malley’s multiple vintage Sunn O))) Model T amplifiers “into overload ecstasy”. It will remain part of the EQD lineup for good, as opposed to the original three versions.
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Offered as a pedalboard-friendly alternative to the Life Pedal, HalfLife again features a fuzz/distortion circuit with an analogue octave-up effect, as well as a MOSFET-driven clean boost in the “Magnitude” section. In addition, HalfLife features reworked circuitry, with switchable op-amp, asymmetric and symmetric clipping modes.
The first position uses no diodes for a “full, grinding Op Amp assault at maximum volume”. The second utilises two silicon diodes and one LED in an asymmetrical clipping configuration, while the latter is the standard double silicon diode configuration for a more classic tone.
“An octave fuzz inspired by the Shin-Ei FY2 & FY6 units leads the circuit into a brutal big-box rodent-inspired distortion recreated with the best components and including a three-way clipping switch,” says EarthQuaker. “The second stage is a purely clean boost to further overdrive the preamp tubes of your vintage system into scaped harmonics and feedback overtone bliss.”
And thanks to the fact the HalfLife is made using modern components – as opposed to the NOS (New Old Stock) components used in the original Life pedals – it’s now a permanent staple of the EQD lineup.
“I’m ecstatic for the continuation of this LIFE-affirming collaboration with EarthQuaker Devices,” says Sunn O)))’s Greg Anderson. “May the sounds you create from the HalfLife be as deep as the forests and massive as the mountains.”
Back in 2022, we tried out the Life Pedal V3, and gave it a stellar 9/10 in our review. And you best believe us when we say we’re excited to get our hands on the new HalfLife pedal…
The HalfLife is available now for £265/$259.
Learn more and hear audio samples at EarthQuaker Devices.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
