Crazy Tube Circuits Motherload

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Crazy Tube Circuits Motherload

Crazy Tube Circuits

Motherload

4.7 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 563007
Model: Motherload
Price: $262.90

* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.

The Motherload is a serious contender for players wanting a vintage Big Muff and a classic Rat in a single, well-built pedal. The added EQ flexibility is a real bonus, letting you dial in sounds from thick, sustaining leads to aggressive rhythm tones. It’s a fantastic option for rock, stoner, and alternative players who want a versatile and powerful distortion platform.

Product Description

  • Crazy Tube Circuits Motherload
  • Effect Pedal for Electric Guitar
  • Two iconic distortion/fuzz circuits in one pedal
  • Faithful analogue reproduction of a Big Muff and a Rat distortion circuit
  • Enhanced EQ section that reproduces the control possibilities of both originals
  • but creates new sonic possibilities by combining them
  • Fat sound with lots of punch and endless sustain
  • R/M toggle switch changes between Rat and Muff
  • The "Tone" control reproduces the tone control of the Muff
  • The "Filter" control is based on the variable low-pass of the Rat
  • The "Voice" control reproduces the different tonal variations of the mid frequencies of different Muff models
  • The "Link" switch allows all 3 tone controls to be used for both distortion models
  • Controls: Volume
  • Gain
  • Tone
  • Voice
  • Filter
  • Switch: R/M
  • Link
  • Input and output: 6.3 mm mono jack
  • Top-mounted connections
  • Footswitch: True-bypass softswitch with high-quality relay control
  • Power consumption: 35 mA
  • Power supply via 9 V DC power pack (not included
  • suitable power supply: art. #409939#)
  • Dark grey die-cast housing with golden "Holy Grail" design
  • Made in Greece
PROS
  • • Dual circuit design offers Big Muff warmth and Rat aggression in one.
  • • Voice control provides nuanced Muff tonal variations, adding genuine flexibility.
  • • Enhanced EQ section delivers expanded tonal shaping beyond original circuits.
  • • Robust enclosure and quality components suggest a durable, long-lasting build.
CONS
  • • Price point places it in a premium-priced category for a distortion pedal.
  • • The Rat circuit can be noisy with high gain settings, requiring careful gain staging.
  • • Size and weight make it less than ideal for smaller pedalboards or travel.

Product Video

Key Features

Distortion Type Big Muff Pi/Pro Rat emulation, high-gain distortion/fuzz
Controls Volume, Gain, Tone (Muff tone control), Voice (Muff mid shaping), Filter (Rat low-pass filter), R/M toggle (circuit selection), Link (EQ sharing)
Bypass Type True Bypass
Power Supply 9V DC, 2.1mm center negative (standard pedal power supply)
Connections 1/4" Input, 1/4" Output, 1/4" Power Jack
Dimensions 5.25" x 4.75" x 2.75" (approximate)

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Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Link' switch essentially blends the EQ controls' influence across both circuits, allowing for more unified and complex tonal sculpting when switching between Rat and Muff modes.
While CTC has done a great job replicating the Rat's tone, the original Rat was known for its inherent noise. Expect a similar level of hiss, especially at higher gain settings, though CTC has made efforts to minimize it.
The 'Voice' control provides a more targeted and nuanced shaping of the mid frequencies than a simple tone knob, offering distinct Big Muff variations – from a scooped, modern sound to a more vintage-voiced, mid-forward character.

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