Electro-Harmonix releases the Germanium 4 Big Muff Pi & 44 Magnum Power Amp

By Ivan Chopik
June 9th, 2010

ELECTRO-HARMONIX RELEASES THE GERMANIUM 4 BIG MUFF Pi, a combination overdrive and distortion pedal using four classic Germanium transistors.

Big Muff Pi

Electro-Harmonix has resurrected the warm sound unique to the Germanium transistors of the 1960s and applied several modern twists to deliver a new pedal with a vintage vibe and feel, but modern control and power.

The Germanium 4 Big Muff Pi features two independent circuits, one Overdrive and one Distortion that can be used individually or in series. The Overdrive and Distortion circuits each use a pair of N.O.S. NKT275 Germanium transistors. Purists will appreciate the authentic sound of these vintage components and the fact that the Germanium 4 is true bypass.

The Overdrive section features independent controls for Gain, Bias, Tone and Volume, while Distortion provides independent controls for Gain, Bias, Volts and Volume. The Bias controls adjust the tonal character of the distortion by changing the bias of the signal before it is distorted by the Germanium Transistors. The Volts control enables the player to dial back the amount of voltage supplied to the Distortion side and create varying “dying battery” sounds.

Stack the overdrive and distortion in series and the player has two individual control sets that work in combination for a hybrid tonality that can be mixed and balanced. When combined, the four germanium transistors are stacked providing a new power edge in performance.

Magnum Power Amp

The Germanium 4 Big Muff Pi features a compact 4.75” high x 5.75” wide and 1.5” deep. It comes equipped with a battery. It also uses an optional 9DC-100 power supply. USA List $133.00

Following the introduction of the innovative 22 Caliber Guitar Amp, Electro-Harmonix presents a more powerful 44-watt version in our smallest pedal-sized package. The 44 Magnum Power Amp, designed with guitar in mind, is also at home with bass, keyboards or virtually any electric instrument.

The 44 Magnum delivers a broad power range with plenty of headroom. It can also be driven to a natural saturation as the volume is turned up. A Tone Switch lets the player select a neutral tone or a top-end boost that adds upper harmonic definition.

The ultra-portable 44 Magnum is ideal as a primary or a backup amplifier, and at 4.70″ high x 3.70″ wide x 1.18″deep, can go directly from your pocket or gig bag to the stage. It comes complete with a 24DC-3000 power supply and is compatible with any speaker cabinet providing an 8 or 16 Ohm load. The 44 Magnum Power Amp has a U.S. M.S.R.P. of $144.75 with an anticipated June 2010 delivery.

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