The Dirt Transmitter is one of the oldest circuits in the EarthQuaker line. The design is Fuzz Face inspired, and the idea started when Jamie Stillman came across some very unique silicon transistors. These transistors are lower gain and have a warmth similar to germanium transistors when overdriven. But they also have the top-end grind typical of silicon-based fuzz pedals, which adds to the mids and helps cut through. The combination of these rare transistors and the starved voltage creates a wide variety of textures at the turn of a knob.
The first Dirt Transmitters started shipping in January of 2008, and these original units were housed in a small enclosure with only three controls: Fuzz, Tone, and Level. Shortly after the release, Jamie decided to add the external Bias control, which opened up the circuit and brought it to life. By varying the Bias the transistor is starved of voltage. The Dirt Transmitter is properly biased when the Bias control is all the way up; when turning it down, the voltage is starved, and the fuzz tone becomes gated. This produces a sputtery ripping velcro tone that increases in character as you roll it back.
Dimensions
4.75 x 2.50 x 2.25 in. (121 x 64 x 57 mm) with knobs
Current Draw
3 mA
Input Impedance
500 kΩ
Output Impedance
100 Ω
Flexi-Switch® Technology
This device features Flexi-Switch® Technology! This relay-based, true bypass switching style allows you to simultaneously use momentary and latching style switching.
• For standard latching operation: tap the footswitch once to activate the effect and then tap again to bypass.
• For momentary operation: hold the footswitch down for as long as you’d like to use the effect. Once you release the switch the effect will be bypassed.
Since the switching is relay-based, it requires power to pass signal.
Power
This device takes a standard 9 volt DC power supply with a 2.1mm negative center barrel. We always recommend pedal-specific, transformer-isolated wall-wart power supplies or multiple isolated-output supplies. Pedals will make extra noise if there is ripple or unclean power. Switching-type power supplies, daisy chains and non-pedal specific power supplies do not filter dirty power as well and let through unwanted noise. DO NOT RUN AT HIGHER VOLTAGES!
Artwork
Artwork by Mike Egan.