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Pros:
- Digital
- Good quality
- Good price
- Wide range of options
Cons:
- Not for everyone
- You cannot switch between the fuzzes on the fly
There is an epidemic rise in pedals that are compatible with different apps and software. Such devices are typically not so bad themselves but can be enhanced dramatically once connected to editors and hubs. This way you get the ability to access the features that would not fit in any enclosure. This is a very smart way of saving the space on your pedalboard without sacrificing diversity. Many brands are catching on the trend and that is the best news we could receive. Those who love tweaking the pedal itself and hate those additional apps might not be so thrilled with this newer trend, however, the stompbox we are talking about today is amazing on its own as well. Source Audio Kingmaker Fuzz is one of the most versatile units out there, bringing to you countless options, possibilities and features. It is easy to operate and delivers quality performance no matter what. But its potential increases a great deal once you connect it to the app. This hidden gem gives you more flexibility than you would initially think and turns this baby into a real must-have. Let’s get ready for the journey, since we are about to talk about a mouthful of properties. Shall we begin, my friend?
Features
When I say that the features of Kingmaker are all-encompassing, I mean it. This adjective is not an exaggeration by any means and if you have played with Source Audio products before, you will know what I am trying to imply. This pedal is really interesting and let me tell you why: it is compatible with a Neuro App that unveils 40+ downloadable presets. With its help, you can access way more effects than the unit itself can create.
Not only that, but it also provides you with deep editing options: you can basically tweak any single parameter with it. More importantly, Kingmaker itself is equipped with three voicings: Heavy, Normal and Octave, enabling you to experiment with completely different sounds within a single pedal. This baby has a universal bypass, which tailors the insides to the external scenarios. You can easily switch from true bypass to a buffered analog one and become a true boss of your performance.
It comes with an in-built Noise-Gate that gets rid of any unwanted noise within the circuitry. Kingmaker can be utilized in mono or stereo, depending on what you are looking for. It is rather easy to choose the routing options and set the pedal according to your chain. This wonderful beast has MIDI functionality with the help of USB or Neuro Hub, which makes it possible to employ this fella as a recording unit. You do also have the option to alter the input volume or retain the clean signal throughout the whole experience. The former will let you increase or reduce the level of distortion, while the latter will enable your guitar to shine through the mix. As you can see, the features of Kingmaker from Source Audio are more than we could ever ask for. This thing is the definition of versatility, don’t you think so?
Controls
Before we jump into discussing the actual controls, I want to mention that tweaking this baby has two layers: you modify the on-board knobs and adjust some more with the app or the Hub. Anything that is left out with available encoders can be accessed via software and adjusted with ease. But the pedal itself gives you just the perfect amount of control, so you do not have to worry about a thing if you dislike those apps and libraries. Let’s see what we have here.
The first one on the panel is Drive, which changes the amount of distortion and steeps it with sustain and girth. You can fully saturate your sound with fuzz just by the rotation of the encoder. Next comes the Level, which is a typical volume control you will come across in every other pedal. We do also have Bass, which alters the presence of lower frequencies in your sound by accentuating or toning them down. Treble does the same thing but it is in charge of high-end and adds shine whenever needed. To top it all off, there is a toggle that enables you to choose between Normal, Heavy and Octave. Typically, we have a footswitch that causes the pedal to start/stop operating.
Source Audio Kingmaker Sound
Let me tell you that the sound of Source Audio Kingmaker Fuzz is even better than the rest. I did not think that would be possible when I first read about this pedal, but once I plugged it in, I noticed that the sonic capabilities were beyond human conception. And I am not even kidding. This baby sounds equally fantastic with Normal, Heavy and Octave modes. Each of them resembles the famous pedals (Fuzz Face, Big Muff, and Octavia, respectively), but still, they have something of their own. Each is saturated with gain, girth and the famous fuzzy gnarl, enabling you to explore different voicings all over again. The EQ is extremely capable and becomes even more articulate once you connect the Neuro App. Things are just so easy with this one – everything is accessible with simple touches. No matter how much time you spend with the pedal, it will still have something hidden beneath the surface. Each and every performance will have something surprising and performing with this baby will never get boring. And that sums up everything we are looking for in our fuzz pedals.
Conclusion
To sum up everything said above, Source Audio Kingmaker Fuzz is a capable beast at a very fair price point. Playing around with this one is like rediscovering everything you knew about sounds. Its simplicity will entangle you deeper and deeper in its webs until you are completely submerged in its essence. Kingmaker is among the best fuzz pedals you can find and I am sure this article explains the reasons in depth. If you can, give this one a shot, and let’s see what your opinion will be. Good luck!
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