Honestly, when I first looked at the Plasma Pedal as a fuzz pedal, I thought it sounded horrible - not like a fuzz at all. But when I thought about it from a non-labelled perspective, it is actually quite a unique distortion. It really drives the idea of „broken“ guitar sound directly into a concrete wall at 200km/h. And for that I think it‘s absolutely amazing.
I absolutely love the gated, scratchy, broken plasma. I love to hate on the cost of gear like the next guy, but I have to give credit where credit is due.
I've not tried it but I can imagine it sound horrible in a mix. Stuff that messy-sounding just isn't audible in a mix without serious work, typically. And you shouldn't really have to do that.
Charles Carr You just need to put it loud enough. I played a couple times live with one and it has the same issue as every distortion: without a boost it sounds more silent if used at union vol. However, the filter section helps a bit. But yeah, it‘s not that different to other distortions in that regard.
thom dushane YES! This, so much. And I think so many are lost on that. Just listen to the playing dynamics, so clear and responsive on the Plasma, and just so-so on the Behringer. Yeah, they’re both fuzzes...and that’s about all they have in common.
@@Mindcrimelord Exactly, the sound of the plasma pedal is so distinct I almost feel it's worth the money. Hell, if I had more of it, it definitely would be.
I own a Super fuzz berhinger and an electro- harmonix double muff. The super fuzz costs 27 euros and gives me plain satisfaction. The double- muff isn't enough fuzzy, and there is too much hum and noise to combine the 2 muff on high level. The plasma pedal seems cool but is x10 more expensive than the super fuzz.
I just played the Plasma today when I dropped off my Flying V for a setup. It was cool on guitar, but I really think it shines on bass. I played a USA Fender Jazz bass into the Plasma into an Egnater Tweaker guitar combo. Absolutely massive sounding. It's hard to describe. It was like being enveloped in a three dimensional wave of fuzz/distortion.
Yep the DOD Carcosa is a versatile monster, that also does an awesome aggressive low gain overdrive as well. Glad to see you still love it Ryan. It is never leaving my board.
The Behringer pedals can't be beat for the price. The only downside is the cheap plastic housing, which isn't very sturdy. However, if you don't treat them like a roughneck, they'll serve you well. I also like the Danelectro FAB pedals, which are also cheap and plastic, but do the job.
Listening via my iPad and the plasma kills it. There’s no comparison here and that’s through an iPad! I can imagine how good it would sound through my system.
I like the broken sound of the Plasma too, the Carcosa is the winner though no doubt. Bought a few models from the DOD pedal line and have yet to be disappointed, so much bang for the buck.
I think we can agree that is sounds good. However, does it sound $300 good? That's the tough pill to swallow. If it were half that price, a lot of people would be all over that. Instead, we are happy enough to spend $30 on an FZ-2 clone. Also, I'd be worried about that plasma tube being fragile, and breaking if the pedalboard gets too jostled in transit or accidentally nudged while playing.
I know bugger all about pedals but the SF300 pleases my ears more. But at the end of the day it is down to personal preference and the sounds you desire. If that sound is worth $300 then it's an awesome buy.
Everyone here is talking how expensive the plasma is. When I was in high school all I wanted was a zvex wholly mammoth. An almost $400 pedal.I got my first real job and I bought it after 6 months of saving up. 8 years later I still own it and still use it. Just saying
Kevin Chavez I try not to make commentary on prices too often because people have different budgets and different kinds of manufacturing. But the plasma has a unique custom case design and actually has a pretty unique sound. If someone really wants that sound this is where they can get it. And it looks freaking cool. It’s not like there aren’t a sea of affordable fuzzes out there too.
You make a good point about pricing, it's different for every one. When I find a pedal that I must, I justsearch very hard for the best used price. This process has served me well.
It’s an exact clone of the Univox super fuzz! Only one coast $1000 and the other $30 super fuzz is amazing and behringer makes a lot of people look like fools
They both sound great, but I honestly dig the sound of the SF300 more. Plasma is a bit crazier, and I could honestly see using it in a metal setting. I bet it would sound decent through my bass amp. Definitely gonna pick one up at that price.
Thank you! This video lead me to your excellent DOD Carcosa video, and I found a deal on a Carcosa on Reverb - I’m so happy! I’ve been chasing that “splatty, Velcro, broken, nasal” fuzz sound for some time!
The Behringer octave has terrible tracking. Sounds good, and works on stuff like ”icky thump”, but its terrible for anything from cleans to fuzz. The tone needs to be beoynd fuzz so you dont hear the tracking time.
I agree about the Fuzz, for octave stuff without Fuzz I'd use a Mooer Tender Octaver. An *almost* exact POG2 clone. The Mk.1 was an exact clone. Mooer got sued lol. Mk.2 is slightly different but still awesome.
On that Berenger you can put the switch between mode 1 and 2 and it sounds way better than either one. It doesn't have the mid boost or the scoop. It kind of just sounds nice and even. I'ma probably tape mine.
@@KentBuchla Nope. I have the Fz2, which I was able to buy for under $200. Like you, I snubbed the behringer (yeah, I know their story of patent theft and so on....), but, frankly, couldn't hear the difference. The construction is another ball game - the behringer is encased in cheap, plastic box - flimsy to the bitter end. The boss is built like a tank - but, again, the sound is the same.
@@jonathanwapner6262 iirc, they don't make the FZ-2 Hyper Fuzz anymore so they can be expensive on Reverb, just like a HM-2 Heavy Metal, especially a Japanese made one (opposed to a Taiwan model.)
The super fuzz is killer...on both settings,use mine all the time and have another for a backup if it breaks or they go extinct...but that plasma would be nice to have for the gnarly fuzz it gets...and that flux capacitor on the display is the most badass feature of any pedal I've ever seen.
So, i gotta say i owned the behringer and boss pedals, and the behringer actually had a wider sounding high end, which helped with clarity. I used a gate to reduce excess noise without having the broken sound. A great use of these pedals is to not use it for blues, but for metal rhythm. These are so nasty when playing lower than drop D, and it just sounds beautiful.
The in between mode on the super fuzz might sound more similar to the plasma, but again the plasma is a whole different design. They both are very usable sounds if you’re looking for that type of fuzz/distortion.
My hands down favorite fuzz(and the single greatest guitar pedal ever made) is the 80s big muff pi. The behringer copies the muff syle fuzz so well one could use it instead of figiting with settings onstage.i used it like that for quite a while. Currently i use one to mimic Original "super fuzz" pedals. Dime the treble, cut all the bass set the gain to just under 9 o'clock, fuzz 1. Volume is between you and your compresion circuits but i leave mine at 9 o'clock so it doesnt saturate to far. Its perfect for that brassy, trombone like, fuzz of the mid 60s. The boost is good to.its very precise, more so than my mxr micro amp. You can dial it it to your amp and get just the beginings of breaking up.add any distortion or a second booster before it and you get a creammy, thick ear popping tone.Im working on a rehouse project but surface mount jacks are a bitch.ive only ever seen a fz2 but if its half as good as this but in a boss case theyd have trouble selling the waza version until this pedal vanishes.
I'd totally change everything about this pedal if I was in the pedal business. I'd make a 2nd gain knob to bleed amp like gain into the signal so you can blend the amount off fuzz and gain you want. Boost more gain for faster songs while leaving enough fuzz for doomy single note riffs is what most people would do with it since fuzz only lets you play slow and distortion only sounds good playing fast. The blend knob will make palm mutes sound fuzzy while remaining tight at the same time. This will eliminate the need for putting an overdrive in front of the fuzz on certain songs whene it's required. I would use updated opamps, resisters etc to help kill noise so you can crank the level without having so much uncontrolled feedback. I would add a midrange knob where at noon it sounds just like the original SF300 but cut it and you get a dark wall of sound in the lower mids. Boost it and you'll get a thick wall of sound in the 800hz range. I would change the tone knob so even when cranked it will remain warm enough to cut through without sounds harsh. I would use a boss like enclosure for durability. To make it more heavy metal, I would paint it all black and imprint text in gray color. I would borrow the knob within a knob method used by boss just to save room. A thing that would set the pedal apart from any other, the gain knob won't affect or alter fuzz when both are on so you get more of a 2 guitars at once kind of sound like one guitarist using a fuzz and the other using amp gain only. You can dial in as much fuzz as you want and take out all the gain and vice versa and make it sound like just a high gain amp if you want. Now that's versatility in a box. I'm sure the doom and death metal crowd will go nuts over it.
The plasma pedal is so raw and electrocution-like. It's LIVE. Just the fade after playing, the pop and hair raising feel is so cool. Can't afford it. But if I had this it would certainly be a fun time.
I think the reason that people me like the Plasma is because it isn’t perfect in a good way, small changes in your play, picking, etc., make a big and audible difference. With a normal “fuzz” the broken sound is still very telegraphed and almost “studio” sounding...I think for those of us that have a lot of gear, we almost look for equipment that is unique and different to what everyone else sounds like. Either way, they’re just fun..like a manual car if that makes sense.
The Super Fuzz sounds like a blast to play, but you're right, the Plasma seems better thought out for band settings. Too expensive for my budget, but I'll be damned if this isn't one of the best gated fuzz sounds I ever heard. If my Fuzzhugger Algal Bloom didn't serve me so well, I would get a Carcosa without hesitating, though.
A boost in front of the SF300 removes much of the blanket effect. TC Spark Mini works a treat. SF300 really is a Fuzz bargain and a great intro for people just getting into the greatest species of pedal. Fuzz On...
Plasma sounds killer! I'm a Fuzz nut and generally find, you get what you pay for but for the money the Behringer is OK. The Plasma has the cool graphics display its awesome. Love it!
That's exactly what I was thinking. He kept turning up the treble to get more clarity but hardly ever touched the bass knob. Actually, when he did adjust the bass he turned it UP! He did turn it down after that, but just back to where it was pretty much the whole time. Never turned it down lower than that kinda 2 o'clock position. All That being said, I actually kinda like that whole "blanket of the amp" sound. That's a type of sound I've always thought good, versatile fuzz pedals were good at; that low, plodding "doom/stoner metal" sound. I saw Electric Wizard mentioned a couple times. Also kinda reminds me of bands like High on Fire, Kyuss, Sleep, Red Fang, The Melvins, etc. All bands I love. And I have watched a lot of vids on this pedal the past few days and have seen others dial in that clearer, more high end sound. And then there's that "secret setting" when ya slip it between the Fuzz 1 and Fuzz 2 settings. Don't get me wrong, that plasma pedal was awesome, and that lightning fuse effect on it was rad as fuck! If I ever find one at a time and place where I can afford it, then I'll definitely pick one up. But I've got enough dough to buy 4 or 5 of those Super Fuzz pedals in my wallet right here and now. So was gonna check the local guitar shop tomorrow, but if they don't have any then I'm ordering one online (hell, maybe even 2 of them) before they stop making them and the price shoots up too much.
a lot of people got the plasma for under 200$, which is about what you’d pay New for pedals that are actually similar, like the unpleasant surprise or absolute destruction, or even the fuzz factory.
Plasma Pedal feels like a Fuzz Factory to me with the way it degrades in the sustain (cheaper Fuzz Factory/octave fuzz clones like this do exist). It also has a similar dial configuration to the fuzz factory but most of all the gated crackly bits are something the fuzz factory and derivatives can be set up to produce
I agree, big difference, I’ve been using EHX since I was a kid and nothing compares for me, I have so many other things going on like an Avalanch run that changes everything anyway! Nice job! But for 25 bucks, it’s a great starter.
clearly shows thedifference between cheap and expensive stuff. Usually if the difference in clarity can't be pinpointed in tone difference, it's the dynamics. A live, crunchy open sound with attitude is beacuse the device allows for proper dynamics to be carried through its signal path. Cheap stuff just squashes and muffles the sound.
I wish I had access to pedals in 1965 when I got my 1st rig. Silvertone 1484 amp. Silvertone Silhouette guitar, finally I found a used Kent Distorter. 15.00 USD from a bass player.
I loved the FZ-2, I think the Behringer does great, it's a bit more of the buzzy sound, screams more 60's, but the Plasma seems more modern and experimental overall. Honestly, my favorite is the goofey 5 knob multivoltage beast I built myself.
I love the Super Fuzz but they are EXTREMELY prone to breaking. I’ve ordered 3 and 2 of them arrived completely dysfunctional and the other worked for less than a month
I saw the Hyper Fuzz in a Monolord music video, and luckily found one I think on ebay for $86, then a month or so later, I saw it on a video as a desirable pedal, and looked em up and from there started seeing the prices rise on em, I got mine just in time! I love that thing, I wish I had the box and manual for one like that, doom pedal royalty for sure!
I just bought a Plasma distortion for £100 second hand as a curiosity. It’s not gonna replace my EQD Spires anytime soon but it is a really sonically different pedal
That lightning bolt is cool as fuck but on a budget give me the Behringer any day! I happen to love Behringer stomp boxes & most of their stuff is fucking awesome for the price!! It really is.
That xenon tube on the Plasma as a genuine link in the signal chain. Literally lightning in a bottle is just so cool in a Tesla/Frankenstein kinda way. "Its Alive! Alive I tell you Wohahaha " Sounds like the super fuzz? WTF? Not even remotely. It doesn't sound like ANYTHING I've ever heard before but to me in a really good way.
I have a super fuzz...I got it from watching your cheap fuzz shootouts...love it, but I still want what the PLASMA PEDAL does, with is suffocating compression, that folds and taps out the fuzz under IMMENSE pressure.... I like both, but they are different beasts ....
Just a heads up. I'm pretty sure the treble and bass knobs set to 12 o clock position and that is the "natural". Seems like the settings you were using added that treble....
When a comparison between two pedals with a more than tenfold price difference comes down to a question of taste...we have a winner imho. Also, it's so much more about the pedal in a band context (which would be very hard to do for a test video of course, I understand that...too many variables). I've never listened to Dopethrone thinking "aw man, I wish they had used a boutique pedal. The fuzz sound is lacking". And if anyone can hear the difference between the Boss and Behringer, they have much better ears than me.
That Plasma tone is as fuzzy as late-60s-era beavers. Props for resisting the urge to play Now I Wanna Be Your Dog by the Stooges. But for $25 bucks the Behringer is a steal. Carcosa me gusta.
noise coming between chord changes are superb from plasma
leş gibi pedal yaw
@@manfredvonrichthofen8293 aynen
That sound you’re talking about is honestly the noise every type of fuzz tries to achieve lol.
Honestly, when I first looked at the Plasma Pedal as a fuzz pedal, I thought it sounded horrible - not like a fuzz at all.
But when I thought about it from a non-labelled perspective, it is actually quite a unique distortion. It really drives the idea of „broken“ guitar sound directly into a concrete wall at 200km/h.
And for that I think it‘s absolutely amazing.
Sf300 is Electric Wizard in a box, definitely
yeah sabbath was definitely my first thought when he clicked it on.
I absolutely love the gated, scratchy, broken plasma. I love to hate on the cost of gear like the next guy, but I have to give credit where credit is due.
I've not tried it but I can imagine it sound horrible in a mix. Stuff that messy-sounding just isn't audible in a mix without serious work, typically. And you shouldn't really have to do that.
Charles Carr You just need to put it loud enough.
I played a couple times live with one and it has the same issue as every distortion: without a boost it sounds more silent if used at union vol. However, the filter section helps a bit.
But yeah, it‘s not that different to other distortions in that regard.
@@CLaw-tb5gg I know four year strong used it on they're new record from this year, that albums guitars sound so good, too so idk
*I have to give credit card where credit card is due ;- )
Stop the cap brother EC squeezy
I dig how the plasma accentuates the small things like your fingers simply sliding on the strings and picking. Very lofi grimy goodness.
thom dushane YES! This, so much. And I think so many are lost on that. Just listen to the playing dynamics, so clear and responsive on the Plasma, and just so-so on the Behringer. Yeah, they’re both fuzzes...and that’s about all they have in common.
@@Mindcrimelord Exactly, the sound of the plasma pedal is so distinct I almost feel it's worth the money. Hell, if I had more of it, it definitely would be.
The super fuzz sounds like Electric Wizard 🤘🤘🤘
It's a clone of the pedal Electric Wizard uses to get their sound.
ViviSectia yeah I know the fz2. Boss needs to waza that shit ASAP haha
@@daveydoom5479 fuzzlord effects fu-2, you're welcome.
I own a Super fuzz berhinger and an electro- harmonix double muff. The super fuzz costs 27 euros and gives me plain satisfaction. The double- muff isn't enough fuzzy, and there is too much hum and noise to combine the 2 muff on high level.
The plasma pedal seems cool but is x10 more expensive than the super fuzz.
I just played the Plasma today when I dropped off my Flying V for a setup. It was cool on guitar, but I really think it shines on bass. I played a USA Fender Jazz bass into the Plasma into an Egnater Tweaker guitar combo. Absolutely massive sounding. It's hard to describe. It was like being enveloped in a three dimensional wave of fuzz/distortion.
Yep the DOD Carcosa is a versatile monster, that also does an awesome aggressive low gain overdrive as well. Glad to see you still love it Ryan. It is never leaving my board.
Behringer make surprisingly good pedals
I agree, I have the hellbabe wah and one of their overdrives.
As long as they're on; when off they completely suck the tone of your guitar.
They're great platforms for modding. Changing values, switching for better components, adding stuff like true bypass, etc.
Behringer clones surprisingly good pedals.
The Behringer pedals can't be beat for the price. The only downside is the cheap plastic housing, which isn't very sturdy. However, if you don't treat them like a roughneck, they'll serve you well. I also like the Danelectro FAB pedals, which are also cheap and plastic, but do the job.
Listening via my iPad and the plasma kills it. There’s no comparison here and that’s through an iPad! I can imagine how good it would sound through my system.
I like the broken sound of the Plasma too, the Carcosa is the winner though no doubt. Bought a few models from the DOD pedal line and have yet to be disappointed, so much bang for the buck.
That static electricity sound from the Plasma is to die for. That would sound just great on a recording.
The Behringer is just great!
Guess I'm in the minority but i actually really like the plasma pedal. Not gonna drop the dough on it though
I did, i was amongst the super early bird buyers and for 129€ its really worth it!
yes i think the plasma is way better
I think we can agree that is sounds good. However, does it sound $300 good? That's the tough pill to swallow. If it were half that price, a lot of people would be all over that. Instead, we are happy enough to spend $30 on an FZ-2 clone. Also, I'd be worried about that plasma tube being fragile, and breaking if the pedalboard gets too jostled in transit or accidentally nudged while playing.
The Super Fuzz sounds better..
Electric Wizard fuzz all the way..
Getting it now..
I know bugger all about pedals but the SF300 pleases my ears more. But at the end of the day it is down to personal preference and the sounds you desire. If that sound is worth $300 then it's an awesome buy.
That Plasma pedal, more I hear it, more I like it. It got something different in its sound compared to other fuzz pedals.
Can't help but think of Knuckledragger by Devil To Pay, when hearing some fuzz.
That plasma is like certain tones from zvex fuzzfactory
Everyone here is talking how expensive the plasma is. When I was in high school all I wanted was a zvex wholly mammoth. An almost $400 pedal.I got my first real job and I bought it after 6 months of saving up. 8 years later I still own it and still use it. Just saying
Kevin Chavez I try not to make commentary on prices too often because people have different budgets and different kinds of manufacturing. But the plasma has a unique custom case design and actually has a pretty unique sound. If someone really wants that sound this is where they can get it. And it looks freaking cool. It’s not like there aren’t a sea of affordable fuzzes out there too.
It’s still expensive ... people don’t like expensive
some people don't like cheap. personally, i like it all.
Built that pedal for a bass player friend for $20 worth of parts... I charged him 40 lol
You make a good point about pricing, it's different for every one. When I find a pedal that I must, I justsearch very hard for the best used price. This process has served me well.
Needed to hear some Touch me I'm sick when playing through the super fuzz
i played that riff with my fz-2 yesterday! you need a big muff too for the full effect tho
It’s an exact clone of the Univox super fuzz! Only one coast $1000 and the other $30 super fuzz is amazing and behringer makes a lot of people look like fools
I agree Behringer makes some good shit for very cheap, but I'd never put one on my board. They arent really built to withstand heavy gigging.
@@josephhamer9680
Dude I've asked people to send me photos of broken Behringer pedals and so far, nada.
It's plastic but it's tough.
Can be rehouse in a metal encasing
@@josephhamer9680 How do you know that "They arent really built to withstand heavy gigging" if you've never had one before, lol....
you just showed these, and I came to check to see if you checked out the fuzz, and here you are. Thanks for everything, Ryan!
They both sound great, but I honestly dig the sound of the SF300 more. Plasma is a bit crazier, and I could honestly see using it in a metal setting. I bet it would sound decent through my bass amp. Definitely gonna pick one up at that price.
Thank you! This video lead me to your excellent DOD Carcosa video, and I found a deal on a Carcosa on Reverb - I’m so happy! I’ve been chasing that “splatty, Velcro, broken, nasal” fuzz sound for some time!
The super fuzz is a direct copy of the fz2. side by side, you can not tell the difference.
Sweet. For 25 bucks that rocks! Get that and the Behringer octave and play all the Jack white tunes you want.
Nick Spitzley I have both XD, the octaves isn’t as good as the fuzz though
You dont really need an octave. It has an octave up effect when you get above the 12th fret.
The Behringer octave has terrible tracking. Sounds good, and works on stuff like ”icky thump”, but its terrible for anything from cleans to fuzz. The tone needs to be beoynd fuzz so you dont hear the tracking time.
I agree about the Fuzz, for octave stuff without Fuzz I'd use a Mooer Tender Octaver. An *almost* exact POG2 clone. The Mk.1 was an exact clone. Mooer got sued lol. Mk.2 is slightly different but still awesome.
Sf 300 it is an octa fuzz . It is not filtering it is the octaver.Both settings have octave in them. But push it with an tube screamer.
a fun option for broken fuzz sound is the ibanez fz7
Try the sf300 in the 1.5 position (switch halfway between 1 and 2). It's a pretty rad sound.
SF 300 is a very good fuzz, versatile for a few dollars. I don't regret my choice.
I love the SF300, I don't hear the blanket effect you mention. Sounds pretty bright to me!
On that Berenger you can put the switch between mode 1 and 2 and it sounds way better than either one. It doesn't have the mid boost or the scoop. It kind of just sounds nice and even.
I'ma probably tape mine.
The Berhinger fuzz is an exactly clone of a boss hyper fuzz. The only difference is that it costs US$ 250 less......
Where are they selling Hyper Fuzz for $275?
Bro do you even math?
Dude thinks that $ is the only cost.
@@KentBuchla Nope. I have the Fz2, which I was able to buy for under $200. Like you, I snubbed the behringer (yeah, I know their story of patent theft and so on....), but, frankly, couldn't hear the difference. The construction is another ball game - the behringer is encased in cheap, plastic box - flimsy to the bitter end. The boss is built like a tank - but, again, the sound is the same.
@@jonathanwapner6262 iirc, they don't make the FZ-2 Hyper Fuzz anymore so they can be expensive on Reverb, just like a HM-2 Heavy Metal, especially a Japanese made one (opposed to a Taiwan model.)
I've never owned a behringer I've been proud of owning, they've all sounded as if the effect sits on top of the signal instead of blending with it.
The gate effect on the fuzz is really cool. Both sound great.
The super fuzz is killer...on both settings,use mine all the time and have another for a backup if it breaks or they go extinct...but that plasma would be nice to have for the gnarly fuzz it gets...and that flux capacitor on the display is the most badass feature of any pedal I've ever seen.
I bought a Carcosa as soon as they came out. Fantastic pedal.
The Ibanez FZ7 pedal does the gated fuzz sound and can be found around $30 on eBay.
I got the Plasma Coil a week ago. Love the sound, but now it’s malfunctioning. Initiating a return and will likely get something else.
So, i gotta say i owned the behringer and boss pedals, and the behringer actually had a wider sounding high end, which helped with clarity. I used a gate to reduce excess noise without having the broken sound. A great use of these pedals is to not use it for blues, but for metal rhythm. These are so nasty when playing lower than drop D, and it just sounds beautiful.
I am more comfortable with the sounds of the SF300 but the Carcosa definitely grabs my attention, much more than the Plasma.
Check out the clean boost of that Behringer. It is amazing!!! Amazing !!!
I like to say Muffs & Boost Fuzz are made for an all TUBE AMP !
The in between mode on the super fuzz might sound more similar to the plasma, but again the plasma is a whole different design. They both are very usable sounds if you’re looking for that type of fuzz/distortion.
This video is pretty old but I remember the only reason I made it was because a commenter claimed they would sound the same.
My hands down favorite fuzz(and the single greatest guitar pedal ever made) is the 80s big muff pi. The behringer copies the muff syle fuzz so well one could use it instead of figiting with settings onstage.i used it like that for quite a while. Currently i use one to mimic Original "super fuzz" pedals. Dime the treble, cut all the bass set the gain to just under 9 o'clock, fuzz 1. Volume is between you and your compresion circuits but i leave mine at 9 o'clock so it doesnt saturate to far. Its perfect for that brassy, trombone like, fuzz of the mid 60s. The boost is good to.its very precise, more so than my mxr micro amp. You can dial it it to your amp and get just the beginings of breaking up.add any distortion or a second booster before it and you get a creammy, thick ear popping tone.Im working on a rehouse project but surface mount jacks are a bitch.ive only ever seen a fz2 but if its half as good as this but in a boss case theyd have trouble selling the waza version until this pedal vanishes.
I'd totally change everything about this pedal if I was in the pedal business. I'd make a 2nd gain knob to bleed amp like gain into the signal so you can blend the amount off fuzz and gain you want. Boost more gain for faster songs while leaving enough fuzz for doomy single note riffs is what most people would do with it since fuzz only lets you play slow and distortion only sounds good playing fast. The blend knob will make palm mutes sound fuzzy while remaining tight at the same time. This will eliminate the need for putting an overdrive in front of the fuzz on certain songs whene it's required. I would use updated opamps, resisters etc to help kill noise so you can crank the level without having so much uncontrolled feedback. I would add a midrange knob where at noon it sounds just like the original SF300 but cut it and you get a dark wall of sound in the lower mids. Boost it and you'll get a thick wall of sound in the 800hz range. I would change the tone knob so even when cranked it will remain warm enough to cut through without sounds harsh. I would use a boss like enclosure for durability. To make it more heavy metal, I would paint it all black and imprint text in gray color. I would borrow the knob within a knob method used by boss just to save room. A thing that would set the pedal apart from any other, the gain knob won't affect or alter fuzz when both are on so you get more of a 2 guitars at once kind of sound like one guitarist using a fuzz and the other using amp gain only. You can dial in as much fuzz as you want and take out all the gain and vice versa and make it sound like just a high gain amp if you want. Now that's versatility in a box. I'm sure the doom and death metal crowd will go nuts over it.
Also surf rock is definitely your genre! That quick picking right hand technique is fantastic
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As expensive as it is, I fucking love the sound of the plasma pedal. Wish I could afford it, because the sound seems totally distinct.
The plasma pedal is so raw and electrocution-like. It's LIVE. Just the fade after playing, the pop and hair raising feel is so cool. Can't afford it. But if I had this it would certainly be a fun time.
I think the reason that people me like the Plasma is because it isn’t perfect in a good way, small changes in your play, picking, etc., make a big and audible difference. With a normal “fuzz” the broken sound is still very telegraphed and almost “studio” sounding...I think for those of us that have a lot of gear, we almost look for equipment that is unique and different to what everyone else sounds like. Either way, they’re just fun..like a manual car if that makes sense.
The Super Fuzz sounds like a blast to play, but you're right, the Plasma seems better thought out for band settings. Too expensive for my budget, but I'll be damned if this isn't one of the best gated fuzz sounds I ever heard.
If my Fuzzhugger Algal Bloom didn't serve me so well, I would get a Carcosa without hesitating, though.
Heyman Heyguys there are so many great fuzzes out there
Turn the treble and bass down on the sf300. I love that pedal. I run it through a super reverb. Jack White tones all day long.
$300 is steep, but damn, I really prefer the plasma--edit: carcosa snuck it's way into my heart
Christ Wilson the carcosa is a beast!
I use the hell out of my carcosa. Super cool pedal.
Less than 200€ right now BF sells
Update-carcosa is on my board, and it's a keeper.
Carcosa with a decent boost, high fives all round!
A boost in front of the SF300 removes much of the blanket effect. TC Spark Mini works a treat.
SF300 really is a Fuzz bargain and a great intro for people just getting into the greatest species of pedal. Fuzz On...
The Governor in Exile Got mine on sale for $240.00..... Love it!
Plasma sounds killer! I'm a Fuzz nut and generally find, you get what you pay for but for the money the Behringer is OK.
The Plasma has the cool graphics display its awesome. Love it!
They are two different kinds of fuzz so I agree they're not really comparable - both have a place.
Very very good observation.I am interesting in your appinion of TC Rusty fuzz
I like the rusty fuzz, i had one for awhile and sold it just because i had too many fuzzes. kind of wish i kept it
you can get inbetween the fuzz 1 and fuzz 2 on the SF300 if you jiggle the switch just right, it's v fun
They're both on my lottery list.
Yes, even the $30 one. I'm cheap and already have a Swollen Pickle...
I'm gonna definitely have to buy the plasma, super into that broken sound.
the super fuzz in the fuzz 1 setting is far better
You can put a graphic EQ in front of it and get more clearty.
Have you ever tried to turn down the bass knob on the SF300 to get more clarity? Works for me
That's exactly what I was thinking. He kept turning up the treble to get more clarity but hardly ever touched the bass knob. Actually, when he did adjust the bass he turned it UP! He did turn it down after that, but just back to where it was pretty much the whole time. Never turned it down lower than that kinda 2 o'clock position.
All That being said, I actually kinda like that whole "blanket of the amp" sound. That's a type of sound I've always thought good, versatile fuzz pedals were good at; that low, plodding "doom/stoner metal" sound. I saw Electric Wizard mentioned a couple times. Also kinda reminds me of bands like High on Fire, Kyuss, Sleep, Red Fang, The Melvins, etc. All bands I love. And I have watched a lot of vids on this pedal the past few days and have seen others dial in that clearer, more high end sound. And then there's that "secret setting" when ya slip it between the Fuzz 1 and Fuzz 2 settings.
Don't get me wrong, that plasma pedal was awesome, and that lightning fuse effect on it was rad as fuck! If I ever find one at a time and place where I can afford it, then I'll definitely pick one up. But I've got enough dough to buy 4 or 5 of those Super Fuzz pedals in my wallet right here and now. So was gonna check the local guitar shop tomorrow, but if they don't have any then I'm ordering one online (hell, maybe even 2 of them) before they stop making them and the price shoots up too much.
I really dig the behringer fuzz pedal. The plasma fuzz does its own thing well but the super fuzz sounded killer.
Carcosa!!!!!
if you try a simple bbe sonic stomp after the SF300 it really takes the blanket sound away. should try that ! works great for me
a lot of people got the plasma for under 200$, which is about what you’d pay New for pedals that are actually similar, like the unpleasant surprise or absolute destruction, or even the fuzz factory.
Dude for real... You own that fuzz pedal and you like it ! 😂
close!? Its is an exact one to one copy
The fidelity of the plasma is far superior and you can hear the difference on the iPad with earphones
Plasma Pedal feels like a Fuzz Factory to me with the way it degrades in the sustain (cheaper Fuzz Factory/octave fuzz clones like this do exist). It also has a similar dial configuration to the fuzz factory but most of all the gated crackly bits are something the fuzz factory and derivatives can be set up to produce
I agree, big difference, I’ve been using EHX since I was a kid and nothing compares for me, I have so many other things going on like an Avalanch run that changes everything anyway! Nice job! But for 25 bucks, it’s a great starter.
clearly shows thedifference between cheap and expensive stuff. Usually if the difference in clarity can't be pinpointed in tone difference, it's the dynamics. A live, crunchy open sound with attitude is beacuse the device allows for proper dynamics to be carried through its signal path. Cheap stuff just squashes and muffles the sound.
Plasma pedal is awesome. Played one the other night through 4 amps and 4 4x12’s it was a wall of badass.
have a behringer e pedal, used to buzz like crazy and all it needed was the ground resoldered. Hit the ground and melted the solder, bam no more buzz.
eq
I remember watching a video from one of the guitar cons and the plasma sounded so much clearer and it was more of a distortion.
I have an FZ-2 that’s insane on bass. I love it so much I’m selling my Dark Glass distortion to make room on my board.
I wish I had access to pedals in 1965 when I got my 1st rig. Silvertone 1484 amp. Silvertone Silhouette guitar, finally I found a used Kent Distorter. 15.00 USD from a bass player.
Hm.. not sure about the sett8 gas on each pedal, but the plasma sounds noticeably more full
I bought a JAX WAH FUZZ [fuzz1 fuzz2] in the digital blinded '84-'85 period. I paid $5 for it at a Hollywood guitar store. Sounded great on fuzz 2.
The plasma pedal is like a high definition TV but on your ears.
I think there's a lot of scope for using the plasma pedal in recording without the guitars turning to mush, particularly with denser arrangements.
That last pedal you used sounds like a overdrive
The DOD Carcosa was an interesting hint. Have you tried the Third Man Plasma Coil? Any thoughts?
I loved the FZ-2, I think the Behringer does great, it's a bit more of the buzzy sound, screams more 60's, but the Plasma seems more modern and experimental overall. Honestly, my favorite is the goofey 5 knob multivoltage beast I built myself.
I love the Super Fuzz but they are EXTREMELY prone to breaking. I’ve ordered 3 and 2 of them arrived completely dysfunctional and the other worked for less than a month
You might want to check out another fz-2 clone called a demon lung. It doesn't seem to have the blanket sound. They are pretty expensive though.
I saw the Hyper Fuzz in a Monolord music video, and luckily found one I think on ebay for $86, then a month or so later, I saw it on a video as a desirable pedal, and looked em up and from there started seeing the prices rise on em, I got mine just in time! I love that thing, I wish I had the box and manual for one like that, doom pedal royalty for sure!
So what the hell is going on with the sf300 i cant find it anywhere
I just bought a Plasma distortion for £100 second hand as a curiosity. It’s not gonna replace my EQD Spires anytime soon but it is a really sonically different pedal
That lightning bolt is cool as fuck but on a budget give me the Behringer any day! I happen to love Behringer stomp boxes & most of their stuff is fucking awesome for the price!! It really is.
That xenon tube on the Plasma as a genuine link in the signal chain. Literally lightning in a bottle is just so cool in a Tesla/Frankenstein kinda way.
"Its Alive! Alive I tell you Wohahaha "
Sounds like the super fuzz? WTF? Not even remotely. It doesn't sound like ANYTHING I've ever heard before but to me in a really good way.
I have a super fuzz...I got it from watching your cheap fuzz shootouts...love it, but I still want what the PLASMA PEDAL does, with is suffocating compression, that folds and taps out the fuzz under IMMENSE pressure.... I like both, but they are different beasts ....
Is that a short scale guitar?
the plasma pedal reminds me of an ssbs buzzz with the starve on low
Try setting between 1 an 2
Just a heads up. I'm pretty sure the treble and bass knobs set to 12 o clock position and that is the "natural". Seems like the settings you were using added that treble....
When a comparison between two pedals with a more than tenfold price difference comes down to a question of taste...we have a winner imho.
Also, it's so much more about the pedal in a band context (which would be very hard to do for a test video of course, I understand that...too many variables). I've never listened to Dopethrone thinking "aw man, I wish they had used a boutique pedal. The fuzz sound is lacking". And if anyone can hear the difference between the Boss and Behringer, they have much better ears than me.
PS: The Behringer is a plastic nightmare though so I'm definitely rehousing mine.
That Plasma tone is as fuzzy as late-60s-era beavers. Props for resisting the urge to play Now I Wanna Be Your Dog by the Stooges. But for $25 bucks the Behringer is a steal. Carcosa me gusta.