Crystal Sword

Project overview:

The Crystal Sword is an Octave Fuzz / Phaser / Ring mod with the best stats ever. This dual harmonic device comprises two independent circuits: a scorching octave-up fuzz and a unique conglomeration of ring modulation, unpredictable octaving, and phasing. Both circuits are true-bypass footswitchable and run in series.

Introduction

Blackout Effectors is widely known for its bizarre and beautiful modulation, breath-taking fuzz, and deep reverb-type pedals. It is no wonder why bands like Bongripper, Animal Collective, Band of Horses, Wilco, and another significant number of contemporary groups always have some of their products at hand. Crystal Sword has all the beauty of these odd tones, but it’s also able to make an intense and fluid octave sound. Mixing this with the ring modulation feature results in a startling board that can also become a very atonal beast.

The octave fuzz and ring modulator in Crystal Sword work from their own dedicated analog circuit boards. Each has separate controls that can be used individually or blended together, making this board capable of unique things. The fuzz side has filter and volume knobs and a handy toggle switch that activates the octave-up effect. The more chaotic ring modulator side has carrier-frequency tuning and volume knobs, which help induce phasing sweeps and pulsating effects. Both circuits sound great individually but used together is where the magic begins.

Unlike most octave fuzz pedals, Crystal Sword is very clean, with smooth lows and mids, and a not-too-piercing high end. You can highlight precise frequency bands with the filter function and shape tones with the same ease with simple picking dynamics.

This board is specifically created for those players who want to break the conventional tone rules in order to craft their own.

Controls

Potentiometers

• Level-Fuzz
• Filter
• Blend
• Level-Phaser
• Freq

Switches

• Oct-Bypass
• Oct

For further analysis on this circuit take a look at this thread on Free Stomp Boxes Forum.

For any technical questions regarding this build, don’t forget to check out our Facebook Group and our forum at Free Stomp Boxes.

Crystal Sword 1v1 – Building Docs

Crystal Sword – Building Docs

Crystal Sword 1v1 – Drilling Template

Crystal Sword – Drilling Template