EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Low Signal Shredder Overdrive Pedal for Bass (Water Blue)
Product highlights:
- All-analog tri-mode soft-clipping bass overdrive
- Gain controls the amount of drive
- Tone controls the bass, middles, and trebles
- Level controls the output volume
- Symmetrical LED clipping for more crunch and compression
- No clipping for wide open OpAmp drive for clean boost
- Asymmetrical silicon diode clipping more transparency
- Available in Water Blue finish
EarthQuaker Devices Blumes Low Signal Shredder Overdrive Pedal for Bass (Water Blue)
The EarthQuaker Devices Blumes is an all-analog tri-mode
soft-clipping bass overdrive that carries the torch of the classic screamer
circuit but has a voice all its own. While embodying most of the
characteristics and features of the beloved Plumes Small Signal Shredder, this
modified circuit has double the gain and a deeper bass response to retain all
the low ends. It utilizes internal bipolar power, which gives you more dynamics
and all the headroom you could ever desire. The result is a three-dimensional
tone with added clarity that pushes a nice tube amp over the edge.
Design Notes
As a bass player, EarthQuaker understands that you often feel neglected within
the hierarchy of band constructs, even though you hold down the rhythmic
foundation and make everyone sound better. So that’s why this marvelous yellow
box was created specifically for you. But fear not, 6-stringers, this is also
the perfect pedal for all of your deep overdrive needs, especially you
drop-tuned masters. This all-analog tri-mode overdrive with soft clipping
carries the torch of the classic screamer circuit but has a voice all its own.
While embodying most of the kick-ass characteristics and features of the
Plumes, EarthQuaker Devices went ahead and modified this circuit with double
the gain and a deeper bass response to retain the entire low end. At lower gain
settings, you’ll get all of the crunchy tones you love about the original, but
once you get above noon on the Gain control, that’s where the similarities
stop. Get ready to shake some walls and field some angry calls from your
neighbors (just send them to voicemail).
Clipping Options
And much like the Plumes, this pedal offers three different clipping options
for your desired low-end face melting needs. Mode 1 is a symmetrical LED
clipping that utilizes a pair of light-emitting diodes. This is the crunchiest
setting the Blumes has to offer. This signal is less compressed and way more
open with tons of output for when you really want to go wild. Mode 2 is a clean
pure OpAmp gain boost mode. This eliminates the soft clipping diodes and leaves
you with a straight OpAmp drive. This will be the loudest output with the
fullest frequency response and can be used as a clean boost when the Gain
control is set below 11 O’clock. Mode 3 is an asymmetrical silicon diode
arrangement similar to the stock screamer but with more output and clean
clarity, which provides a more transparent tone. Using this mode gives a warmer
low-end response and lower output. It’s fuzzier with half the output and is the
most compressed. If you like the fuzzy ends of distortion with a clean
undertone, you’ll love this setting. EarthQuaker guarantees it.