What is the primary function of the EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker?

The Special Cranker is designed as an all-analogue overdrive pedal that provides an explosive boost and singing sustain. It adds grit and rich harmonics to the signal without altering the core character of the guitar.

Does the Special Cranker use digital processing?

No, the Special Cranker features entirely all-analogue circuitry. This discrete design is intended to provide a more musical bloom and responsive feel compared to digital alternatives.

What clipping modes are available on the pedal?

The pedal features two distinct clipping modes: Silicon and Germanium. The user can toggle between these to choose between different styles of harmonic distortion and compression.

How does the Special Cranker handle complex chords?

The pedal is specifically designed to preserve tonal integrity, ensuring that complex chords do not lose their detail. It avoids muddying the low end or washing out the midrange frequencies.

Is the Special Cranker a True Bypass pedal?

Yes, the Special Cranker utilizes True Bypass switching. This means that when the pedal is off, your signal passes through the circuit unaffected, maintaining the purity of your tone.

What is the typical price range for this pedal in the UK?

The EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker typically retails for approximately £125. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock levels.

Can the Special Cranker be used for high-gain lead playing?

Yes, the pedal is designed to provide rich harmonics and a singing sustain, which are ideal for lead playing. It adds 'muscle' to the music, making melodies stand out.

Will this pedal make my tone sound muddy?

No, one of the key design features is the preservation of the original signal's clarity. It is engineered to prevent the lows from becoming muddy and to keep the midrange from being washed out.

How does the 'bloom' of the pedal affect the sound?

The 'musical bloom' refers to the way the notes expand and sustain after being struck. The analogue circuitry ensures this transition sounds natural and harmonically rich.

What kind of power does the Special Cranker require?

As an EarthQuaker Devices pedal, it typically requires a standard 9V DC power supply. Users should ensure they use a high-quality power source to maintain the pedal's analogue performance.

Is the Special Cranker suitable for fast melodic passages?

Yes, the pedal is designed so that swift melodies do not lose their detail. The discrete distortion maintains note separation even when playing quickly.

How does the Special Cranker compare to a Big Muff?

While a Big Muff like the Tone Wicker version is a heavy fuzz/distortion, the Special Cranker is a discrete overdrive. The Special Cranker focuses more on preserving the original tone and adding grit rather than providing the thick, saturated wall of sound typical of a Muff.

Gear article

EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker Analog Overdrive Pedal

The EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker is an all-analogue overdrive pedal designed to provide an explosive signal boost and musical bloom. It features a discrete circuit architecture that enhances harmonics and sustain while preserving the original tonal integrity of the guitar signal.

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Overview

The Special Cranker is a discrete distortion and overdrive pedal manufactured by EarthQuaker Devices. It is engineered to provide a grit-heavy boost without sacrificing the natural character of the instrument. By utilizing all-analogue circuitry, the pedal aims to deliver a 'singing' sustain and rich harmonic content that feels responsive to the player's touch.

Circuitry and Control

Unlike many common overdrive pedals that rely on integrated circuits, the Special Cranker uses a discrete circuit design. This approach allows for a more transparent 'bloom' in the notes. A key feature of the device is the toggle switch that allows users to choose between two distinct clipping modes:

Silicon Mode: Provides a brighter, modern response with a sharper edge.
Germanium Mode: Offers a softer, more vintage-style compression with a warmer character.

The pedal is also equipped with True Bypass switching, ensuring that the guitar signal remains entirely unaffected when the effect is disengaged.

Tonal Character

The primary goal of the Special Cranker is to 'inject muscle' into a guitar signal without muddying the low frequencies or washing out the midrange. It is noted for its ability to maintain clarity during complex chords and swift melodies. This makes it suitable for players who require extra grit and sustain but do not want to lose the definition of their individual notes.

Suitability and Integration

The pedal is well-suited for guitarists across various genres who need a versatile overdrive that can range from a subtle boost to a rich, saturated distortion. Because it preserves the integrity of the original tone, it works effectively in signal chains alongside other common effects such as the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay, the Fender Hammertone Flanger, or the Digitech Whammy Ricochet. For players concerned about noise levels during high-gain settings, it can be paired with a Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker?: The Special Cranker is designed as an all-analogue overdrive pedal that provides an explosive boost and singing sustain. It adds grit and rich harmonics to the signal without altering the core character of the guitar.
Does the Special Cranker use digital processing?: No, the Special Cranker features entirely all-analogue circuitry. This discrete design is intended to provide a more musical bloom and responsive feel compared to digital alternatives.
What clipping modes are available on the pedal?: The pedal features two distinct clipping modes: Silicon and Germanium. The user can toggle between these to choose between different styles of harmonic distortion and compression.
How does the Special Cranker handle complex chords?: The pedal is specifically designed to preserve tonal integrity, ensuring that complex chords do not lose their detail. It avoids muddying the low end or washing out the midrange frequencies.
Is the Special Cranker a True Bypass pedal?: Yes, the Special Cranker utilizes True Bypass switching. This means that when the pedal is off, your signal passes through the circuit unaffected, maintaining the purity of your tone.
What is the typical price range for this pedal in the UK?: The EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker typically retails for approximately £125. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock levels.
Can the Special Cranker be used for high-gain lead playing?: Yes, the pedal is designed to provide rich harmonics and a singing sustain, which are ideal for lead playing. It adds 'muscle' to the music, making melodies stand out.
Will this pedal make my tone sound muddy?: No, one of the key design features is the preservation of the original signal's clarity. It is engineered to prevent the lows from becoming muddy and to keep the midrange from being washed out.
How does the 'bloom' of the pedal affect the sound?: The 'musical bloom' refers to the way the notes expand and sustain after being struck. The analogue circuitry ensures this transition sounds natural and harmonically rich.
What kind of power does the Special Cranker require?: As an EarthQuaker Devices pedal, it typically requires a standard 9V DC power supply. Users should ensure they use a high-quality power source to maintain the pedal's analogue performance.
Is the Special Cranker suitable for fast melodic passages?: Yes, the pedal is designed so that swift melodies do not lose their detail. The discrete distortion maintains note separation even when playing quickly.
How does the Special Cranker compare to a Big Muff?: While a Big Muff like the Tone Wicker version is a heavy fuzz/distortion, the Special Cranker is a discrete overdrive. The Special Cranker focuses more on preserving the original tone and adding grit rather than providing the thick, saturated wall of sound typical of a Muff.