Gear article
Walrus Audio Jupiter V2 Multi Clip Fuzz
The Walrus Audio Jupiter V2 is a versatile multi-clip fuzz pedal designed for electric guitar, offering an expanded tonal range and high-gain capabilities. As an evolution of the original Jupiter design, the V2 introduces improved control schemes and an internal noise gate for precise signal shaping.
See live pricesBackground and Development
The Jupiter V2 represents a significant update to Walrus Audio’s signature fuzz circuit. While the original pedal established the platform for a thick, multi-clipping fuzz, the V2 was engineered to address user feedback by increasing the available gain and refining the EQ response. It is positioned as a flexible tool capable of covering a wider spectrum of fuzz textures than traditional vintage replicas.
Technical Features and Design
The pedal is housed in a compact, roadworthy enclosure designed to occupy minimal space on a pedalboard. Its primary interface consists of Fuzz, Tone, and Volume knobs, supplemented by two toggle switches. One toggle allows users to choose between different clipping diodes for varied compression and texture, while the Bass toggle provides a low-end boost or cut to ensure the pedal works with different amplifier and guitar combinations.
Unique to the V2 iteration is an internal trim pot. This allows the player to adjust a noise gate, which can be used to clean up the signal or, when set aggressively, to create a 'spatty' effect reminiscent of a dying battery.
Sound Character
The Jupiter V2 is characterised by its high-gain potential and tonal flexibility. Unlike many fuzz pedals that lose definition in a mix, the V2's improved Tone and Volume controls allow for specific frequency shaping. The clipping modes offer a range from open, less-compressed drive to dense, heavily saturated fuzz. The internal gate further adds to the palette, enabling rhythmic, 'choking' textures that are common in modern garage rock and experimental genres.
Comparison to Alternatives
When compared to staples like the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Distortion Sustainer with Tone Wicker, the Jupiter V2 offers more granular control over the clipping stages and a smaller footprint. While the Big Muff is known for its classic mid-scooped wall of sound, the Jupiter V2 provides a more modern feature set, including the internal gate and bass toggle, making it more adaptable to different signal chains. It is often used alongside utility pedals like the Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor for high-gain management or the Boss DD-3T Digital Delay for ambient lead tones.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary difference between the Jupiter V1 and V2?
- The V2 features increased gain, improved Tone and Volume controls for better shaping, and an added internal trim pot for noise gate adjustments.
- How does the internal trim pot affect the sound?
- The trim pot controls a noise gate; turning it up can eliminate background hiss or create a 'spatty' gated fuzz sound that mimics a dying battery.
- Does the Jupiter V2 have different clipping modes?
- Yes, it features a Mode toggle switch that allows the player to select between different clipping diode arrangements for various compression levels.
- Is the Jupiter V2 suitable for bass guitar?
- Yes, the pedal includes a dedicated Bass toggle switch to help maintain low-end frequencies, making it compatible with both guitar and bass rigs.
- What are the power requirements for the Jupiter V2?
- The pedal typically requires a standard 9V DC centre-negative power supply. It is recommended to use a regulated power source to ensure consistent performance.
- Can the Jupiter V2 produce vintage fuzz tones?
- While it is a modern multi-clip fuzz, the range of the Tone and Fuzz controls allows it to emulate classic thick fuzz textures alongside modern high-gain sounds.
- How large is the Jupiter V2 enclosure?
- The pedal features a compact design intended to fit easily onto standard pedalboards while remaining durable for road use.
- How does the Tone control work on this model?
- The Tone control has been improved in the V2 to offer a wider sweep, allowing for precise shaping of the high and mid frequencies to cut through a mix.
- What is the 'spatty' effect mentioned by the manufacturer?
- It refers to a gated fuzz sound where the signal cuts off abruptly, creating a velcro-like or broken texture often sought after in alternative rock.
- Is the Jupiter V2 a true bypass pedal?
- Walrus Audio typically employs true bypass switching in their designs to ensure the guitar signal remains unaffected when the pedal is disengaged.
- How does the Jupiter V2 compare to the EHX Big Muff with Tone Wicker?
- The Jupiter V2 offers more clipping options and an internal gate, whereas the Big Muff Tone Wicker focuses on the classic 'Muff' sound with an added treble boost.
- Where is the internal trim pot located?
- The trim pot is located inside the pedal enclosure, requiring the removal of the back plate to access and adjust the noise gate settings.
