Death by Audio Total Sonic Annihilation 2

This pedal can do a lot or nothing depending on what you plug into it and how. Basic functions: a send/return loop through which DBA suggest you put all your pedals, a polarity flip switch which can help to clarify a faint signal, and a boost circuit.

In operation it’s a brilliant mixed bag. Any effect which has a feedback or resonance control is exaggerated to the point of uncontrollable self-oscillation, and if you add in the boost you get a whole load of extra harmonics and saturation which add to the chaos.

Sometimes a configuration of pedals in a certain order -or even just a certain pedal on its own - put through the circuit, does nothing. It’s a trial and error process, and forget about finding repeatable settings; but on the way you’ll generate some great and very usable, unique sounds.

The boost on its own is really rich, overheated distortion.

Everything becomes sensitised with this pedal - your choice of pickups, the tone and volume knobs on your guitar all become very reactive and playable (in terms of playing noise, that is).

It takes a bit of getting used to but it’s well worth it if you’re jaded by conventional effects.