Trying the New Standard Effects Pedal FOXGEAR! - Part 1

2024-04-30

Hello everyone! This is Tezuka from Sales.

This is quite sudden, but here's a question for you all!
What was the first effects pedal you bought?
For me, it was the BOSS MT-2 "Metal Zone," which is still a popular compact effects pedal even today.

BOSS/ MT-2

I chose the MT-2 because of the ability to achieve heavy distortion and shape the sound extensively with the 3-band EQ knobs.
Well, thisstory is from over 20 years ago! (lol)

This time, I've decided to focus exclusively on the latest models to research effects pedals that I can recommend to beginner guitarists.

■ What is FOXGEAR?

Upon searching, I discovered a new brand called Foxgear which was founded in 2017!
It seems to be a collaboration between the two Italian brands, Gurus Amp and Baroni-Lab. They’re known for creating clone effects pedals that replicate classic models and improved versions of effects pedals.

Furthermore, they have packed the high technical expertise of these two brands into a compact body (6x12x3 cm), offering it at an affordable price, which perfectly fits the criteria for this occasion.
［Power supply: Only compatible with DC9-12V (center negative) power adapters.］

Being an Italian brand, the design is outstanding.
It constantly emits light from within, making your pedalboard look quite gorgeous during live performances!

Now, I would like to introduce Squeeze, Rats, Muffin, Ryder, Fenix, Synister, and Plexi 55 From Foxgear!

■ SQUEEZE

Foxgear / Squeeze

The Squeeze is an optical compressor pedal that uses a component called a photocell.
It converts the input signal into light using an LED, which then detects the intensity of that light to vary internal resistance.
This produces a very natural compression sound that feels so subtle that you might wonder if compression was even applied.

When you turn on the effect, there's a subtle change that feels like a slight boost in treble, and the sound seems to come forward a little bit.
To use it, simply adjust the Ratio knob to determine how much compression (evening out the sound peaks) you want, then adjust the volume using the Volume knob.
This compressor is ideal for guitarists who frequently use chord cutting or arpeggios and for bassists who want to preserve the original character of their sound!

■ RATS

Foxgeaer / Rats

The Rats is a distortion pedal influenced by the classic vintage distortion sound of the Rat pedal.
Baroni-Lab, the parent company, has produced several pedals inspired by iconic effects units, and Foxgear seems to continue this tradition.
Similar to the original black Rat pedal, it produces a sound cutting the low-frequency range, making it suitable for rock-oriented music styles.

The Filter knob serves a role similar to tone control.
It's an easy-to-handle distortion pedal with effective tone shaping.

■ MUFFIN

Foxgear / Muffin

The Muffin is a distortion pedal influenced by the Big Muff, which was used by David Gilmour of Pink Floyd in the 1980s.
It's also one of the oldest types of distortion effects known as fuzz.
It’s likely referencing the second-generation model known as the "Ram's Head," which Gilmour used.
Like the original Big Muff, you can easily change the character of the sound using the Filter knob, which adjusts the tone.
There are various pedals in the Big Muff style from different manufacturers, but if you're looking for an easy-to-handle Big Muff-style pedal, starting with the Muffin would be a good choice!

■ RYDER

Foxgear / Ryder

The Ryder is the signature model of guitarist Doug Aldrich, known for his work with bands like Dio and Whitesnake.
Based on the Rats, it incorporates improvements such as using germanium diodes in the clipping circuit to enhance harmonic richness.
The pedal has been refined for ease of use with adjustments to output and sound balance.

■ FENIX

Foxger / Fenix

The Fenix is the most versatile distortion pedal in Foxgear's lineup.
While pedals like the Rats have only one tone knob, the Fenix features a 3-band EQ with bass, middle, and treble controls.
Adjusting these three knobs allows for a wide range of sound shaping possibilities.
If you're unsure which distortion pedal to choose, consider the Fenix! It could be a great first choice for your pedalboard.

■ SYNISTER

Foxgear / Synister

The Synister is Foxgear's highest gain metal distortion pedal, akin to their version of the Metal Zone.
Like the Fenix, it also equips a 3-band EQ, allowing for extensive sound shaping capabilities.
Moreover, Foxgear prides itself on low-noise circuit designs, and even with this high-gain pedal, the minimal noise level is quite impressive.

■ Plexi 55

Foxgear / Plexi 55

The Plexi 55 is a portable guitar amplifier head that, despite its small size, delivers 55W (4Ω) of output power.
Essentially, it's a very compact guitar amp head.
Instead of being a guitar amp itself, you can connect to a cabinet (speaker), allowing you to reproduce the same sound anytime. The volume produced from this compact box is impressive! You can enjoy the harmonically rich sound of a Plexi amplifier with just this unit.

The controls feature a simple design with a 3-band EQ and Volume /Gain knobs. However, when combined with necessary effects and connected to a small cabinet, you can easily create a compact system suitable for practice sessions and small-scale live performances! How convenient is that!