LichtLaerm Audio / Aquaria

The latest version of this amazing dual pedal, consisting of a high-output clean boost and high-gain fuzz/distortion circuit, delivers rich bass, sustain, and punch. Based on the classic Black Russian Big Muff, this pedal is the perfect weapon for everything from Gilmore-esque sounds to muddy doom and stoner riff goodness.

The previous version aimed to satisfy both guitar and bass players, but after receiving feedback we decided to release an updated version for both instruments. The guitar version will be released first.

We replaced the blend control with an active midrange and expanded the EQ to three perfectly voiced active bands. Each has 18dB of cut and boost, and a depth spot that changes the saturation character from tight, distortion-like sounds to full-on sludgy fuzz. Altar gives you ultimate control over your sound, from classic scooped muff sounds to mid-heavy, fuzzy distortion that stands out in any mix. However, be aware that EQ is extremely powerful and can achieve some outrageous (but fun) sounds at extreme settings.

Additionally, we are introducing new controls of our own. The ""comp"" dial completely transforms the Altar's sound, from loud, dynamic distortion to a bone-dry muff sound to a low-gain, ultra-organic germanium overdrive. You can seamlessly blend different characters and adjust the saturation to your liking. Altar internally boosts the 9V input voltage to 36V, increasing headroom and volume to unprecedented levels. This is without a doubt the loudest big muff style pedal in existence.

Another classic is the so-called ""DOOM"" switch. This is an internal slide switch that puts all gain stages into beast mode in an interesting way. Vary the drive section's corner frequencies from a midrange-focused Sovtek-style crunch to a Battle Hammer of Doom that sends all frequencies into the clipping stage.

A boost circuit that can be used independently adds harmonics to your sound, adding up to 36dB of additional push to the front end of your amplifier or fuzz/distortion circuit. An endless wall of drone fuzz, square wave sound with a hint of glitchy octave. The possibilities are endless. Take your time to adjust and try different combinations of both sections. Still not enough? We've got you covered. Turn up the ""Grind"" control to change the boost's frequency response from a near-flat response to a bass- and upper-mids-heavy curve that emulates the frequency response of a fully cranked BossHM2.

The original Altar was Lichtlaerm Audio's first design, and we feel it delivered what we've always wanted: the most flexible, organic fuzz, distortion, overdrive, boost, and anything else we could imagine. Whether you want to play Pink Floyd, Bongripper, Entombed, or the worst of dad rock blues pentatonics, this has you covered.

■Lichtlaerm Audio smart relay technology
■“Depth” changes the input saturation, compression, and blurring of the sound.
■Blend various clipping styles with the unique ""Comp"" control to seamlessly mix fuzz, OD, and distortion.
■3-band active EQ with 18dB boost/cut per band
■Boost that can be used independently with a maximum output of 36dB
■ “Grind” control of boost section blend with fully cranked HM2 EQ curve
■Built-in ""DOOM"" switch to fully enjoy sludge sound
■Big muff style circuit with the loudest sound in existence
■9V center negative power supply (operates with internal 36V)
■Current consumption: Minimum 100mA