9 best digitech distortion pedals

Digitech is a well-known brand in the world of guitar effects pedals, including distortion pedals. They have produced a variety of distortion and overdrive pedals over the years, each offering unique features and tones for guitarists. Here are a few notable Digitech distortion pedals:

  1. Digitech DOD 250 Preamp/Overdrive: This pedal is a classic overdrive pedal known for its warm and smooth overdrive tones. It's often used to give a guitar a mild, tube-like saturation.

  2. Digitech Grunge: The Digitech Grunge pedal is famous for its heavy and gritty distortion. It's perfect for achieving a more aggressive and grungy tone in your guitar playing.

  3. Digitech Death Metal: As the name suggests, this pedal is designed for extreme distortion and metal tones. It delivers high-gain, saturated distortion that's suitable for heavy metal and extreme music genres.

  4. Digitech Hot Head Distortion: The Hot Head is known for its versatility and can cover a wide range of distortion tones. It's capable of delivering both mild overdrive and heavier distortion sounds.

  5. Digitech Bad Monkey: This is an overdrive pedal from Digitech that provides a warm and tube-like overdrive, making it suitable for blues and rock players.

  6. Digitech Hardwire TL-2 Metal Distortion: This pedal is designed for players who want a precise and tight metal distortion. It's known for its clarity and punch in the high-gain department.

Digitech has produced various other distortion and overdrive pedals over the years, and the specific features and capabilities may vary from one model to another. When choosing a Digitech distortion pedal, consider your preferred playing style, the type of music you play, and the specific tones you want to achieve, as each pedal may offer a different sonic character.

Please note that the availability of specific Digitech pedals may change over time, so it's a good idea to check with music retailers or online stores for the latest models and options.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best digitech distortion pedals on the market
  

DigiTech Dynamic Feedback Guitar Expression Pedal, Silver (FREQOUT-U)

DigiTech

Based on 166 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The DigiTech FreqOut Natural Feedback Creator allows you to get sweet, natural feedback at any volume, with or without distortion. The FreqOut is perfect for situations where volume must be controlled like in the studio, with in ear monitors, or low-volume performance and practice. However, the FreqOut can also be used at gig volume to focus out-of-control feedback on a preferred harmonic at any stage position. The FreqOut has adjustable feedback Onset (delay before feedback begins), Gain (feedback level to balance with your dry signal), Dry On/Off, latching or momentary operation, true bypass, and a rugged road-tough steel chassis.



The FreqOut uses a 9VDC power supply to easily integrate into your existing pedalboard.

  • Freqout natural feedback Creator allows you to get sweet, natural feedback at any volume, with or without distortion
  • Perfect for situations where volume must be controlled like in the studio, with in ear monitors, or low-volume performance and practice
  • Freqout can also be used at Gig volume to focus out-of-control feedback on a preferred harmonic at any stage position
  • Onset delay and level balance controls
  • 7 harmonic feedback types

User questions & answers

Question: Will any 9V power adapter, center negative, work with this pedal? Or does it have to have a certain milliamp output
Answer: Yes, pedal works any 9V power adapter. but you must use 300 milliamp output or more milliamp.
Question: Quiero saber el voltaje y el amperaje que usa este efecto. Gracias
Answer: This uses a 9v power supply
Question: Where is this pedal best placed among other pedals? At the beginning of the chain, at the end
Answer: Hello there, We recommend it at the end of the chain. This will give it a larger signal for the dynamics of the feedback. Hope this helps. - PM
Question: does this come with a power supply or I need to use my own
Answer: No, but it takes a standard 9v power supply. I have it powered by my voodoo labs.

Digitech DOD Carcosa Fuzz Analog Distortion Pedal for Guitar and Bass with Deluxe Bundle

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Designed for electric guitar and bass players, the Digitech DOD Carcosa Fuzz Pedal provides endless tonal possibilities from classic fuzz-distortion tones, to modern fuzz timbres. With exceptional treble character, the DOD Carcosa is sure to stand out in the mix.

Versatile tone shaping controls include the AFTER knob, which controls the texture of the distortion’s characteristics, and the DEMHE/HALI toggle switch, which controls the overall fuzz tones. Offering two toggle positions, the DEMHE/HALI can either provide a bass and low-mid boost that works well with a clean amp, or cut the bass to match a dirty amp sound. Additionally, with HI-CUT the high frequency detail can be reduced and with the BEFORE knob the amount of fuzz can be increased or decreased.

True-bypass footswitch ensures signal integrity and the OUTPUT control lets you increase or decrease the verall output level. The DOD Corcosa Fuzz Pedal can operate with a 9V battery or a power adapter.

Deluxe Accessory Bundle:

Tortex Standard .60mm Orange Guitar Pick - 12 Pack – Built with precision and accuracy to mimic a tortoise shell pick

Fibertique Cloth – Designed with delicate fabric to safely and effectively clean the surface of electronic devices

¼” Right-Angle Phone Male to ¼” Right-Angle Phone Male Cable

Xpix 15’ Balanced Interconnect - 1/4 in TRS to Same – use to interconnect pro audio gear with balanced phone jacks or as a stereo interconnect

  • Exceptional fuzz pedal offers fuzz-distortion effects ranging from classics to modern tones
  • Stands out in the mix with superb mid-range and treble character; features a true-bypass footswitch
  • Flexible tonal shaping with multiple controls including BEFORE, OUTPUT, AFTER, HI-CUT, and a DEMHE-HALI toggle (see description for details)
  • Toggle switch for low-mid boost that works well with a clean amp, or bass cut to match a dirty amp sound
  • Photo Savings Deluxe Accessory Bundle includes 12-Pack Guitar Pick, Fibertique Cloth, Xpix professional-quality cable, and ¼” right angle phone male cable

Digitech MOSAIC 12-String Effect Pedal Bundle with 9V Power Supply, Patch Cable, and Dunlop PVP101 Pick Pack

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The DigiTech Mosaic Polyphonic 12-String effect pedal sets you upon the path of creating lush 12-string sounds with either 6-string electric or amplified acoustic guitars. Immediately identifiable 12-string tones are now yours with octave low strings and doubled high strings. Single notes and full chordal strums shine with polyphonic richness and celestial movement that will inspire you. The Mosaic's balanced low-end response with crisp octave shimmer produces a tone that's lush and articulate, just as with a 12-string guitar. Tailor the Mosaic's sound with the independent Level and Tone controls. Level will control the 12-string effect intensity while Tone shapes the overall brightness of the effect. The Mosaic will give you a richer, more resonant and full tone than a standard six-string guitar. It is true bypass and uses a 9V DC power supply to easily integrate into your existing pedalboard.

  • Turn any 6-string guitar into a 12-string
  • Advanced, Polyphonic Pitch Shifting and Intelligent Doubling
  • LEVEL - Adjusts the intensity of the 12-string effect
  • TONE - Adjusts the amount of high frequency enhancement being applied to your signal
  • Bundle includes 9 volt power supply, 6 inch right angle patch cable, and Dunlop PVP101 pack of 12 picks

DigiTech XMM Metal Master-Distortion Guitar Pedal

Based on 20 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The DigiTech Metal Master has arrived - head-bangers rejoice! The Metal Master Distortion pedal is a full-featured pedal that delivers DigiTech's exclusive multi-distortion technology, offering users seemingly endless distortion types that can be morphed into a variety of combinations. There's also a normal signal out and an output for cabinet modeling, for use live, or in the studio. Every day more and more players switch to X-SeriesTM stompboxes. Perhaps it's because they are so versatile; it may be because they're the most powerful stomboxes in the world, or maybe it's just because they sound great! Whatever the reason, Korn, Stone Sour, Nickleback, Disturbed and many other top bands are all making the switch. The DigiTech Metal Master is the world's most advanced heavy metal distortion pedal. DigiTech's exclusive AudioDNATM technology is what makes the Metal Master more than your standard distortion stompbox. Rather than working from a single distortion type circuit with tone controls, the Metal Master features a Voice knob which morphs between three totally different metal distortion types. This gives you a wide variety of different metal distortion sounds that can be dialed in quickly and easily.

  • Metal Distortion morphing
  • Spectral-contouring EQ
  • Normal and CIT Cabinet Modeling outputs

User questions & answers

Question: Which power supply cable would you recommend for this pedal
Answer: I got the digitec PS200R when I bought the pedal. I've had it for about 5 years now, no issues. Though, any 9v power supply should be fine. You can probably get a used one for 50 cents at a local thrift shop.
Question: does it run on batteries? 9V battery
Answer: Hi, Colin. Yes! This pedal does run on 9V batteries! Thanks so much for your interest and please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Question: Im trying to get a slipknot sound is this a good pedal for that type of sound
Answer: Here was a comment on a forum = "I play Metal .. stuff like Slayer, Hatebreed, Unearth, God forbid, Sepultura, Slipknot, Himsa, really heavy kind of stuff .. but it was really hard to play all of that stuff with this pedal.. but it did turn my cheap fuzzy radio pickin up 100 watt amp in soundin like a real $450.00 120 watt amp with real clean sound.. yeah again this pedal is just to thin for my taste.. but i do consider it for metal rhythm guitarist... you kinda have to hear it for yourself"
Question: Can i use this with a bass guitar
Answer: Guitar pedals are geared for higher frequencies and do not always work with the low thump of a bass. Sometimes they do work well though, hit and miss scenario. Do a Google search with that question or try youtube for demo videos.

DigiTech DGR Grunge Analog-Distortion Pedal

Based on 64 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Grunge® The Grunge pedal has a legendary status few pedals have ever attained. Designed for cutting edge guitarists who want a unique sound, the Grunge provides the tones today’s music requires. Whether it’s chunky rhythm, heavy grind, or amazing sustaining leads you're after, the Grunge gets you these and everything in between. Just plug in and find out why so many players have made this a top seller for more than a decade.

From the Manufacturer

The Grunge pedal has a legendary status few pedals have ever attained. Designed for cutting edge guitarists who want a unique sound, the Grunge provides the tones today's music requires. Whether it's chunky rhythm, heavy grind, or amazing sustaining leads you're after, the Grunge gets you these and everything in between. Just plug in and find out why so many players have made this a top seller for more than a decade.

Features

  • Level (Loud) controls the distortion output level of your guitar signal.
  • Low adjusts boost and cut of bass frequencies
  • High adjusts boost and cut of high frequencies.
  • Gain (Grunge) controls distortion gain from moderate to extreme.
  • Dual Outputs. The Amp output is for connecting directly to a guitar amplifier. The Mixer output's Cabinet Emulation circuitry gives you an authentic miked guitar amp sound when plugged direct into a mixing board or recording device.

  • Controls: Level, Low, High, Gain
  • Dual Outputs for amp and direct recording

User questions & answers

Question: does this come with the cable that connects to the amp
Answer: no it doesn't come with a cable.
Question: Doesn distortion need a 9v adapter
Answer: it can run off a 9V battery if you don't have an adapter, but it drains battery pretty quickly.
Question: How many 9 volt batteries do you need to put in this
Answer: This pedal is a 9v circuit so it only requires 1 9 volt battery.
Question: does this sound like a pedal Nirvana would use
Answer: The Grunge pedal that Nirvana made famous was actually a DOD pedal, but the digitech gets very close to the early Nirvana high gain sound. Cobain was mostly noted for using the BOSS DS1 though.

Digitech DF7 Distortion Factory 7 Different Distortion Models in One Pedal

Based on 11 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Digi Tech DF7 Distortion Factory delivers seven world-famous tones in one box! To get a whole spectrum of distortion tones you could spend a fortune on individual stomp boxes (and have a pedal board the size of Delaware) or you can put the new DF7 to work.

  • Seven classic distortions
  • Detailed EQ for precise tonal control

User questions & answers

Question: What is different about this adapter and standard Boss style adapters? How to power with OneSpot
Answer: No problem. Your problem with the boss might be due to the high power draw these digital pedals require, but, basing on my personal experience, the OneSpot is much more than enough.

Digitech DOD-BONESHAKER Signature Designer Distortion Pedal with 3-Band Parametric EQ

Based on 33 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The new DOD Boneshaker is a straight-pipe, hard-tail run down and dirty, choppy road. A distortion pedal like no other, the Boneshaker is supercharged with a 3-band parametric EQ that drives its gain to add more frequency-specific, bowel-churning lows, more bare-knuckle mids and more responsive highs. Basically, more of everything! Black Arts Toneworks designed the Boneshaker's circuit specifically for extended-range guitars, baritone and bass - anything heavy, loud and low. Stacked, solo, into dirty or clean channel, the Boneshaker will shake you to your core. In addition to the Boneshaker's Distortion, Depth and Level controls, it also features independent Low Level, Low Frequency, Mid Level, Mid Frequency, High Level and High Frequency controls. It's that incredibly versatile 3-Band Parametric EQ that makes the Boneshaker stand out from all other distortion stomp boxes. Grab one of its EQ controls and hold on for the tone-shaping wild ride of your life.

  • Circuit Design by Black Arts Toneworks
  • Independent Distortion, Depth and Level Controls
  • Versatile 3-Band Parametric EQ
  • True bypass, 9V Power Supply jack
  • Crisp blue status LED, Aluminum chassis

DigiTech DSB Screamin' Blues Overdrive Analog Distortion Pedal

Based on 30 reviews Check latest price

Product description

DigiTech Screamin Blues Overdrive Distortion Pedal brings powerfully dynamic blues grit to your rig. The Screamin' Blues Overdrive-Distortion pedal is for those guitarists who need a responsive pedal that recognizes the intricate playing dynamics that comes with being a blues man. Blues players from all around have shown their love and respect to the Screamin' Blues for giving them the most control of tone possible in a compact low cost overdrive. It's all in how you play it, strumming lightly will give you a mild, warm overdrive sound, but push the gain and pound the strings and you've got a heavy sustaining, dirty blues tone that screams with all the ultra-rich harmonics you can handle. DigiTech Screamin Blues Features Level, Low/High and Gain adjustments to dial in your sound Dual Outputs Amp output for connecting directly to a guitar amplifier Mixer output for connecting directly to a mixing board or recording device Cabinet Emulated Circuitry for mixer output Hours of playtime from one 9-volt battery 6-year warranty (register through the mail or DigiTech's website)

From the Manufacturer

The Screamin' Blues Overdrive / Distortion is designed for guitarists who need a pedal that responds to playing dynamics. Blues players in particular will love how the Screamin' Blues gives them total control of their tone. Playing lightly gives you a mild overdrive, but dialing up the gain and digging in hard will make the Screamin' Blues sing with ultra-rich harmonics and sustain.

Features

  • Level controls distortion output level.
  • Low adjusts boost and cut of bass frequencies.
  • High adjusts boost and cut of upper harmonics.
  • Gain sets the maximum distortion amount when playing your hardest.
  • Dual Outputs. The Amp output is for connecting directly to a guitar amplifier. The Mixer output features Cabinet Emulation circuitry for connecting directly to a mixing board or recording device.

  • Controls: Level, Low, High, Gain
  • Dual Outputs for amp and direct recording

User questions & answers

Question: Can someone list an ac cord that works with the screaming blues pedal
Answer: I think I can..
Question: Does this pedal come with a 9v battery
Answer: I don't know company policy on it, but my pedal definitely came with one.
Question: would you recommend the pedal for punk
Answer: Definitely. Although punk dirt sounds typically come from a cranked up overdrive (Go for the Ibanez TS9), this is probably the best distortion I've found for punk. You don't need something as powerful as a Metal Muff, and the Boss DS-1 just isn't that great. This is a versatile pedal that can play every where fom lighter alternative rock to some forms of metal. Dial it in just right, and you can crank out some sweet punk tones.
Question: Does it say Digitech on the pedal or Hardwire
Answer: Latest versions say "Digitech", but that is on the detachable battery cover/rubber pedal only, the main unit remains exactly the same. I have a recent one with the Digitech logo instead of Hardwire and compared with a friend's is the same as the previous one.
Question: this or boss ds1? for punk rock with thrash
Answer: i would've preferred to have bought the Boss and thats what i recommend for you to buy as well. the Boss has a better sound to it and the quality of distortion is better as well. hope this helps

Digitech DOD-GUNSLINGER MOSFET Distortion Pedal

Based on 90 reviews Check latest price

Product description

From explosive chord work to high velocity leads, the new DOD Gunslinger Mosfet Distortion has the touch sensitivity, string-separation and saturation to do all your dirty work. The Gunslinger packs features like separate Low and High tone controls, a wide range of gain, tons of output and your choice of 9 or 18v operation to keep you on target and in control. The Gunslinger's brushed-metal housing looks as tough as it sounds and its true bypass circuitry keeps your tone pristine. The DOD Gunslinger's Mosfet circuit clips at a gradual, steady rate when overdriven, offering clipping properties and harmonics similar to those from preamp tubes in a guitar amp. The Gunslinger is designed to react to the dynamics of your playing. The distortion will "clean up" when you play softly and become more aggressive when you dig in and attack your strings. The DOD Gunslinger offers independent Gain, Level, Low (Tone) and High (Tone) controls. Its true bypass circuitry allows your guitar tone to remain pristine even when the DOD Gunslinger is off and its modern 9V DC power supply input and compact size make it pedalboard friendly.

  • Modern 9V DC power supply input
  • Stunning, brushed metal finish with flat black bottom
  • True Bypass, Compact size
  • 9 or 18V Operation

User questions & answers

Question: Would this also operate at 12 volts
Answer: Hi. According to the DigiTech site. "9 to 12V Operation" so you should be just fine.
Question: what's the difference when pluged in 9v and 18v? Is it necessary to go for 18v
Answer: I'm not able to tell the difference yet in sound. But I plug in 18V for the sake of more headroom because I plug in the Keeley Compressor plus in front of it. The KC plus is a powerful pedal that puts out a lot. Using 18v will probably help balance the impedance ratings between both the Gunslinger and the compressor. --------- Not necessary to go for 18v. I tried 9v and the pedal works just wonderful.
Question: Where does the 9V battery go? Do I need to unscrew the back off of the pedal
Answer: The battery goes inside the unit. You just simply Unscrew the back.

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