Description
The Electronic Audio Experiments Greathammer is a bass-focused overdrive that brings a distinct flavour of solid state thunder.
With a gain control spanning a 50dB range, the Greathammer can be restrained or rowdy. EAE took cues from a beloved 1970s Canadian bass amplifier (used by Bob Weston... among others...), but did not shy away from redesigning entire circuit blocks from scratch. Without taking away the classic piano-like attack that defined 90s noise rock, we expanded the tonal range to suit more tasteful playing or filthy, down-tuned mayhem. Critically, our circuit can achieve far deeper low frequency extension than its progenitors—all without the unnatural, disconnected feel of a traditional clean blend.
The Greathammer is equally effective in front of an amplifier or as a dedicated preamp. And, while we designed this with bass as a primary focus, it is quite striking on guitar as well.
Electrical Specifications
Bypass switching: Silent electronic switching with a high-headroom op amp buffer
Input impedance @ 1Khz: 1MΩ
Output impedance @ 1Khz: <1KΩ
Power:
9VDC, 2.1mm center negative barrel. The current draw is
70mA.
We recommend a regulated, isolated power supply rated for 100 mA minimum. The DC input is protected against reverse polarity and over-voltage up to 20V. EAE pedals do not accept batteries.
Controls
- Level: overall volume level, capable of extremely high output
- Gain: signal gain, from clean to moderate to extreme. Approximately 50dB maximum passband gain.
- Bass: post-clipping low frequency shelf boost, up to +14db at 100Hz and below
- Attack: pre-gain tone control, adjusts frequencies above 1kHz to tailors the overall drive response and sharpness of pick attack
- Notch (toggle): 3-position mid cut. Center is a full mid cut, down is a moderate mid cut, and up is flat mids.