MI Audio
Crunch Box Distortion
M.A.P.: $169.95
Category: Distortion
Simple and straight forward, just gain, tone and volume. The Crunch Box has some similarities to the Tube Zone, in the sense that the design is based on a multiple clipping architecture (the signal is clipped 3 times). However, there are significant differences which make these two pedals sound quite different from each other. The Tube Zone is designed to have a very 'broad' sonic footprint. The Crunch Box on the other hand has a strong mid-presence to it, similar to the great British amps. Also, the Crunch Box has a relationship with the Blues Pro, since the tone shaping is similar to the Blues Pro.
The results is really quite spectacular. In the lower gain range, the tone is very punchy and throaty. There are some great classic rock rhythm sounds to be found in there. As the gain is wound up, the Crunch Box develops a beautiful singing lead tone. The tone is shaped in a way which makes the pedal very touch sensitive, and variations in picking technique produce a very big difference on tone. Pinch harmonics are a breeze. I have put in there more gain than anyone should need, but due to the way I handled the pre-overdrive tone shaping, the pedal always stays tight and each pickup retains its character, including single coils.
Features Gain, Tone and Volume Controls. High Gain cascaded design, using ultra noise electronics. Heavy duty die-cast, professionally powder coated and silk-screened enclosure. The same size of an MXR pedal too, and a gorgeous sports-car red! Heavy duty 3PDT footswitch with true bypass. The highest quality in/out plugs for a life-time of trouble-free operation. Upgraded caps throughout for operation anywhere up to 25V for massive headroom!!! DC plug (boss style) for use with external power supply or internal 9V battery.
Check out a demonstration video of the MI Audio Crunch Box Distortion: