Sunn O))) and EarthQuaker Devices Unleash the HalfLife Octave Distortion + Booster
Sunn O))) & EarthQuaker Devices have teamed up to introduce the Sunn O))) HalfLife Octave Distortion + Booster, which will be part of EQD’s permanent production lineup. The band and effects company collaborated on the Life pedal, which was released in three limited-edition batches. Earthquaker describes the HalfLife as combining the “crushing power of the Life Pedal V3 with a compact, pedalboard-friendly footprint.”
“I’m pleased to unveil the HalfLife, the new mutation and creation in the Life Pedal lineage,” said Sunn O)))’s Stephen O’Malley. “Graced with our sonic and visual aesthetic sensibilities, the continuous path of honing the core conceptual matter of the O))) story in the broadest possible way. Enjoy this filthy pleasure.“
The HalfLife is a “three-headed sonic beast” that begins with an octave-up fuzz inspired by vintage Shin-Ei FY2 and FY6 circuits. Next is a “rodent”-style distortion circuit with three clipping modes: OpAmp, Asymmetric, and Symmetric. Finally, a discrete MOSFET clean boost is designed to push the front end of your amp.
“Though sonically closest to the Life Pedal V3, HalfLife offers some subtle variations in terms of functionality compared to the V3 to accommodate its form factor,” Earthquaker explains. “In homage to the V1 and V2 designs, the octave is integrated directly into the distortion circuit rather than being independently switchable. The control layout has also been refined, with the Amplitude and Octave knobs swapping positions for a more intuitive experience when dialing in textures.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fmX_g9Vp0g
The Earthquaker Devices Sunn O))) HalfLife Octave Distortion + Booster is available now with a retail price of $259.
Earthquaker Devices Sunn O))) HalfLife Features:
| Sunn O))) HalfLife is a distortion with a blendable analog octave up and a booster |
| Features 3 different clipping options: Symmetrical Silicon, Asymmetrical Silicon & LED, and pure OpAmp Drive |
| Distortion and booster can be used independently |
| Expression pedal control over analog octave up |
| Octave blend allows total control over how much Octave is mixed into the circuit |
| True bypass with silent relay based soft touch switches |
| Features EarthQuaker Devices’ proprietary Flexi-Switch Technology |
| Lifetime Warranty |
| Octave Distortion Input impedance: 1 Megohm |
| Octave Distortion Output impedance: Less Than 1 kilohm |
| Booster Input Impedance: 500 kilohm |
| Booster Output Impedance: Less Than 1 kilohm |
| Current Draw: 15 mA |
| Dimensions: 5″ x 2.75″ x 2.25″ / 12.7 cm x 6.985 cm x 5.715 cm |
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
