Nerdvana X 2025 - Red matte sand

X

You may be familiar with the Albini mix of HSB. If not, you'll want to go listen before continuing.

Kurt and Krist had a difference of opinion over this effect on the solo and eventually, Kurt conceded and removed it, however it was his original vision.

I fell short in my attempts to recreate this effect for my tribute band. I subsequently researched as much as I could about the original Pedal X, as designed by Mr Bill. 

I  also absorbed as much as I could from Aaron Rash's extremely short demo; Albini's estate and Private Collector Aaron Rash own two of the five in existence. 

I spent countless hours scouring ring mod schematics I suspected could have been the starting point for Mr. Bill's DIY circuitry.  Eventually I had an epiphany on an alternate topology and went that way.

While X is NOT a clone by any means, I think it's an excellent dirty ring mod tremolo thing, that well cops the solo tone and does much more. Clean tremolo sounds, dirty ring mod-ish,  and even clean or dirty jfet boost tones are available. 

Place X last in the signal chain before the amp. The more effect you blend in, the more level you'll want to use, as perceived output will decrease. 

Subtle goes from a pulsing tremolo to a vibrato like warble. Bold will take you to extreme ring mod type sounds. 

Inside the pedal, you'll find two dip switches, these are  two sets of clipping diodes. feel free to set them to your taste for cleaner or dirtier tones. 

The real X seems to have as much dirt as both switches on. You'll use level to compensate and plenty of boost is available to reach unity for any choice. 

You may use 18V for increased headroom, but no more.  Permanent damage will occur.

True Bypass

2.1mm DC Center Negative 

9V-18V MAX!