Digital emulations of classic analog devices have come a long way over the years, but let’s face it: the classic Big Muff still reigns supreme when it comes to crushing, gnarly fuzz tones! The Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi Hardware Plug-in is the perfect tonal tool for the modern producer looking to impart a little — or a lot — of analog grit into their digital workflow, from guitars and drums to even vocals. This true-stereo 2-in/2-out stompbox/plug-in hybrid begins with a classic 1973 Violet Ram’s Head Big Muff design, yielding endless sustain and fuzzed-out articulation that adds a pleasing edge to any source. Plugging into your computer allows you to seamlessly send your tracks through the true-analog circuitry of the Big Muff Pi Hardware Plug-in and back into your DAW, functioning identically to a traditional software plug-in, but with all the benefits of analog warmth! Finally, the Big Muff Pi Hardware Plug-in even functions as its own recording interface, with USB functionality, direct monitoring, a headphone jack, and gain control, allowing you to plug straight into your computer without the need for an audio interface.

Pedal or plug-in?

When accessing the Big Muff Pi Hardware Plug-in’s tones via your computer, it works much the same as any other digital plug-in, with a distinctly analog twist: your track of choice is sent through the plug-in’s analog circuitry, then the processed audio makes its way back to your DAW, now fully muffed-out with the help of some clipping diodes and overdriven transistors. A proprietary software interface allows you to twist and tweak your favorite settings with the click of a mouse. Prefer the old-school approach? Simply switch up your tones directly on the pedal’s knobs for a more immediate and tactile feel.

A standalone stompbox

Apart from all the digital wizardry, the Big Muff Pi Hardware Plug-in is still at stompbox at heart, and it can be plugged straight into your favorite amp for the sweet, singing tones of a 1973 Violet Ram’s Head Big Muff. In the Muff universe, it’s one of the most coveted sounds out there due to its combination of sonic clarity and pure aggression. While this sound is found on countless classic guitar tracks, the Big Muff Pi Hardware Plug-in’s exceptionally clear tone has the added bonus of working incredibly well on drums tracks, bass, and even vocals, imparting a rough feel without blowing out all of your source’s inherent detail.

Your new recording interface

The Big Muff Pi Hardware Plug-in is a pedal, plug-in, and recording interface, all digitally wrapped up in a typical stompbox form factor. If you’re looking to lay down some guitar tracks without rigging up your mics, then you can simply hook your Big Muff Pi Hardware Plug-in straight into your computer via USB — no audio interface necessary! Plus, a simple toggle of this pedal’s bypass allows you to instantly switch between crushing fuzz and a pristinely clean DI tone.

Plenty of presets

The traditional Big Muff design is about as close to analog perfection as a pedal can get, but many guitarists have long wished for a way to save and switch between their favorite fuzzed-out tones. Luckily, the Big Muff Pi Hardware Plug-in comes loaded with 10 built-in presets on the hardware pedal, with an unlimited number of presets available when plugged into your computer!

Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi Hardware Plug-in Effects Pedal and 2-in/2-out Recording Interface Features:

• Hybrid fuzz pedal and software plug-in
• Analog circuitry based on the saturated articulation of a 1973 Violet Ram’s Head Big Muff
• Doubles as a 2-in/2-out USB recording interface — pedal can be bypassed for clean DI tones
• Can be operated as a completely standalone guitar pedal for traditional guitar-pedal-amp tones
• Software plug-in functionality allows you to send your tracks through the true-analog circuit of the world’s most legendary fuzzbox
• Tone Wicker setting boosts for high frequencies for enhanced clarity
• Tone Bypass adds body to your tone without introducing unwanted muddiness
• Parameters can be controlled either on the pedal directly or via the plug-in
• 10 footswitchable presets on the pedal with unlimited presets via the computer plug-in
• Direct monitoring control and headphone jack
• Seamlessly integrates with most standard DAWs
• Can be powered by both the included 9V adapter or by USB