The Dirt Transmitter is one of the oldest circuits in the EarthQuaker line. The design is Fuzz Face inspired, and the idea started when Jamie Stillman came across some very unique silicon transistors. These transistors are lower gain and have a warmth similar to germanium transistors when overdriven. But they also have the top-end grind typical of silicon-based fuzz pedals, which adds to the mids and helps cut through. The combination of these rare transistors and the starved voltage creates a wide variety of textures at the turn of a knob.

The first Dirt Transmitters started shipping in January of 2008, and these original units were housed in a small enclosure with only three controls: Fuzz, Tone, and Level. Shortly after the release, Jamie decided to add the external Bias control, which opened up the circuit and brought it to life. By varying the Bias the transistor is starved of voltage. The Dirt Transmitter is properly biased when the Bias control is all the way up; when turning it down, the voltage is starved, and the fuzz tone becomes gated. This produces a sputtery ripping velcro tone that increases in character as you roll it back.

Controls:

Fuzz: Clockwise for heavier tones, counterclockwise for lighter tones.

Tone: Clockwise for a brighter, more cutting tone, counterclockwise to roll off top end for more mellow tones.

Bias: This is the heart of the Dirt Transmitter, where all of its voices can be found. It affects the voltage to the transistors which will create more gated Velcro® fuzz tones counterclockwise and thicker, natural fuzz tones clockwise. It is “properly biased” at 5 o’clock.

Level: Clockwise for more, counterclockwise for less.