Do you have a question about the EHX GRAPHIC FUZZ and is the answer not in the manual?
Connect the unit to AC power, guitar to input, and amplifier to output for basic operation.
Six slide pots adjust EQ bands; DYNAMICS and SUSTAIN sliders control sensitivity and note sustain.
ON-FUZZ-OFF switch selects fuzz or EQ-only mode. CUT footswitch bypasses the entire unit.
VOLUME slider controls output level; OVERDRIVE footswitch manages distortion amount.
Specifies power requirements, input/output impedance, and input/output levels.
Details overdrive gain range, sustain time range, and equalizer control range.
Advises using only the supplied US96DC-200BI power supply to avoid unit damage.
One-year warranty for defects in materials/workmanship for original purchasers.
Includes requirements for returning units for repair within the warranty period.
Lists shipping and handling fees for returning units from different regions.
Provides contact details for service and links to website for demos and information.
The GRAPHIC FUZZ is an AC-operated effects unit designed to provide a versatile range of fuzz, distortion, and overdrive tones, enhanced by a unique graphic equalization system not commonly found in similar products. This device caters to musicians seeking extensive tonal shaping capabilities and dynamic responsiveness in their sound.
At its core, the GRAPHIC FUZZ generates a fuzz effect, which can be engaged or bypassed. Beyond its primary fuzz function, the unit also serves as a standalone graphic equalizer. This dual-purpose design allows users to either apply the fuzz effect with equalization or use the equalization independently to shape their clean tone. The device is engineered for low noise and hum operation, ensuring a clean signal path. A key characteristic of the GRAPHIC FUZZ is its sensitivity to playing dynamics. This means the output volume will naturally increase when played harder and decrease when played more softly, providing a more expressive and responsive playing experience.
The unit features six slide pots dedicated to graphic equalization. These controls allow for precise adjustment of the output level across six distinct frequency bands: 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz. Each band can be boosted or cut, offering extensive flexibility to sculpt the tone to suit various musical styles and preferences. This comprehensive equalization system distinguishes the GRAPHIC FUZZ from many other fuzz or distortion pedals, providing a level of control over the sound's timbre that is typically found in dedicated EQ units.
In addition to the equalization, the GRAPHIC FUZZ incorporates controls for overall output volume, dynamics, and sustain. The VOLUME slider adjusts the master output level of the unit. The DYNAMICS and SUSTAIN sliders work in conjunction to shape the envelope of the sound. The DYNAMICS slider controls how sensitive the unit is to the player's attack. When this slider is set to its lowest position, the unit behaves like a conventional fuzz box, producing a relatively constant output volume regardless of playing intensity. As the DYNAMICS slider is moved upwards, the unit becomes increasingly responsive to playing dynamics, resulting in a louder output for harder playing and a softer output for gentler playing. The SUSTAIN slider, which is effective only when the DYNAMICS slider is engaged, controls the duration for which a note is sustained. Pushing the SUSTAIN slider all the way up achieves maximum sustain, allowing notes to ring out for extended periods.
The unit also includes an OVERDRIVE footswitch, which provides control over the amount of distortion in the output signal. This allows players to dial in varying degrees of grit and saturation, from subtle overdrive to intense fuzz. A separate CUT footswitch is provided for bypassing the entire unit. When the unit is engaged, a red LED illuminates, indicating that the effect is active. When the CUT footswitch is pressed, the LED turns off, signifying that the unit is bypassed and the signal passes through unaffected. This bypass function eliminates the need to physically disconnect the unit when the effect is not desired.
To set up the GRAPHIC FUZZ, simply plug it into a standard AC outlet. The guitar connects to the INPUT jack, and the amplifier connects to the OUTPUT jack. The small ON-FUZZ-OFF switch located at the top of the unit is used to select between the fuzz effect and the standalone graphic equalizer mode. In the "ON" position, the fuzz effect is active, and the six slide pots can be used to equalize the fuzzed signal. In the "OFF" position, the fuzz effect is disengaged, allowing the unit to function purely as a graphic equalizer for the clean signal.
The six slide pots for equalization offer intuitive visual feedback on the frequency curve being applied. Users can experiment with different settings to achieve a wide array of tones, from scooped mids for heavy riffs to boosted highs for shimmering leads, or enhanced lows for a fuller sound. The ability to adjust each frequency band independently provides a powerful tool for tone sculpting, allowing the GRAPHIC FUZZ to adapt to various instruments, amplifiers, and musical contexts.
The DYNAMICS and SUSTAIN controls are crucial for tailoring the unit's response to individual playing styles. Players who prefer a consistent, wall-of-sound fuzz can keep the DYNAMICS slider low. Those who desire a more expressive and touch-sensitive effect can raise the DYNAMICS slider and then fine-tune the note sustain with the SUSTAIN slider. This combination of controls allows for a highly personalized and interactive playing experience, where the effect responds directly to the nuances of the player's technique.
The OVERDRIVE footswitch provides on-the-fly control over the intensity of the distortion, making it easy to switch between different levels of gain during a performance. The CUT footswitch offers a convenient way to engage or disengage the entire effect without disrupting the signal chain, which is particularly useful in live settings or during practice. The LED indicator clearly shows the operational status of the unit, ensuring that the player always knows whether the effect is active or bypassed.
The GRAPHIC FUZZ is designed for reliable operation. For power, it requires a specific power supply adaptor, the US96DC-200BI, which is supplied with the unit. It is critical to use only this specified adaptor, as using any other adaptor will damage the unit and void the warranty. This emphasizes the importance of proper power management to ensure the longevity and functionality of the device.
In terms of warranty, Electro-Harmonix offers a one-year warranty from the date of purchase, covering defects in materials or workmanship. This warranty applies exclusively to original purchasers who have bought their product from an authorized Electro-Harmonix retailer. If a unit requires service within the warranty period, the repaired or replaced unit will be warranted for the remainder of the original warranty term.
To initiate a warranty service, customers are required to include a brief description of the problem, along with their name, address, telephone number, a copy of their sales receipt, and a check or money order to cover shipping and handling fees. This structured process ensures that service requests are handled efficiently and that the necessary information is provided for proper diagnosis and return shipping. The warranty information clearly outlines the steps for obtaining support, providing a clear pathway for customers experiencing issues with their unit.
For customers outside the United States, specific shipping and handling fees apply for warranty service, with different rates for Canada and Europe/other countries. This global support structure ensures that customers worldwide can access repair services if needed. Contact information, including telephone numbers and email addresses, is provided for both US and UK/European customer service, facilitating direct communication for support inquiries. Additionally, Electro-Harmonix encourages users to visit their website for demos of their pedals and to use their general info email for further questions, fostering an accessible and supportive user community.
| Bypass | True bypass |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4.75 x 4 x 2.25 inches |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs |
| Type | Fuzz |
| Controls | Volume, Sustain |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Power Supply | 9V DC |
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