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Details the pedal's input/output jacks and DC power connector requirements.
Explains the purpose and operation of each rotary control knob on the pedal.
Describes the functions of the footswitches and the Octave-Up button.
Details how the Sag circuit works, its dynamic-sensing nature, and effects.
Explains the Expand circuit's function for boosting volume, bite, and presence.
Details the pedal's input/output jacks and DC power connector requirements.
Explains the purpose and operation of each rotary control knob on the pedal.
Describes the functions of the footswitches and the Octave-Up button.
Details how the Sag circuit works, its dynamic-sensing nature, and effects.
Explains the Expand circuit's function for boosting volume, bite, and presence.
The Fender Shields Blender is a signature effects unit designed in collaboration with guitarist, songwriter, and tone pioneer Kevin Shields, a founding member of My Bloody Valentine. This pedal is an ultimate experimentation fuzz unit, delivering a wide range of fuzz tones, from classic sounds to all-new splattering and rumbling textures that react dynamically to picking. It reimagines the prized Fender Blender fuzz/octave effects unit from 1968-1977, incorporating Shields' unique insights into pedal-driven tonal soundscapes.
At its core, the Shields Blender features a vintage Fender Blender circuit, meticulously hand-copied from Shields' original unit. A key modification is the addition of a bypass switch for the infamous octave-up generator, enhancing its versatility. The pedal is designed with a suite of performance-ready fuzz-sculpting tools, accessible via four footswitches, offering players a new fuzz experience.
The Shields Blender operates in two primary modes: Original Blender Mode and Octave Blender Mode, each offering distinct tonal characteristics and control functionalities.
Original Blender Mode: This is the pedal's default state, replicating the circuit of the original Fender Blender. In this mode, the input signal is split into clean and fuzz signals, which can be blended to preference using the controls in the "FUZZ" section. The four control knobs in this section—VOLUME, BLEND, TONE, and SUSTAIN—function identically to those on the original Fender Blender. A newly added OCTAVE-UP button allows players to engage or disengage an octave-up voice within the fuzz signal, providing a new fuzz voice without the octave effect, which was not an option on the original unit. The OCTAVE-UP button illuminates white when the octave-up fuzz is active. To enter Original Blender Mode, ensure the effect is on (Bypass Footswitch LED red) and press the Octave Footswitch until its LED illuminates red. This red illumination persists even when the effect is bypassed, indicating the pedal's mode upon reactivation.
Octave Blender Mode: In this mode, the input signal is divided into two fuzz signals: the classic Fender Blender fuzz signal and a sub-octave fuzz signal. Both fuzz and sub-octave signal output levels can be individually adjusted and blended. The clean signal is muted in this mode, and the VOLUME and BLEND controls in the "FUZZ" section are disabled. However, the SUSTAIN, TONE, and OCTAVE-UP controls in the "FUZZ" section remain functional for shaping the fuzz signal's tone. In the dedicated two-knob "OCTAVE" section on the far left, the FUZZ LEVEL control now governs the fuzz signal output level, while the OCTAVE control knob sets the sub-octave signal output level. To enter Octave Blender Mode, turn on the effect (Bypass Footswitch LED red) and press the Octave Footswitch until its LED illuminates white. This white illumination will remain even when the effect is bypassed, indicating the pedal's mode upon reactivation.
The Shields Blender is equipped with a comprehensive set of controls and footswitches, each designed to sculpt the fuzz tone and dynamics:
SAG CIRCUIT: This circuit offers a unique way to control fuzz dynamics, creating an interplay between playing touch and fuzz tone, along with explosive sound effects. "Sag" simulates the effect of a tube amp or fuzz pedal being underpowered, causing the audio signal to "flicker" and "dim," similar to a flashlight with low batteries. This degradation and regeneration create sonically interesting fuzz effects with a tremolo-like character. The Sag Footswitch and its two control knobs (TRIGGER and SAG) allow players to control the amount of sag and when it's introduced. Sag is applied only when the input signal reaches a certain volume, determined by the TRIGGER control. With TRIGGER and SAG controls at maximum, sag acts as a "semi-chaotic" tremolo that activates whenever strings are touched, gradually fading to stillness when playing stops. If TRIGGER is at maximum and SAG is at minimum, sag activates with every touch but only alters the note attack. Fine-tuning the TRIGGER control and setting SAG to maximum allows the pedal to "listen" to player dynamics, producing the semi-chaotic tremolo effect only when strings are strummed hard. This enables players to achieve a standard fuzz sound with a lighter touch and trigger the tremolo-like sag with more forceful playing. When the Sag circuit is engaged, the Sag Footswitch LED illuminates red, and the Bypass Footswitch LED also remains red. The Sag Footswitch and its controls are functional in both Original Blender and Octave Blender modes.
EXPAND CIRCUIT: The Expand circuit enhances the Fender Shields Blender's tone by boosting fuzz volume and adding more bite and presence through an expansion of the middle and high-frequency ranges. When engaged, the Expand Footswitch LED illuminates red, and the Bypass Footswitch LED also remains red. The Expand Footswitch is functional in both Original Blender and Octave Blender modes.
General| Bypass | True Bypass |
|---|---|
| Power | 9V DC Power Supply (Not Included) |
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | SHIELDS BLENDER |
| Controls | Blend |
| Input | 1 x 1/4" |
| Output | 1 x 1/4" |
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