Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 Video Manual | EarthQuaker Devices

Hello EarthQuakers, we are back with a deep dive into our latest pedal, the Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3. The Sunn O))) Life Pedal is a distortion with a blendable analog octave up and a booster combined in one compact package. This circuit has been meticulously tweaked from the original to squeeze every last drop of heavy crushing tone available. The octave section has been fine-tuned to make it more pronounced without losing the bottom end and we added a third footswitch, utilizing Flexi-Switch Technologyimage001.png, for the octave to allow an additional method of quick and radical tone shaping. We are excited to have this back in permanent production; it is a true labor of love.
The “Amplitude” side is faithfully modeled after the classic “White Face” distortion unit, using modern, reliable components to last a lifetime. The Sunn O))) Life Pedal introduces two additional clipping options to better adapt to different rigs. The first position is no diodes to allow for full, grinding OpAmp assault at maximum volume. The second position utilizes two silicon diodes and one LED in an asymmetrical clipping configuration. This delivers a slightly compressed and smooth crunch, similar to a valve amplifier. The last position is the stock double silicon diode configuration which provides that classic Rat influenced tone you know and love.
The Octave in the Sunn O))) Life Pedal is an all-discrete, analog full-wave rectifier based on a classic vintage design. Located at the input of the circuit, the Octave control slowly blends in the octave effects as you turn it clockwise. This feature can also be used via expression control allowing for wild, hands-free octave swells mid-riff. Because this is an analog octave effect, it is monophonic and works best playing single notes above the twelfth fret while using the neck pickup.
The “Magnitude” section of the Sunn O))) Life Pedal is a simple all-discrete MOSFET booster designed to blast your preamp tubes and drive them wild. It is a 100% clean, no-nonsense, high-impedance booster that adds very little color to your tone. It does not add distortion on its own but has plenty of output to push your amp into saturation.
The signal path goes Octave-Distortion-Boost. The booster can be used independently of the octave and distortion circuit with its own respective footswitch. The Petrine Cross is the octave distortion and the Christian Cross is the booster.
Chasms are cleared, mountains sheared, glaciers calved, novæ birthed. Vintage valve amplifiers recommended. We hope you transcend.
Designed and manufactured by EarthQuaker Devices in the dark corridors of Akron, Ohio.
Shot by Chris Tran & Jeff France
Recording and Mixing by Jeff France
Edited By Chris Tran
Riff Model: Jamie Stillman
Visit our site: www.earthquakerdevices.com
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[@tpags7398]

My favorite thing about earthquaker is that every pedal seems to be designed with experimental music and boundary pushing guitarists in mind

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

👽 🎸 🔊

[@xcrispusattucksx]

@@EarthQuakerDevices on that note: when will you capture kurihara for some kind of signature mutant bee-baa-echo-wah ??? Make it make me able to do that do that wah/fingervibrato/whammy all at once thing. Please!

[@the-np4mr]

Kekd at this one

[@griffinw.5153]

For real. It’s like walking into a basic music store and you meet an associate who understands drop tuning and heavy stuff

[@simb2142]

unbelievably cool pfp

[@a053303]

I no longer have kidney stones after the audio assault of that pedal

[@subjectt.change6599]

It’s about time someone demoed this in front of a Model T!

[@AndreaTurini_theAND]

With a Travis Bean/EGC

[@Madmax-rz5hz]

I saw no car, antique or otherwise

[@Bobby_Uterus]

Right? because those model T’s are just everywhere.

[@Astral_Wave]

Doesn't sound any more "usable" to me either way, but I bet it feels awesome in the room. All that power at your finger tips! I understand car and gun guys better now 🎉

[@merciless2032]

Guys, this pedal sounds waaaay more brutal than I tought. A really amazing piece of gear, well done! :D

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Why thanks! Its pretty gnarly

[@jeanpierre5941]

He’s putting it through a sunn model T amp head.

[@Madmax-rz5hz]

I love the way the tone control doesn't give you a muffled goo when turned up, still lots of definition. I want one...or two

[@lefunghi6151]

Running Noise Engineering Modules through a life pedal is not what I expected from this demo but man am I glad it was in there. Can’t wait to get my hands on one!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

🤘

[@Slime-Man-Extreme]

Love the pedal and Jamie is the perfect person to demo it!

[@Hellseeker1]

I appreciate the modular demo, it's good to see it getting more recognized.

[@chriscurran1967]

That is one sick pedal!!!🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@thepedalzone]

This pedal rips so hard! Jamie rips even harder 🔥

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Cheers!! 🍻🤘

[@bassimprovjams3772]

The pedal zone in tha house!!!!

[@1111undici1111]

it took me less than 10 seconds to make a purchase decision. Sounds like something not from this world and I love it! I will use it with my guitar, bass synth and drum machine. Thank you for making this awesome device!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Sick you're gonna love it. Thanks so much! 🔥

[@boringgearreviews]

This is rad. I really love this pedal.

[@ughleegamer5598]

Totally radical

[@ehambright]

Wow!! Killer demo and pedal!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Thanks for watching!

[@dainjohnson2596]

Always appreciate a bass demo!! Thanks!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Thanks for watching!

[@martianmurray]

Just ordered the Silver one as a birthday present for myself! So excited!!!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Happy birthday!! Enjoy your new pedal!!

[@AleisterthemungerSTOKE]

well done Jamie for playing some solid riffs on the demo in a baritone tuning unlike many other demos and reviews where the player hasn't got a clue what to use the pedal for whatsoever and obviously oblivious to amp worship. 600voltcvlt

[@TAdamRox]

This is my #1 beef with youtube reviews. It seems everybody keeps playing that same blues lick when demoing every pedal. Context matters, man.

[@tedbizon3]

Awesome demo with the egc1000a

[@brownsparlour9813]

This is my favourite video ever.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Woah thanks!

[@wyattstephans1718]

I’ve been wanting a Life Pedal for so long now! I was stoked to get my V3 and even more so after using it. So much fun! Thank you for your work! 🤘💀🤘

[@toddnoble1936]

You're going to love it.

[@unclefoiley819]

Mine is coming today. Can't wait to vibrate the whole house. My 34 year old son is a wild drummer. He's gonna be sure that old pop's hasn't lost it when it comes to new sounds.😂😅

[@NoCoverCharge]

just got this and its so much fun

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Awesome!

[@paradiddle16]

some pretty awesome tones out this thing!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Indeed!

[@sevynn3970]

Well, I think I know what my next pedal will be… love this

[@Frocalacazola]

ULTRA CRUNCHY!

[@alexstewart839]

Ooh that bass tone is all loose and sweaty. I love it.

[@davemahan1993]

I grabbed the white and black one and love it. I’ve got a Rectangular Micro T and it’s like they were made for each other.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Sick! Glad you're digging it!

[@ryanlainchbury5686]

Fun fact: you can now get Sunn amp and pedals inspired by the Life Pedal and the Pillars on the Helix.

[@unclefoiley819]

I ordered a Life and today it's coming. This is going to complete a feel and sound that I've been working on for years. My review will be in the next few weeks.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@HollisAudioLabs]

Love the Bandcamp day version of the v3 pedal! Baritone guitars love it!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Sick!

[@byrdmanalb88]

This makes my nether regions tingly 😅 I Go see Sunn Saturday inside a cavern

[@gregguepy763]

Opamp all day long for me! So good 👌

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Good choice!

[@brownsparlour9813]

Best pedal maker in the business sorry everyone else!lol

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Wow thank you!🤘

[@tompoynton]

That Travis Bean though 😍😍😍😍😍

[@toddjoseph1tj]

Put that one on my list. Your pedals are killer!!!!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Thanks so much! 🙏

[@toddjoseph1tj]

@@EarthQuakerDevices very welcome. Proud of Ohio made Products!!

[@joedoomsdaypio4374]

Definetly next pedal on my list- Currently waiting for my custom made "DoomGazer" by EmmergyFX

[@magicmurphy]

nice Travis Bean!

[@Lymanization]

I’ve been waiting over 2 goddam months, so that will be the theme of this pedal

[@chrisdoe8192]

Holy sh1t. That sounds amazing

[@zwidawurzn9423]

Nice! Good thing this is not limited now

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Oh yeah 🔥

[@metalernest1]

😮 wow

[@dmadmadmadmadma]

sick Melvins riff!

[@nj1255]

The most crushing pedal ever made.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

🌋

[@livefromtheskycabin1043]

Nice touch, starting out the video with a little "Oven" by MELVINS

[@gregguepy763]

If filthy was a sound, it's this. Soooo good.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

😈

[@AllForgivenOne]

I gotta get one of these just coz. Just looks fun to play around with.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

So fun😎

[@clemguitar63]

Super Sludge!

[@model_number_band]

Rad demo.

[@denverm4x]

i see. i like.

[@TheDistortionPrinciple]

I want this so bad

[@blackdogrover]

Cranium Crushing. Jeezes. My skull is bleeding. And it’s Beautiful! If you haven’t already, please send a few to Boris. I would love love love to hear what Wata does with it. 😶😶‍🌫️🤯🌻🎶🎶🎶🦋

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Thanks for the bass demo!!! I have a ton of sik demos and videos of the Astral Destiny on my channel! Love earthquaker devices!!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Rock on!

[@HeBleedsBlack]

Damn... I thought my monitors were messed or the vid glitched. Then I thought, that could be really heavy sounding, and good for zoning out in your head while playing.

[@brownsparlour9813]

This is hands down the best video demonstration of this pedal.i know he made but some of the shit people are doing with dont give it justice 🤦

[@ausgangssperre-band]

hmmm.....looks like I should give it a try

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

you should! 😉

[@crabe_le_rebelle]

O V E N

[@teamrisk41]

This pedal rules !! I just got mine in the mail , it just knocked my agartha pedal off my board. I also use my grand orbitor with this

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Niceee combo! Glad youre digging it

[@hugobranco8168]

One day...♠️

[@2010georgian1]

I have the V1.. i still think it sounds better but I do want that Octave button... so i might also buy this and have it on my Gigging board

[@jeffrendell]

I was watching this video when an earth quake happened in Hermosa Beach CA. Last night. Serendipity much.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Oh jeez! hope you're okay!

[@tito.tarantula]

🤯

[@13aphomet]

Love it.. What is that guitar tuned to? Drop Death?! Wooo!!

[@causeunknownmusic1429]

jesus christ that thing sounds brutal

[@MYGAS21]

This pedal has a deep poetic energy to it.... it seems like the developers were in an inspirational "high" and this was transferred to the pedal. I don't know how else to describe it .... other than: this is a pedal with "meaning".

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

such kind words!

[@arupian666]

2:45... filthy... utterly filthy... I approve :)

[@lifewithoutera]

Hope you guys make a eurorack distortion module one day!

[@needfortweed8734]

Sounds lovely and grim. I wonder how that wouild sound on my electric ukulele. A regular Green Russian Big Muff makes it sound quite brutal, but the Life Pedal should outperform that...

[@kevinclarke9406]

Fun fact: Greg from Sunn runs his Russian Big Muff hard into the EQD Life pedal. Check out Premier Guitar's Rig Rundown vid for more Sunn goodness / info. Enjoy the combo, man!

[@nightmovies9336]

Can anyone tell me if the octave section gates the signal so at all? Similar to say, putting a tentacle before a rat or V1 pedal. If you get me? The V1 octave section didn’t do that as such.

[@wallofsheep5645]

I've considered the Life Pedal several times and I always determine I can do all those sounds anyway with what I got lol. Cool pedal though.

[@AleisterthemungerSTOKE]

amen to that... i got it together for £75.. out of the money Greg gave me for a supergroup head for goatsnake.....

[@ciatangallaghe2485]

Fucking hell that's good.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

😤

[@whataboutit1430]

I could've sworn I gave my wedding ring to you Among the chewing gears you taunt me tear

[@eddykidd]

Funny, I get the same tone by cranking my grand magus distortion plus tremolo through an 8 inch speaker mic’d. Have fun though. I love sunn o))).

[@AndrewBoydMusic]

i was listening on an iphone n still felt it in my chest. ok then

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

😈

[@JackalAR]

Would this pedal knock a Sabbra Cadabra and/or a Colorsound fuzz circuit off the board?

[@Bobby_Uterus]

It’s pretty kick ass on bass. Kinda like a rat pedal with some cool extras.

[@design8r]

thank you for this nice demo...and pedal! what is the guitar being used plz?

[@derekharlan3632]

Electrical Guitar Company EGC1000A

[@MrWetrock]

you even have the bean guitar

[@ianhill5074]

Does the octave effect come before or after the distortion circuit in the signal path?

[@Intaminator]

Before.

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

correct, before

[@gz625]

I wish it were stereo

[@dukeofphale8945]

Love the Life Pedal, but watching this video manual has made me realize that I'm still missing something. How much is a Sunn Model T and Sunn 4x12 cabinet?

[@gregguepy763]

Let me answer that for you... $$$

[@RMHendrickson]

For the low, low price of financial debt.

[@Benjamin-om3ih]

Hey guys This pedal sounds incredible. Really love the design too. I just want to ask. If i already have a rat, is this a wildly different pedal? If so how is it different? Is it worth the upgrade?

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

At its heart it is like a Rat, but it also has a post distortion mosfet boost and a really tight blend-able analog octave up. I think it is different enough to justify personally, but it's really up to you.

[@Benjamin-om3ih]

​@@EarthQuakerDevicesThank for the honest comment. I am leaning towards think it's worth it too. In New Zealand they are 650nzd. But it's not every day a company releases a pedal based on a band you love so might just bite the bullet and get it. Thank you for confirming those things. The design is epic too. You guys have really outdone yourselves

[@yourguitarist]

What band are you referring too?

[@toddnoble1936]

What tuning did you use?

[@OrthodoxReview]

Does Buzz know you borrowed his guitar?

[@R1GAMBLER]

HESHER AF

[@andrewjakes5296]

Jamie, what’s that guitar you’re using? Awesome looking neck.

[@andrewjakes5296]

Never mind, read the comments. Egc awesome guitar and awesome sunn amp

[@StarcleBlaze]

Gomna use this to make my guitar go brrrrr

[@robcape]

Lead guitarist for the worship band at my church here, would you recommend this for my rig?

[@thetenorplayer]

if we're talkin amplifier worship then yeah maybe

[@mazzaroth7]

Will this sound as heavy thru a solid state??

[@MrDonc78]

Is this version the same size of the palisades? I have the v1 but I don't want to put it on my travel board lol

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

It is the same enclosure size!

[@_bradleystrider]

so confused about the 6U rack with all that sequencing for a single BIA

[@DolemiteSammich]

yerrraaaaaaaaaaaa

[@MONDOCHITARRA]

Questo pedale è il mio grande sogno!

[@MakingShots]

What guitar is the one being played in this demo? Looks and sounds great!

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

Electrical Guitar Company EGC1000

[@xbinnox2408]

What's the mic on the right ??

[@buster5519]

What is the name of your guitar and what is it made out of

[@razorbladesodomy]

MAKE THIS A PLUGIN, SOUNDS OTHERWORLDLY

[@Mike_HuntizWet]

Is this going into the front of an amp? Power amp/FX return? Tube? Sold state? It’s a very interesting pedal for sure

[@Intaminator]

I'm fairly certain it's going into the front of that Model T.

[@220_hz4]

Looks like it’s going into the front end of a 1st gen Sunn Model T

[@LeftHandedRightHanded]

We'll judging by the video... They're using a Model T, which is a tube amp. And this pedal is an octave, boost, and distortion pedal, so they're probably running it through the front..

[@CenterThePendulum]

Man, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a pedal demo go through a solid state amp. Their primary goal is to display the pedal in the best light/tonal quality possible.

[@TybudX]

@@LeftHandedRightHanded You guys have any idea what cab and/or speaker combvo that is?

[@nicknickson3650]

Does the V3 still come equipped with an LM308?

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

No, the LM308 was only used in the V1 and V2 but is very limited (one of the reasons the V1 and V2 were limited.) The V3 uses the OP07, which we worked with Sunn O))) to tweak the Life Pedal V3, so it sounds almost identical to the V1 and V2.

[@nicknickson3650]

@@EarthQuakerDevices Yes that makes sense. I asked because hearing this is a permanent addition to the EQD line I was curious if you guys found a secret LM308 supplier. The LM301 is great too, by the way 😉 Excited to see what you guys do next. You're awesome.

[@alfonsostrazzullo9256]

What's that beautiful guitar???

[@derekharlan3632]

Electrical Guitar Company EGC1000A

[@nicmoray6495]

Hey I have this pedal and every time I try to plug in the expression pedal it schshuts of does anyone have any idea what it could be ?

[@EarthQuakerDevices]

www.earthquakerdevices.com/consumer-repair Use this link! We will help you

[@paleemperor5379]

Anyone know what guitar he is using?

[@derekharlan3632]

Electrical Guitar Company EGC1000A

[@paleemperor5379]

@@derekharlan3632 Thanks!