KMA Machines Chief Disruptor Pedal, Second-Hand Overview
CHIEF DISRUPTOR
Fundamental Fuzz/Distortion
“Perched on the cornerstone of legacy, a hooded figure watched the downfall of archaic sonic structures. For generations, people had been blinded by past achievements, neglecting the present’s needs. That was before the CHIEF DISRUPTOR emerged. With a single push, ancient landmarks crumbled, and a new era of crushing tones began. Welcome to the age of the CHIEF DISRUPTOR!”
Introducing a new era of fuzz/distortion with the CHIEF DISRUPTOR. This pedal captures the legendary, super saturated tone that has defined countless artists and records. With three distinct Gain Modes, pre- or post-EQ Clean Blend, active Bass and Treble controls, a foot-switchable and expression-controllable parametric Mid-EQ, and a switchable top-boost, CHIEF DISRUPTOR is the most versatile, balanced, and powerful muff-style pedal you’ve ever heard.
Features:
- Fuzz/Distortion Pedal with Switchable Mid EQ/Boost
- Three Gain Structures:
- Vintage: Dynamic and rich
- Tight: Focused with less bass and crisp harmonics
- Heavy: Sustaining, thick, and bone-shaking
- Pre or Post Clean Blend for a tight low end
- Active Bass and Treble EQ with ±15 dB boost/cut
- Separate Mid EQ with footswitch and frequency control
- Top-Boost for added crunchy harmonics
- External Expression Control for filter or pseudo-phase tones
- Internal Controls for Mid Q and Top Boost Level
- Relay-based Soft-Switching
- Made in Berlin, Germany
- Powered by 9V PSU (9V DC, center-negative, >160 mA current draw)
Over the years, muff drives have varied in gain levels, so we developed three major gain structures based on the best versions. Vintage Mode (VTG) delivers every shade of discrete overdrive, Tight Mode provides a more modern tone with super crisp harmonics, and Heavy Mode encapsulates the essence of classic muffs with thick, sustaining fuzzy distortion.
Tonal shaping has always been a challenge with classic muff pedals, and we’ve addressed this with modern flexibility through active Bass and Treble controls, allowing ±15 dB adjustments. The parametric Mid-EQ with adjustable center frequency and boost/cut lets you fine-tune mids for everything from classic scooped fuzz to mid-focused dirt tones.
The expression-pedal control of the Mid-EQ frequency enables hands-free tone changes, producing wah-like or phaser-like effects. Adjust the Mid-Q via an internal trimpot for more resonant or subtle filter effects. The relay-based soft-switch allows you to toggle the mids for solos, cutting chords, or filter effects.
The Top-Boost feature enhances high-mids for crunchy harmonics and bite, cutting through any mix. Adjust the Top Boost Level via an internal trimpot to suit your preference.
The Disruption (Gain) Control offers a wide range of tones, from low gain drive to skull-crushing doom. Balancing gain and compression, the CHIEF DISRUPTOR includes a clean blend control with a toggle switch to insert the dry signal pre- or post-EQ, preserving your core tone.
Finally, the CHIEF DISRUPTOR’s stacked headroom topology prevents EQ sag when cranked, resulting in the tightest, most punchy, and loudest muff-style tone available.
Unleash your creativity with a tone that inspires. Ready to disrupt distortion history? Follow the CHIEF DISRUPTOR!
