Fender Starcaster Distortion EQ Pedal

It's a distortion pedal ... okay, with such blue, one would think rather be in the chorus, but it is a distortion in question, and that is the Fender factory.
Technology: all analog, true bypass.
The connection is very simple input, output and power jack.

Only one type of effect is a distortion ... BUT we should note the presence of an active equalizer parametric, which multiplies the possibilities of sound (in fact it is also called Starcaster Distortion / EQ Pedal).
So you have 3 buttons, not the "basic" as all the pedals in this price level, but 6: Output Level, Level of distortion, bass, mid, high frequency and Medium. The bass / medium / high are adjustable from -15 to +15 (one does not only reduce the frequency, it can also boost, and it changes everything ... well that's what I infer from graduations but to find the exact info, not easy because the site is a bit of Fender Light). The parametric mid is adjustable from 200Hz to 5kHz.

Regarding the design ... it's kind of rustic M4 Sherman in category tanks. Basic super, super strong! Button at the foot of metal, and access to the battery handy (plastic cap from the top, I think it takes the shocks) because none of the screwdriver and disconnect the pedal if your battery drops you right in concert.
Overall, the look is not sexy, the color is "blue" while the standards are rather like oranges, and frankly we wonder what you buy so it makes old-fashioned!

Note that this pedal is one of a range of "entry level" Fender, not necessarily imported into France. I bought mine in the U.S. for about thirty dollars new. BUT entry does not mean as "low quality".

Note that there are in the same series a chorus (not blue but green) and flanger (Orange.es ..!), waiting for a delay / echo. View on http://www.fender.com/features/starcaster/accessories.php


UTILIZATION

The manual is not limited to a sheet ... but basically plug and go!

The configuration is simple, it's as if you had a pedal EQ + a distortion pedal. All buttons are on hand and we must let go to find what you want.
Small detail: damage to the screen is black on blue is not very readable ... even if we all agree that force is the rule with your eyes closed when he was well in hand.

In fact, it would be nice if Fender added examples of instructions for beginners ...! The sound palette is so broad, it is truly something to educate his ear.


SOUND QUALITY

The sound ...! Basically we start from a relatively traditional gender distortion Boss DS1 (I would say more ...), but is much more malleable and flexible because of the active equalizer, whose medium is more customizable.

If you're around noon, there is a very good rock distortion, either in single or dual microphones.

If you decrease the drive to 0, we can reach an overdrive a little fat if your guitar is simple micro strato type (it's still pretty muscular for my taste ... but it's all about nuances and according to your own opinion and your game). With a Les Paul, it will remain a slight distortion.

Finally, if you boost the bass and treble, and you spend at -15 mediums and you adjust the frequency of said medium, you can get to heavy metal (Judas Priest, but so is my personal opinion) ... ! it sends severe.

In general, I think we should avoid extremes (-15 or +15) as it loses natural is that the effectiveness of the equalizer. The setting ranges are enormous, enough to spend time trying lots of combinations.

For the drive, past the first quarter, it really becomes the distal muscular, and spent half and even quite aggressive.

I confess that I write hot, and I still have not sufficiently explored the possibilities, but I stayed on the ground (to adjust while playing !)... it's really a pedal for the extra price ... it would cost twice as much as I would think always do a great deal!!


OVERALL OPINION

Bought past 4 days ... Hot printing ...

I still took the time to watch some American forums before buying because I find the look "vintage" exaggerated ... coarse limit.

I DO NOT REGRET! I recommend it! In fact, I do not write many reviews out of laziness and also because I do not pretend to be a super specialist, others do it better than me. But I would like Fender sells this pedal so I find it cool. If this review can encourage, AS WELL!

One of my cousins ​​started guitar last year, I would have liked to recommend this pedal is made for beginners (single, multi), but at least it is cheap and the sound quality! No harmful noise. And finally, it is also made for experienced who want to have fun!

If I compared ... yes, and I do not sell my other pedals. Ibanez Tube Screamer, and Proco Rat Zvex Distortron are my classics, Starcaster never presume to replace-that-is clear, but it is a little icing on the cake, the complement to please me, and m inspire.


Value for money im-ba-ta-ble! It's not plastic like Ber ... and better than the Bo ... Why Is not imported into Europe?? Mr. Fender, I'm sure you will find an audience for these pedals!!


PS: The price is announcing that the rate of dollar / euro, and it is possible that this is a promotion. If Fender sells this pedal, it is likely that this is not that price, but it gives an idea.