From the Manufacturer The FAMULUS is a distortion/overdrive pedal with two totally separate, parallel circuits inside. Each circuit has it’s own distinct voicing. You are able to blend between the two for any conceivable combination.Volume – Controls the overall output of the device – the output of both circuits are controlled in parallel by this control.Tone – This is more like a presence control than a tone ( don’t ask why we didn’t call it presence) – and like the volume dialboth circuits run through it – a parallel tone control! (Presence control “ Be quiet man…… you told them it was a tone control”) It works backwards, by the way.Gain A – This sets the distortion/OD level of the first circuit – it’s a really biting, crunchy sound with masses of dynamic scope – set itreally low and the guitar sounds almost clean, wind it fully clockwise and you’re suddenly moved to uncontrollable head banging, power chording, 8th note chugging, metal. Yussssssssssss.Gain B – This sets the distortion /OD level of the second circuit. This one is bitey too but it has a mid range punch and spank. Like it’s brother, Gain B can clean up and then get down and dirty when turned clockwise.Alchemy – This is where things get rather interesting. The alchemy control enables you to blend between to the two separate circuits – Fully anticlockwise gives you only Gain A, fully clockwise gives you only Gain B. Set it anywhere in between and you are now creating your own unique combination. Now try this (You can’t see it, but I’m actually shakingwith anticipation ….) set Gain A to a really clean setting – around 7 o’clock, then set Gain B to a dirtier setting, round 12 o’clcock, now set the Alchemy control fully counter clockwise. Now play – you’ll justhear the clean sound of Gain A. Now gradually wind the Alchemy control around clockwise – to say9 o’clock – LISTEN! Clean and dirty! Dial up any variation of the two channels and their respective gain levels - an almost limitless palate with which to create your own unique sound!Shiny Chrome Footswitch - Bring the effect into the signal path by clicking this one. Truebypass switching. The FAMULUS can be powered from either a nine volt battery or an external nine volt dc adapter (the Boss PSA style is ideal - though anything with 2.1mm barrel plug with a negative centre pin is fine.The FAMULUS comes finished in vintage pearl with midnight black text.The LED is a brilliant ruby red. All components are top notch; Switchcraft jacks, alpha pots, through - hole double sided circuit boards with groundplane shielding etc etc. What more could you want?
J**T
Truly unique tone creation
I got this overdrive since I was looking for something with a wide range of usable sounds but still all analog (I am not a fan of digital effects). The Red Witch Famulus fits the bill perfectly, offering two distinct overdrive circuits in one pedal, and the best part is that you don't have to use one or the other as you can blend them to any ratio you desire. I like to put one of the gains on full and the other pretty low to get a mix of clarity and bite in one tone. If you want to you can crank both for a pretty full hard rock tone or just the first for more biting sound, or whatever you desire really, mixing in the tone (or presence as it may be according to the instruction page) knob you can get a really massive array of great sounding, and often unique tones. I highly recommend this for pretty much anything overdrive or distortion is used in (with the exception of heavy metal since this isn't THAT high of a gain machine). I have heard that to get the most of it's tone you should be playing it through a tube amp. I can't confirm this since I am playing through a tube amp and nothing else... everything sounds better with tubes :)It isn't cheap, and surely doesn't sound cheap. I highly recommend it.
B**R
Red Witch Famulus
OUTSTANDING PEDAL!Played with Gibson LPs' ('57 classic hum-buggies) through a Two-Rock Studio Pro 22. (clean amp, through the front)1. Versatile dual gain: Overdrive to distortion (may not be for metal players)2. Tone, tone, tone: Great "eq", my gear still sounds like my gear.3. Extremely low noise floor: Very acceptable even with both gains cranked.4. Easy to use: Start with everything at 12 noon and go from there. No need for 20 switches & dials, it's all right there. (easy)5. Seems to be very well made: All the controls "feel right."6. It's ......................... "A KEEPER!"I kept one low gain pedal on my board to go along with the Famulus, this way all bases are covered. If desired, it stacks really well, again keeping a low noise floor, sustain forever going into "fuzz type territory." Remember, with regard to the low noise floor, this is with humbuckers through a clean amp. Single coils through a cranked "Boogie or Marshall" with definitely yield more noise, I can't say how much more, because I don't have a high gain amp here to run it through.I'm sorry I didn't find this pedal sooner, it could have saved me a lot of wasted time and money. Very happy with it!
D**R
Wow!
I am using it in the effects loop of a Line 6 HD500 because the on-board distortion pedal simulations are pretty lame, and not easily tweaked during performance. This pedal solved my problems. It has amazing versatility, it's easy to set and it sounds so good. My only complaint is that I wish it had just a bit more capability at the low gain end of the spectrum for a vintage bluesy tone. It's actually better than most in that regard, but with just a bit more clean options, it would be perfect. Short of a tube amp, I haven't heard anything that sounds better or has anywhere near the range of sounds. It's a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for here. If you are trying to go ampless, this pedal will make you miss your tubes less. 2020 Coronavirus update: I upgraded to a Kemper Profiler, and I still use this Red Witch in front of the Kemper. It sounds better, more responsive than the simulated Green Screamer and Ratt inside the Kemper, which are the intended devices in the Famulus.
A**X
the absolute BEST!
Over the past week i have tried them all.. The Lovepedal Eternity, Kangi, Kilamanzoo, fulltone OCD and Plimsoul, Mad Professor Honey Overdrive to name a few. Several others not even worth mentioning. I bought like 15/20 pedals to A/B and absolutely NOTHING come close to the smooth sound and overall build quality of the Red Witch. So much so, that im selling all my pedals and only going to have these on my board. I also have the deluxe moon phaser - the most versatile and warm sounding phaser i have ever used. These pedals are worth their weight in gold. Stop messing around - this is the real deal. Thank you Red Witch!
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