EarthQuaker Devices - Blumes - Low Signal Shredder

Blumes™ is an all-analog tri-mode soft clipping bass overdrive that carries the torch of the classic screamer circuit but has a voice all its own. While embodying most of the characteristics and features of our beloved Plumes® Small Signal Shredder, this modified circuit has double the gain and a deeper bass response to retain all the low end. It utilizes internal bipolar power, which gives you more dynamics and all the headroom you could ever desire. The end result is a three-dimensional tone with added clarity that really pushes a nice tube amp over the edge.

Controls

• Gain: This controls the amount of drive.

• Tone: More bass to the left, more middles in the middle and more treble to the right. 
• Level: This controls the output volume.
• Clipping Modes (3-Way Toggle):

• Symmetrical LED clipping: more crunch and compression.
• No clipping: wide open OpAmp drive for clean boost.
• Asymmetrical silicon diode clipping: more transparency with a loose feel. 

Design Notes

As a bass player, we understand that you often feel neglected within the hierarchy of band constructs, despite the fact that you hold down the rhythmic foundation and make everyone sound better. So that’s why this marvelous yellow box was created specifically for you. But fear not, 6-stringers, this is also the perfect pedal for all of your deep overdrive needs, especially you drop-tuned masters. We see you.  

This all-analog tri-mode overdrive with soft clipping carries the torch of the classic screamer circuit but has a voice all its own. And thanks to its bipolar power, you'll get more dynamics, clarity, and all the headroom you could ever desire. The end result is a more three-dimensional tone with added clarity that really pushes a nice tube amp over the edge.

While embodying most of the kick ass characteristics and features of the Plumes, we went ahead and modified this circuit with double the gain and a deeper bass response to retain all the low end. At lower gain settings, you’ll get all of the crunchy tone you love about the original, but once you get above noon on the Gain control, that’s where the similarities stop. Now you’re in bass country, baby! Get ready to shake some walls and field some angry calls from your neighbors (just send them to voicemail). 

And much like the Plumes, this pedal offers three different clipping options for your desired low end face melting needs. 

Mode 1 is symmetrical LED clipping that utilizes a pair of light emitting diodes. This is the crunchiest setting the Blumes has to offer. This signal is less compressed and way more open with tons of output for when you really want to go wild.  

Mode 2 is a clean pure OpAmp gain boost mode. This eliminates the soft clipping diodes altogether and leaves you with straight OpAmp drive. This will be the loudest output with the fullest frequency response, and can be used as a clean boost when the Gain control is set below 11 o’clock. 

Mode 3 is an asymmetrical silicon diode arrangement similar to the stock screamer but with more output and clean clarity, which provides more transparent tone. Using this mode gives a warmer low-end response and lower output. It’s fuzzier with half the output and is the most compressed. If you like the fuzzy ends of distortion with a clean undertone, you’ll love this setting. We guarantee it. 

TECH SPECS

Dimensions: 4.75 x 2.50 x 2.25 in. (121 x 64 x 57 mm) with knobs

Current Draw: 25 mA

Input Impedance: 10 MΩ

Output Impedance: 100 Ω

Flexi-Switch® Technology: This device features Flexi-Switch® Technology! This relay-based, true bypass switching style allows you to simultaneously use momentary and latching style switching.

• For standard latching operation, tap the footswitch once to activate the effect and then tap again to bypass.

• For momentary operation, hold the footswitch down for as long as you’d like to use the effect. Once you release the switch the effect will be bypassed.

Since the switching is relay based, it requires power to pass signal.

Power 

This device takes a standard 9 volt DC power supply with a 2.1mm negative center barrel. We always recommend pedal-specific, transformer-isolated wall-wart power supplies or multiple isolated-output supplies. Pedals will make extra noise if there is ripple or unclean power. Switching-type power supplies, daisy chains and non-pedal specific power supplies do not filter dirty power as well and let through unwanted noise. DO NOT RUN AT HIGHER VOLTAGES!

Artwork

Artwork by Jamie Stillman

DOWNLOAD THE MANUAL

WATCH THE DEMO HERE