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Compact Yet Mighty Fuzz The Darkglass Duality DFZ is a powerful fuzz pedal that brings the brand’s signature grit in a sleek, pedalboard-friendly form. Like its siblings, the Microtubes B1K Overdrive, and the NSG noise gate, the DFZ is part of Darkglass’s more understated lineup—pedals that may not get as much attention as their flagship models but still deliver serious tonal firepower. Designed for bassplayers who crave versatility, the DFZ offers a unique dual-fuzz circuit capable of producing everything from tight, gated distortion to thick, aggressive fuzz. Build and Controls At first glance, the DFZ keeps things simple, sporting a clean design with a single dual-knob layout. The Level knob controls overall output, while the Duality knob blends between two distinct fuzz textures: a cutting, gated saw-tooth wave and a high-gain, saturated fuzz. Hidden inside the pedal are two additional controls—Blend, which allows you to mix your clean and fuzzed signals, and Filter, which tweaks the high-frequency content for further tone shaping. These extra options provide more flexibility while keeping the pedal’s exterior clutter-free. Size and Weight Darkglass has kept the DFZ compact and lightweight, making it a perfect fit for crowded pedalboards. The unit measures approximately 10 cm (4 inches) high, 5 cm (2 inches) wide, and 4.5 cm (1.75 inches) deep, weighing in at 0.205 kg (0.45 lbs). Despite its small footprint, it still feels solid and well-built, maintaining the high-quality craftsmanship Darkglass is known for. Tone and Performance The DFZ stands out due to its blendable fuzz circuits, allowing players to fine-tune their distortion character. The gated saw-tooth fuzz delivers a percussive, synth-like attack, while the high-gain circuit provides a thicker, more sustained growl. By mixing between these two voices, bassists can achieve a broad spectrum of fuzz tones, from tight and controlled to chaotic and crushing. This makes the DFZ highly adaptable, whether you need a subtle dirt boost for rock or full-on sonic destruction for metal. Pricing and Accessibility For bassists looking to explore Darkglass’s premium fuzz sounds without spending a fortune, the DFZ offers an excellent balance of affordability and quality. Priced around €149, it remains within reach of players who want boutique tones without the boutique price tag. The compact design further enhances its appeal, ensuring that even those with limited pedalboard space can incorporate its versatile fuzz tones into their setup. Final Thoughts The Darkglass Duality DFZ is a small yet incredibly flexible fuzz pedal that delivers rich, customizable distortion in a streamlined package. Its dual fuzz circuits, internal tone-shaping options, and rugged build make it a solid choice for bassists who want a high-quality fuzz without overwhelming complexity. For those already interested in pedals like the Darkglass Microtubes B1K (which offers a more overdrive-focused sound), the DFZ serves as a complementary option that covers the heavier, fuzzier end of the spectrum. We reviewed all 3 pedals in the Darkglass Spot series. For more information on them, check the links below: Darkglass Microtubes B1K Darkglass NGS: Noise Gate

Compact Powerhouse for Bass Overdrive The Darkglass Microtubes B1K is a compact bass overdrive pedal that delivers the renowned Darkglass distortion in a simplified, pedalboard-friendly format. While Darkglass is well known for its high-end bass preamps and drive pedals, the B1K is part of a line of lesser-known, lesser-talked-about options that still pack a serious punch. Despite its small size, the B1K offers a powerful and articulate overdrive suitable for various playing styles. Design and Controls The B1K features a minimalist design with a single concentric knob on the front, allowing users to adjust both the Level and Drive parameters. This straightforward interface makes it easy to dial in the desired amount of saturation and output volume. Additionally, the pedal includes internal controls for Blend and Tone, enabling further customization of the overdriven sound. The Blend control mixes the clean input signal with the overdriven signal, while the Tone control adjusts the high-frequency content. Two internal switches, Grunt and MBoost, provide a low-end boost and a mid-frequency boost, respectively, allowing players to tailor the pedal’s response to their preferences. Dimensions and Weight Measuring 10 cm (4 inches) in height, 5 cm (2 inches) in width, and 4.5 cm (1.75 inches) in depth, the B1K is designed to fit comfortably on any pedalboard. It weighs approximately 0.205 kg (0.45 lbs), making it both compact and lightweight. Sound Quality Users have praised the B1K for its clear and articulate overdrive, which enhances the bass tone without sacrificing clarity. The pedal’s CMOS-based circuitry contributes to its distinctive sound, offering a “clear” clipping that is both aggressive and defined. This makes the B1K suitable for a range of genres, from rock to metal, where a pronounced bass presence is desired. Value and Accessibility One of the standout features of the B1K is its affordability compared to other Darkglass pedals. Priced at approximately €120, it provides an accessible entry point for bass players seeking the Darkglass sound without a significant financial investment. Its compact size also makes it an excellent choice for players with limited pedalboard space. Considerations While the internal controls offer additional tonal shaping options, some users may find the need to open the pedal for adjustments less convenient, especially during live performances. However, for players who prefer a set-and-forget approach, this design choice contributes to the pedal’s streamlined exterior and ease of use. Conclusion The Darkglass Microtubes B1K is a well-crafted, compact overdrive pedal that delivers the signature Darkglass distortion in an affordable and user-friendly package. Its combination of simplicity and tonal versatility makes it a valuable addition to any bass player’s setup, particularly for those seeking high-quality overdrive without the complexity or cost of larger units. We reviewed all 3 pedals in the Darkglass Spot series. For more information on them, check the links below: Darkglass DFZ Duality Fuzz Darkglass NSG: Noise Gate

Here’s all the information we gathered from NAMM At NAMM, the global hub for musical innovation, Darkglass Electronics unveiled their latest game-changer: the Kaamos Bass Pedal. Designed in collaboration with Amos Heller, the touring bassist for Taylor Swift, this pedal is a powerful fusion of an octave divider and drive, offering bass players unparalleled flexibility and sonic depth. With its thoughtful design and robust features, the Kaamos pedal is more than a piece of gear—it’s a creative tool for both live performances and studio sessions. Let’s dive into the features, the design process, and why this pedal deserves a spot on every bass player’s pedalboard. A Collaboration Rooted in Trust Amos Heller’s partnership with Darkglass Electronics began during the pandemic when he started a YouTube channel to review and showcase bass gear. Darkglass supported him by sending him nearly their entire product catalog. Through these hands-on experiences, Amos gained a deep appreciation for their attention to detail and bass-first philosophy. “Their build quality is fantastic, and they really think about the bass player first,” Amos shared. “When we decided to work together, it was an absolute no-brainer.” The result of this collaboration is the Kaamos, a pedal that seamlessly combines a powerful octave divider with Darkglass’s signature distortion circuits. It offers endless possibilities for shaping tone, making it a versatile addition for any bassist’s setup. Core Features of the Kaamos Pedal 1. Octave Control The right side of the Kaamos pedal is dedicated to its octave capabilities. It features three distinct octave voices that cater to a variety of playing styles and genres: The octave filter adds another layer of control, letting you fine-tune the higher frequencies to suit your preferences. Whether you want a subtle sub-layer or a dominant low-end presence, the Kaamos adapts to your needs. 2. Distortion Control The left side of the pedal focuses on Darkglass’s signature drive. Players can adjust the blend, drive level, and overall tone to dial in the perfect amount of grit or fuzz. The standout feature here is the Drive Mod Knob, which allows for a seamless transition between bright, sparkly distortion and rowdy, fuzz-laden tones. “This knob is huge,” Amos emphasized, explaining how it makes the pedal adaptable to different basses and musical contexts. 3. Series and Parallel Modes One of the most innovative features of the Kaamos is its ability to configure the octave and distortion sections in series or parallel. The mode can be toggled by pressing the Octave Level Knob, with LEDs indicating the selected mode. 4. Flexible Effects Loop The Kaamos features a highly customizable effects loop, giving players the freedom to position it at three different points in the signal chain: The position is selected by pressing the Blend Knob, with LEDs indicating the current configuration. Even better, the loop automatically detects if nothing is plugged in, removing itself from the signal chain to ensure seamless operation. Additional Features Technical Specifications The Kaamos pedal is built for durability and portability, with dimensions and weight that make it ideal for both stage and studio use: Why the Kaamos Stands Out Integrated Design for Maximum Versatility One of the most common challenges for bass players is getting octave and drive pedals to interact seamlessly. With the Kaamos, Darkglass has eliminated this issue by integrating the two effects in a way that’s both intuitive and powerful. “When you buy separate octave and distortion pedals, you’re always guessing how they’ll interact,” Amos explained. “With the Kaamos, they’re already in the same sauce. They’re designed to complement each other perfectly.” Tailored for Bass Players From its bass-focused circuitry to its flexible routing options, the Kaamos is designed with bass players in mind. Whether you’re playing funk, rock, pop, or any other genre, the pedal adapts to your playing style and gear setup. Final Thoughts The Darkglass Kaamos Pedal is more than just a piece of gear—it’s a creative weapon for bass players looking to explore new sonic territories. With its rich octave capabilities, customizable drive, and innovative routing options, it offers endless possibilities for crafting unique tones. Whether you’re in the studio or on stage, the Kaamos delivers reliable performance and unmatched versatility. As Amos Heller puts it, “It’s two great tastes that taste great together.” For bass players seeking a pedal that combines power, flexibility, and ease of use, the Kaamos is an essential addition to the rig.