EarthQuaker Devices Data Corrupter
Best experimental pedal for musicians seeking wild, analog synthesizer textures.
Inject harsh, electronic flair into your sound with this unique effect pedal. It blends three distinct voices—Master Oscillator, Subharmonic, and Square—to generate wild, repeatable synthesizer and square wave fuzz tones. Achieve pitch shifting up to three octaves above or below your input signal. Select between Glide mode for smooth pitch bends or Vibrato mode for retro sci-fi laser effects. Featuring a fully analogue signal path and noise-free relay-based true bypass, this stompbox is built tough in a durable metal housing for reliable performance.
$249.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
402
/ 1234
#402 in Effects Processors
Price vs Category Average
-45%
Below average
Effect Type
Modulated monophonic PLL harmoniser
/ Modulated monophonic PLL harmoniser
Who it's for
- Sound designers seeking aggressive, 8-bit synth textures
- Experimental musicians wanting complex, layered sonic manipulation
- Adventurous players exploring glitchy, polyphonic pitch-shifted soundscapes
Who should skip it
- Studio engineers requiring pristine, low-noise signal paths
- Musicians needing quick, predictable results for live performance
- Traditionalists looking for standard, clean modulation effects
Performance breakdown
Sonic Versatility
Three-voice blending creates everything from sub-octave rumbles to chaotic synth leads.
Tracking Precision
Monophonic PLL design rewards deliberate, single-note playing with glitchy, unpredictable character.
Build Integrity
Rugged metal housing ensures this pedal survives the most aggressive stage performances.
Modulation Depth
Glide and Vibrato modes offer deep, expressive control over pitch-shifted madness.
Signal Purity
Fully analogue signal path maintains warmth even when pushing extreme fuzz tones.
Ease of Integration
Works seamlessly with guitar, bass, or synths for experimental sound design sessions.
Key Specs
Effect Type
Modulated monophonic PLL harmoniser
Signal Path
Analog
Bypass Mode
True bypass
Processing Type
Analog
Power Supply Requirement
9V DC (2.1 mm x 5.5 mm barrel connector, polarity (-) inside)
Power Consumption
25 mA
Dimensions (L x W x H)
117 x 92 x 57 mm
Connectivity
1/4 inch Jack inputs/outputs
Know before you buy
The Data Corrupter is a monophonic pedal, meaning it is designed to track single notes at a time. For the best results and accurate pitch tracking, you should play one note at a time rather than chords.
Yes, the Data Corrupter works well with bass guitar and synthesizers. Because it is a monophonic harmonizer, it excels at adding aggressive, synth-like textures to any single-note signal.
Glide mode creates smooth, portamento-style pitch bends between notes, while Vibrato mode applies a frequency modulation that produces retro, sci-fi laser sound effects.
The pedal requires a standard 9V DC power supply with a 2.1mm x 5.5mm barrel connector and a negative center polarity. It consumes 25 mA of power.
The Data Corrupter features a relay-based true bypass, which ensures your signal remains clean and unaffected when the pedal is switched off. When engaged, the signal path remains fully analog to preserve the integrity of your tone.
The Master Oscillator, Subharmonic, and Square voices are blended together to create a harmonically rich, fuzz-heavy synth tone. You can adjust the intensity of each voice to dial in everything from subtle harmonic thickening to chaotic, corrupted madness.
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