MI Audio Crunch Box Distortion V3
Simple and straight forward,
just gain, tone and volume. The Crunch Box has some similarities to the
Tube Zone, in the sense that the design is based on a multiple clipping
architecture (the signal is clipped 3 times). However, there are
significant differences which make these two pedals sound quite
different from each other. The Tube Zone is designed to have a very
'broad' sonic footprint. The Crunch Box on the other hand has a strong
mid-presence to it, similar to the great British amps. Also, the Crunch
Box has a relationship with the Blues Pro, since the tone shaping is
similar to the Blues Pro.
The results is really quite spectacular. In the lower gain range, the
tone is very punchy and throaty. There are some great classic rock
rhythm sounds to be found in there. As the gain is wound up, the Crunch
Box develops a beautiful singing lead tone. The tone is shaped in a way
which makes the pedal very touch sensitive, and variations in picking
technique produce a very big difference on tone. Pinch harmonics are a
breeze. I have put in there more gain than anyone should need, but due
to the way I handled the pre-overdrive tone shaping, the pedal always
stays tight and each pickup retains its character, including single
coils.
Come and get 'em!
Version 2
I have talked to quite a few Crunch Box owners, and I've pooled together
their comments to improve the already amazing design. I have improved
the Crunch Box in the following way:
*
Wider Tone control sweep with more top end - The new Crunch Box has more
top end. The new Crunch Box with the tone set to 1 O'clock is about the
same as the original with the tone control dimmed.
*
Updated Volume Control Sweep - The Crunch Box has a lot of volume up its
sleeve. In fact, many users found it difficult to dial in, because the
volume control was so sensitive. So in order to help with this, I've
changed the taper of the volume control. Now 12 O'clock is close to
'neutral'
*
New internal Presence Control - Like the Tube Zone, I've included a
presence control to help control the 'shape' of the pedal. By winding up
the presence control, the lows won't feel as powerful (which some
people found to be a bit too much). Also, this creates the effect of
giving the pedal even more top end. So with the new Crunch Box, there is
no chance that the pedal will be too dark.
* High Gain British Distortion at its best!
* 3 external and one internal control
o Gain - from the lightest breakup to insane high gain scream
o Tone - custom taper control which adjusts the high end cut of the
pedal.
o Volume - updated taper for a more gradual and controlled volume sweep.
o new - internal presence control for adjusting the 'shape' of the
Crunch Box's sonic footprint.
* Professionally powder-coated and silk-screened enclosure, measuring
only 4.3" * 2.2"

