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Special Cranker Video Manual "An Overdrive You Can Trust" | EarthQuaker Devicesplay button

Special Cranker Video Manual "An Overdrive You Can Trust" | EarthQuaker Devices

Special Cranker All Discrete Analog Distortion Enhancement Device Demo "An Overdrive You Can Trust"play button

Special Cranker All Discrete Analog Distortion Enhancement Device Demo "An Overdrive You Can Trust"

EarthQuaker Devices

collapse expand iconDescription

The EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker overdrive effects pedal delivers massive overdrive and distortion in a compact, pedalboard-friendly enclosure. Offering a wide range of saturated tones from light breakup to blistering distortion, the Special Cranker is a secret weapon for guitarists wanting a stompbox that can achieve both vintage grit and modern aggression.

Diode Selector & Tone Shaping

At the core of the Special Cranker's versatility is its dual diode selector and tone knob; able to match your guitar, amp and personal style. When switched to the left, the selector engages the Germanium diodes for a clear and classic overdrive. When it's switched to the right, it engages the silicon diodes for a brighter and more contemporary tone. The tone knob offers a flat response when set to about 3 o'clock, but once swept counterclockwise, it rolls off high-end frequencies. Conversely, when turn clockwise, it boosts the highs.

Gain and Volume Controls Provide a Wide Range of Saturation

Level & More—provide a wide range of overdrive and distortion. The "More" control adjusts the amount of gain and saturation, from a light breakup to a molten distortion. At minimum settings, the Special Cranker provides a hint of grit to push your amp into overdrive. At maximum, the pedal unleashes a fiery distortion that sustains for days. The "Level" knob controls the overall output level of the pedal, ensuring consistent tone at any gain level. Unity gain is between 10–12 o'clock, depending on which diodes are selected.

True-Bypass Switching Keeps Your Tone Intact

When the Special Cranker is disengaged, your guitar's signal passes directly to your amp with no tone coloring or signal degradation. This true bypass design means the pedal only affects your tone when it's engaged, keeping your core sound intact when the pedal is off. Rugged components and solid construction make this pedal a long-lasting addition to your pedalboard that will provide years of rich, saturated overdrive and distortion tones.

EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker Overdrive Effects Pedal Cherry Bomb
EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker Overdrive Effects Pedal Cherry Bomb
EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker Overdrive Effects Pedal Cherry Bomb

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Two distinct clipping modes that are both exceptionally responsive to playing dynamics: Germanium and silicon
  • Germanium mode delivers a softer, more rounded response with tamed highs and lower output
  • Silicon mode delivers a brighter, more modern response with higher output
  • At maximum gain, the Special Cranker can achieve explosive overbiased tones depending on the output of your pickups
  • Flexible Tone control delivers full command over the treble frequencies for excellent tone shaping and clarity
  • All-analog signal path
  • True bypass
  • Silent relay-based switching with Flexi-Switch Technology

collapse expand iconSpecs

  • Current Draw: 15 mA
  • Input Impedance: ≈5 mohm
  • Output Impedance: 25 kohm

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collapse expand iconReviews

4.67

3 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

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  1. Performances3
  2. Home Studio2
  3. Professional Recording2
  4. Amateur Recording1
  5. Outdoor Events / Games1
Cons
  1. Noisy1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced1
  2. Novice1
  3. Professional Musician1
Pros
  1. Excellent Sound Quality2
  2. Responsive2
  3. Compact1
  4. Versatile1
  5. Great tone1

Reviewed by 3 customers

  • Nice Overdrive

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byMatt

    fromTracy, CA

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Bought this overdrive to replace a different one on my effects board. The Special Cranker can range from a clean boost, that just increases your volume, or you can turn up the "More" knob and get yourself some more dirt.

  • Incredible Drive!

    5

    submitted2 years ago

    byStephen

    fromBirmingham, Alabama

    This pedal is seriously very likely my last drive pedal! I have played ts808, ts, various boss pedal- including the newest od-200, wampler, etc., etc… This pedal is IT! Literally like 5 minutes or less of dialing the knobs at 12 and fine tuning and I was ready to go! The level can go from mild boost to a pretty full overdrive. The more gives you super transparent drive while maintaining perfect tone. The selection switch gives you a more traditional analog overdrive that's a little on the thicker end, to a mid and high boost on the opposite side. All-in-all, it is an incredibly versatile pedal that stacks well with everything so far. A must have for a board!

  • It's Good

    4

    submitted3 years ago

    byAlex

    fromAkron, OH

    I bought this when I was trading in some gear at my Guitar Center mainly cause the color caught my eye. I was interested in the Special Cranker but not a fan of the orange. My only complaint is that it does get noisy at higher gain, which is expected from analog distortion.

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