Some pedal circuits blend history and mystery, much like the inspiration behind the EHX Percolator. Designed in a Milwaukee audio repair shop in the 1970s, the rare, road-worn original version became a cult classic. The EHX Percolator draws from that original model while incorporating modern controls into a pedal with an already unbridled sound.
The pedal's sonic palette ranges from gritty saturation to the most devastating fuzz. These tones are achieved through asymmetric clipping that accentuates even-order harmonics, creating an interactive sound experience that responds musically to your playing, with the potential for explosive tones.
The EHX Percolator features a simple yet effective control system consisting of three knobs and a unique switch, offering near-infinite sonic possibilities, from the mellowest to the most ferocious. The HARMONICS knob controls the pedal's input gain, from saturation to the most extreme distortion. The BIAS control adjusts the bias of the gain circuit, allowing for tones ranging from smooth saturation to pseudo-octave fuzz, as well as Velcro-like fuzz effects. The BALANCE control adjusts the overall output level of the effect. The DRIVE/FUZZ switch engages the clipping diodes in the FUZZ position for powerful fuzz tones. In DRIVE mode, with the diodes disengaged, the EHX Percolator behaves more like a transistor-based overdrive pedal, offering a raw and organic character that is both mellow and biting. An internal trim pot allows you to adjust the gain to accentuate sub-octaves and achieve massive distortion with extra rumble.
The EHX Percolator is equipped with True Bypass and a latching/momentary footswitch. A simple press on the pedal engages the latching function. A long press triggers a momentary switch between bypass states for a brief burst of saturation, with an instant return to bypass when you release the pedal, and vice versa. A modern reinterpretation of a true legend in the history of effects pedals
Asymmetric clipping that amplifies even-order harmonics
Sounds ranging from a dynamic, fluid drive to devastating fuzz
HARMONICS controls input gain
BALANCE adjusts the pedal's overall output level
BIAS adjusts the gain circuit bias to achieve octave effects and gated sounds
DRIVE/FUZZ control toggles clipping diodes on/off
Internal trim pot to amplify sub-octaves and add gain
Latching/momentary footswitch
True Bypass mechanical relay
9V battery included, optional power adapter
Circuit
Analog
Audio
Mono
Power
9V battery included (optional 9.6V DC - 200 mA power adapter, not included)
Dimensions (inches)
4.5 x 2.75 x 2.1
Current Draw
10 mA
Year of Release
2026