EarthQuaker Devices Life

The EarthQuaker Devices Sunn Life Pedal, first introduced in 2019, is a collaborative effort between EarthQuaker Devices and experimental drone metal band Sunn. Designed to capture the band's massive, crushing tones, the pedal combines distortion, an analog octave-up effect, and a boost in one unit. Inspired by Sunn's signature sound, the Life Pedal has become a favorite for guitarists seeking dynamic, heavy tones with unique sonic textures.

History and Design

• Origins: The Life Pedal was conceived by Sunn members Stephen O'Malley and Greg Anderson as a way to replicate their dense, layered sound in a compact format. Working closely with EarthQuaker Devices founder Jamie Stillman, they developed a pedal that combined elements of the classic Pro Co RAT distortion with additional features like octave-up and boost circuits.

Versions:

• V1 (2019): Released as a limited run and quickly sold out. It featured a large enclosure and top-mounted knobs.
• V2 (2020): A more pedalboard-friendly version with expression pedal control for the octave blend and added Flexi-Switch technology.
• V3 (2023): Refined and made a permanent part of EarthQuaker's lineup, it includes three clipping options (no diodes for raw op-amp distortion, silicon diodes for compressed crunch, and asymmetrical clipping for valve-like warmth) and retains its heavy yet versatile tone.

Popular Settings

• Classic Doom Tone: Distortion at noon, Octave engaged, Boost set to unity. Ideal for thick rhythm tones with added harmonic complexity.
• Lead Fuzz: Distortion maxed out, Octave engaged, Boost slightly above unity. Delivers searing lead tones with glitchy octave fuzz.
• Clean Boost: Octave off, Boost maxed out, Distortion at zero. Pushes amps into natural overdrive or adds clarity to clean tones.

Notable Players

The Life Pedal has been embraced by artists across genres:

• Stephen O'Malley (Sunn): Uses it as a core part of his live rig to achieve his signature wall-of-sound tone.
• Sarah Lipstate (Noveller): Incorporates it into her ambient soundscapes for its unique textures.
• Carlos O'Connell (Fontaines D.C.): Featured on his pedalboard during live performances.

Legacy

The EarthQuaker Devices Sunn Life Pedal has become a modern classic in boutique effects design. While rooted in doom metal aesthetics, its versatility extends beyond heavy genres, making it suitable for shoegaze, experimental rock, and more. With its blend of distortion, octave-up effects, and boost functionality, the Life Pedal continues to inspire guitarists seeking bold and innovative sounds.