Electronic Audio Experiments Greathammer

The Electronic Audio Experiments Greathammer is a bass-focused overdrive that brings a distinct flavour of solid-state thunder. A bass drive and preamp built on an homage to a beloved solid-state bass amplifier, it delivers noise-rock thunder with key augmentations for the modern bassist — and with a gain control spanning a 50dB range, it can be restrained or rowdy.

NOISE-ROCK THUNDER, MODERNISED

We took cues from a beloved 1970s Canadian bass amplifier, but we did not shy away from redesigning entire circuit blocks from scratch. Without taking away the classic piano-like attack that defined 90s noise rock, we expanded the tonal range to suit more tasteful playing or filthy, down-tuned mayhem. Critically, our circuit can achieve far deeper low-frequency extension than its progenitors — all without the unnatural, disconnected feel of a traditional clean blend.

The Greathammer is equally effective in front of an amplifier or as a dedicated preamp. And while we designed it with bass as a primary focus, it is quite striking on guitar as well.

CONTROLS

• Level — overall volume, capable of extremely high output
• Gain — from clean to moderate to extreme (approx. 50dB maximum passband gain)
• Bass — post-clipping low-frequency shelf boost, up to +14dB at 100Hz and below
• Attack — pre-gain tone control adjusting frequencies above 1kHz to tailor drive response and pick attack
• Notch (toggle) — 3-position mid cut: center full mid cut, down moderate, up flat mids
• Footswitch — activates the effect with intelligent momentary/latching behaviour

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Bypass: silent electronic switching with a high-headroom op-amp buffer
• Input impedance @ 1kHz: 1MΩ
• Output impedance @ 1kHz: <1kΩ
• Power: 9VDC, 2.1mm center negative, 70mA draw
• Regulated, isolated supply rated for 100mA minimum recommended. Reverse-polarity and over-voltage protected to 20V. No battery.