Killer Rabbit stereo distortion machine
Please read everything below before ordering!
The Killer Rabbit is a stereo distortion machine that I am making for my own stereo pedalboard. I am making it available as a pre-order upon request. ESTIMATED SHIP DATE: September 2026
The price is $499 because I currently plan only to build a small batch (10-15). However, if there are enough pre-orders, the price will drop and I will send out partial refunds. At 25 pre-orders, I will send out a $50 partial refund. If we get to 50 pre-orders by June 30, I will send a second $50 refund to make the final price $399.
The Killer Rabbit contains 4 drive circuits - two overdrive/boost circuits derived from the Dragon overdrive, a distortion circuit from the Alpha Dog, and a fuzz circuit from the latest version of the Fiery Red Horse. Each circuit can be placed on the left or right side of the stereo signal path.
How the circuit is laid out:
- The input stage uses an FET op amp buffer with internal impedance trimpots before sending the signal along its multiple possible pathways.
- The two overdrive/boost circuits are first in the chain, and can be set up in multiple ways: one left & one right, stacked together on either the right or left side, or just one side on while the other remains in bypass.
- The distortion & fuzz are second in the chain and operate in parallel from each other. There is a switch to select which side of the stereo field each effect is placed.
- The DRY knob blends in the dry signal from the FET buffer into the final mix. The MASTER knob sets the final output volume of the mix.
- You can use this pedal with mono or stereo inputs & outputs just by how you plug it in. You can even use TRS cables like on the Klein Bottle to connect stereo gear.
- Each circuit block has a dedicated footswitch to turn them on/off separately.
Overdrive/Boost Controls
GAIN - Sets the gain of the overdrive/boost circuit. The clipping threshold of the mosfet transistors is very high, so low gain settings will remain clean.
LEVEL - Sets the volume of the signal into the distortion/fuzz stage.
HPF - Sets the corner frequency of a 12dB/octave high pass filter. Turn this control fully counterclockwise to flatten out the bass response. This filter is before the gain stage.
LPF - Sets the corner frequency of a 12dB/octave low pass filter. Turn this control fully clockwise to flatten out the treble response. This filter is after the gain stage.
6 dB / 12 dB - Selects the slope the HPF & LPF filter circuits. 6 dB per octave yields a gentler frequency cut, whereas 12 dB per octave yields a sharper cut that is better for taming harsh highs or flabby lows while keeping the rest of the tone intact.
STACK - Stacks the other overdrive circuit after the one you toggle this switch towards. This leaves one half of the stereo field with no overdrive/boost circuit.
BYPASS - Places one overdrive circuit permanently in bypass (so only one side turns on). This feature is still in the experimental stage, as I will be considering other features if this one doesn't prove useful in practice.
Fuzz & Distortion Controls
GAIN - Sets the gain of the fuzz/distortion circuit.
LEVEL - Sets the volume of the fuzz/distortion in the final mix.
L/R - Places the fuzz/distortion in the left or right side of the stereo field.
POWER - Sets the voltage powering the gain stages of the fuzz circuit. Simulate a dying battery at lower settings or add headroom & bass response at higher power levels.
TONE - Clockwise blends more treble frequencies, counterclockwise blends more bass frequencies.
MIDS - Sets the overall tonal balance of the tone circuit, from mid scooped to flat mids to boosted mids.
STAGES - Selects the number of gain stages in the fuzz, from 1 to 3. This can go from crunchy overdrive to extreme-gain with just a flip of the switch.
HARD - Sets the type of clipping and amount of compression in the hard clipping section of the distortion circuit. Clockwise = one pair of silicon diodes (like the original Rat), counterclockwise = two pairs of silicon diodes (more dynamic & better bass response), middle position = diode lift (no distortion added)
SOFT - Sets the type of clipping and amount of compression in the soft clipping section of the distortion circuit. Clockwise = single germanium diode for super-asymmetrical clipping, counterclockwise = single mosfet tranistor for dynamic asymmetrical clipping, middle position = diode lift (no distortion added)
FAT - Sets the bass response of the gain stage.
FILTER - Sets the cutoff frequency of the low-pass filter after the gain stage. Clockwise = higher cutoff frequency & more highs.
SLEW - Changes the slew rate of the LM308 op amp, which affects the feel and frequency response of the gain stage. This feature is still in the experimental stage, as I will be considering other features if this one doesn't prove useful in practice.
Warranty & Return Policy
Try the Klein Bottle risk-free for 30 days. Return it in new condition within the first 30 days for any reason and get a full refund!
All pedals assembled by VFE Pedals have a 1-year warranty on parts & labor.