Quick Start
Introduction
Gnash Distortion is a high-quality dual-channel analog distortion pedal that combines The Klowra team’s meticulously developed innovative circuitry with precision manufacturing using fully analog, through-hole components. It is designed to deliver a modern distortion pedal that balances classic tones with creative exploration. From tight, modern rhythmic walls to thick, vintage-style fuzz repeats, and from bright, transparent lead tones to heavily compressed crushing textures, Gnash covers a wide spectrum of sonic possibilities.
Gnash features a series/parallel switchable dual-channel design, delivering tight, high-resolution, and highly dynamic punch, solid and rich harmonic stacking, or even extreme high-gain distortion for uncontrolled, screaming tones.
The Wavefolder module lets Gnash navigate the boundary between distortion and fuzz, fully exploring dynamic inversion and harmonic imbalance possibilities. The carefully designed Mid-Cut module allows the sound to effortlessly shift from thick, blocky tones to aggressive, cutting timbres.
With True Bypass and external dual footswitch support, Gnash uses WildSeed’s real-time analog/digital control to switch instantly between tones, offering versatile performance and ample creative space.
Knobs and Switches
Main Channel (Controls the core tone)
These controls shape the core tone of the pedal.
-
DIST
Adjusts the Main Channel distortion.
-
TREBLE
Adjusts high-frequency content.
-
MASTER
Adjusts output level.
The LED Button
Lit when active, press to toggle the Secondary Channel on/off. Press & hold to save Snap-Mod.
-
White: Snap-Mod function active;
-
Violet: Snap-Mod is actively being triggered.
Secondary Channel (Active only when Secondary LED is lit)
The following knobs function only when the Secondary Channel is active.
-
GAIN
Adjusts the Secondary Channel gain.
-
TONE
Adjusts the Secondary Channel brightness.
-
SECONDARY LED
A dedicated visual indicator located on the left, showing whether the Secondary Channel gain stage is currently engaged.
Footswitch
Control ON/OFF; Press & hold to trigger Snap-Mod.
Refer to the *Snap-Mod* section for details.
MOD Selection
The Gnash features three slide switches for core tone shaping. Each switch selects between two distinct modes:
Distortion Texture (Right Switch)
-
- Wavefolder: Folds peaks back into the waveform, adding upper harmonics and controlled grit—ranging from a subtle edge to synth-like drive.
-
- Hard Clip: Classic hard-clipping distortion with a tight, aggressive crunch and quick attack.
EQ Voicing (Middle Switch)
-
- Mid Cut: Scoops the mids to emphasize lows and highs for extra clarity and space.
-
- '90s Black-Box EQ: Recreates the classic '90s "black-box" character using a matching voicing curve.
Signal Routing Note (Left Switch)
Signal Routing is effective only when the Secondary Channel is engaged.
-
- STACK: The Secondary Channel feeds the Main Channel in series, serving as a front-end boost.
-
- PARALLEL: The Secondary Channel runs in parallel with the Main Channel, preserving clarity and attack while adding body and thickness.
Snap-Mod
Snap-Mod lets you save a MOD selection as a snapshot and switch to it instantly for tonal changes.
When Snap-Mod is off, the sound returns to the current MOD selection.
-
Save Snap-Mod: Press & hold the LED Button
Successfully save is indicated by the LED blinking violet.
-
How to Activate/Exit: Press & hold the footswitch
When the LED turns violet, you've entered Snap-Mod.
Secondary Channel
This independent drive circuit works in conjunction with the Main Channel to expand your tonal palette. It features dedicated GAIN and TONE controls, allowing you to sculpt a distinct texture that can be added to your core sound.
The character of the Secondary Channel is defined by the Signal Routing switch:
-
STACK (↑): Runs the Secondary Channel into the Main Channel. This acts as a gain boost, pushing the distortion into higher saturation—perfect for searing leads and infinite sustain.
-
PARALLEL (↓): Runs the Secondary Channel alongside the Main Channel. This layers the two sounds together, adding grit and body while maintaining the attack and definition of your core tone—ideal for complex chords and heavy rhythms.
How to Activate
The Secondary LED (left) lights up when engaged, You can engage the Secondary Channel via:
-
Press the LED Button.
-
Use an external footswitch via the CTRL jack.
Refer to the *External Control* section for details.
REAR PANEL I/O
9V DC
Connect a 9V DC power supply with a center-negative polarity and a minimum current rating of 90mA.
Note: Insufficient power may cause the pedal to malfunction.
IN (Mono)
1/4" TS mono input for your instrument.
OUT (Mono)
1/4" TS output carrying the effected signal.
CTRL
1/4" stereo (TRS) input for connecting an external footswitch.
Note: Expression pedals are NOT supported. Please refer to the *External Control* section for information on how the connected device is detected.
Power-Up Modes
How to enter Power-Up Modes
Press and hold the footswitch while powering on the pedal. The LED button and Secondary LED will light up solid to indicate successful entry.
Once your settings are configured, short-press the footswitch again to exit Power-Up Modes.
In this mode, you can adjust the following settings:
Footswitch Trigger Modes
This setting configures the trigger logic for the Secondary Channel (via External Footswitch) and the Snap-Mod function.
Switch between modes by short-pressing the LED Button.
-
Momentary:
The function is active only while the footswitch is held down. It deactivates immediately when the footswitch is released.
LED red flashes to indicate Momentary mode.
-
Latched:
Trigger the function once to lock it on. Trigger it again to release.
LED green flashes to indicate Latched mode.
LED Brightness
Adjusts the brightness for both the LED Button and the SECONDARY LED.
Press and Hold the LED Button to start the adjustment cycle. The brightness will ramp up from the current level to the maximum, and then ramp down to the minimum.
-
To Increase Brightness
The light will gradually brighten. Release the button immediately when the desired intensity is reached.
-
To Decrease Brightness
Continue holding the button past the maximum brightness level. The light will begin to dim. Release the button when the desired lower intensity is reached.
Connection & Activation
When connecting an external TS/TRS footswitch, the LED indicator will flash red. Repeatedly tap the external footswitch during this state. Once the connection is successfully recognized, the Gnash will return to normal operation.
Functionality
This setting defines how the pedal responds to Single or Dual footswitch connections.
-
Single Footswitch: Toggles the Secondary Channel on/off.
-
Dual Footswitch:
-
Tip (A): Toggles the Secondary Channel on/off.
-
Ring (B): Toggles Snap-Mod on/off.
-
Note: If the External Control is not fully activated, it may result in limited functionality. Please also note that expression pedals are NOT supported; connecting one may cause the device to malfunction or limit its functionality.
Inputs | 1 x 1/4"TS Instrument |
Input Impedance | 1M Ohm |
Power Source | 9V DC power supply required |
External Control | TS/TRS Momentary footswitch |
Weight | 315.6 g / 0.696 lb |
Outputs | 1 x 1/4"TS Instrument |
Output Impedance | 1000 Ohm |
Current Draw | 90mA |
Bypass Mode | True Bypass |
Dimensions | 54.7mm H x 124.8mm Dx 69.2mm W(2.0"H x4.9"D x 2.7"W) |