Hephaestus

The Hephaestus by Mythos Pedals is a variable voltage fuzz pedal that offers a unique and versatile sonic experience. Based on the Bosstone circuit, this compact mini pedal features a relatively simple circuit combining a NPN and PNP transistor pair to produce classic fuzz tones. The standout feature of the Hephaestus is the WARNING knob, which controls the voltage feeding the circuit, resulting in a range of sonic possibilities.

When the WARNING knob is maxed out, the circuit delivers classic fuzz tones, but as the voltage is reduced, a sub-octave effect is introduced, creating a unique sub-octave synth effect. The appearance and intensity of the sub-octave effect depend on the guitar and amp setup, offering a dynamic and customizable experience for the user. Further reduction of the voltage or WARNING knob results in additional octave effects while reducing the overall gain of the circuit.

Internally, the pedal includes a master volume control to adjust the overall output, and it is noted to be a loud pedal. The master volume is set at 50% from the factory to manage the output level. The technical specifications of the Hephaestus include hand-measured silicon NPN transistors, approximately less than 10 mA current draw, and true bypass switching for signal integrity. The pedal also features an internal output volume pot for further control.

The compact design and unique sonic capabilities make the Hephaestus suitable for guitarists seeking a versatile fuzz pedal with the ability to explore a wide range of fuzz and sub-octave tones.