Every guitarist ends up with a green overdrive on the pedalboard at some point. The EarthQuaker Devices Plumes is one of the most approachable takes on that idea. It is small, inexpensive by boutique standards, built by hand in Akron, Ohio, and it does three different jobs with the flick of one toggle.
Here is what the Plumes is, how it works, how to set it up and where to buy one.
Unknowndivide may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this post.
What it is
EarthQuaker Devices builds guitar effects by hand in Akron. The company describes the Plumes Small Signal Shredder as an all-analog take on a classic tube-like overdrive circuit, with three clipping voices, lots of headroom and an almost three-dimensional clarity meant to push an amplifier over the edge. In plain terms, it is a refined version of the mid-heavy overdrive sound guitarists have chased for decades, rebuilt to be quieter, clearer and more flexible.
The controls are simple. Level sets the output volume, Gain sets the amount of drive, and Tone runs from more bass on the left through more midrange in the middle to more treble on the right. A three-way toggle picks the clipping mode, which is where the pedal earns its reputation.
The three modes
- Mode 1: symmetrical clipping. A pair of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) does the clipping. This is the crunchiest setting, with more compression. EarthQuaker says that through a clean amp it gets close to the classic sound of a British valve amp, and through an amp that is already dirty it turns things filthy.
- Mode 2: no clipping. The diodes drop out entirely, leaving a wide-open clean boost. Use it to push your clean tone forward for a solo or to drive the front end of an overdriven amp into natural breakup.
- Mode 3: asymmetrical clipping. Silicon diodes in an arrangement similar to the stock version of that classic circuit, but with more output and clarity. EarthQuaker describes it as the transparent setting, warmer in the low end and easier on your amp and ears.
What is different inside
The design notes are unusually candid. EarthQuaker admits this circuit "has been done to death" and explains what it changed. The traditional 4558 chip and bipolar junction transistor buffers are gone, replaced by operational amplifiers built on junction field-effect transistors, which raise the input impedance to nearly 10 megaohms. The company says that lowers noise, improves signal integrity and adds chime to the high end.
It also takes the standard 9-volt supply and converts it internally to plus and minus 9 volts, giving the circuit more headroom. EarthQuaker says the result is a more three-dimensional tone with added clarity, the kind that lets a lead cut over a drummer's cymbals. The reworked Tone control is useful across its whole range rather than only in a narrow sweet spot.
Specs and switching
- Size: 4.75 by 2.5 by 2.25 inches with knobs, small enough for a crowded board.
- Power: standard 9-volt direct current supply with a 2.1 millimeter center-negative barrel, drawing 25 milliamps. EarthQuaker warns against running it at higher voltages and recommends an isolated, pedal-specific supply to avoid noise.
- Impedance: 10 megaohms in, 100 ohms out.
- Switching: Flexi-Switch, a relay-based true bypass system. Tap once to latch the effect on, or hold the switch down for a momentary boost that ends when you let go. Because it is relay based, the pedal needs power to pass signal.
- Warranty: a limited lifetime warranty.
The artwork, a field of swirling yellow circles on green, is by Jamie Stillman.
How to set it up
Start in Mode 3 with Gain around nine o'clock, Tone at noon and Level set so the pedal is a little louder than bypass. That gives you a warm, amp-friendly push that suits blues and classic rock. For rhythm crunch, switch to Mode 1 and bring the gain up. For solos, try Mode 2 with Gain low and Level high and use the momentary switching to kick it in only when you need it.
It is not just for guitar. EarthQuaker's own audio samples include bass and a synthesizer run through the pedal, which makes it a handy way to add grit to a soft synth line in a home studio. If you record at home, pair it with an interface from our audio interface guide and a set from our studio headphones guide. For a much stranger pedal, see the Meris Ottobit X, and for the rest of a starter rig, our home studio starter gear guide.
Where to buy
EarthQuaker sells the Plumes directly from its own store. You can also find the EarthQuaker Devices Plumes in its standard green, and the Plumes in yellow and green colorway. Check current pricing at each, and budget for an isolated 9-volt pedal supply, which EarthQuaker recommends for the quietest results.
More in our home studio hub.
