Review of the Digitech Distortion Factory

13 Oct 2008

Features of the Digitech Distortion Factory

Construction - Solid metal construction makes this unit reassuringly heavy for its size. The tweedy, silver-grey effect finish makes it look like the Devil's picnic hamper. 

Ins and Outs - One in and two outs (to amp and to mixer).

Power - One nine volt battery (supplied) or a Harman psu (not supplied).

Controls - Three dual concentric knobs that control six functions; The top part of the knobs control Level, Mid-Freq and Gain. The lower skirt of the knobs control Low, Mid and High. The fourth knob selects one of the seven distortion models available. The whole lower half of the unit is one big, fat on/off pedal.

Sound of the Digitech Distortion Factory

On each model I set the EQ to the manual's suggested values to achieve the most authentic reproduction of the distortion pedal in question. There is plenty of sweep in the four EQ knobs to tailor (or butcher) each model to suit your particular style. For this test everything went through a clean amp channel.

Model 1 is based on the Ibanez TS9 - Excellent classic rock tube-style overdrive, powerful without being oppressive. You could power-chord the night away without changing this sound at all;

Model 2 - DOD Overdrive Preamp 250 - A brasher, less complex distortion that's perfect for a heavy rock lead sound that smacks of the seventies;

Model 3 - Boss DS1 Distortion - Loads of presence and attack here. The manual claims that this distortion keeps more of the nuance of your playing style intact and I would certainly agree. And because more of the finger-on-string subtleties shine through this model great fun to use;

Model 4 - Pro Co Rat - Aggressive Recto-style distortion which gave the single humbucker on the Warlock a terrific sonic edge;

Model 5 - Boss MT2 Metal Zone - Out and out heavy metal with bags of sustain. Delivers that great chunky percussive rhythm on damped low strings. Particularly impressive when used with a dropped tuning;

Model 6 - Digitech Metal Master - Stripped out lead guitar sound that cuts through like a hacksaw. The sustain lets you pick up controllable feedback at will. Very nice;

Model 7 - Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi - Fat and creamy distortion that rewards good finger control on the fretboard with a big complex sound.   

Overall Impressions of the Digitech Distortion Factory

There a growing number of effects compilations on the market. This is a fine addition to the mix. There are few guitarists who would turn down an original DOD 250 or Big Muff, so right there is your value for money. In fact the model of Digitech's own Metal Master, which costs about the same as the Distortion Factory in real life, makes this pedal practically free.
All the models produce very usable sounds that cover all of the distortion bases in one tough little gig-worthy box. My only slight gripe is that you have to bend down to change the model selection which might be a bind in a cramped pub gig. 

Reviewed by The Man in the Jar