The Dirt Transmitter is one of the oldest circuits in the EarthQuaker line. The design is Fuzz Face inspired, and the idea started when Jamie Stillman came across some very unique silicon transistors. These transistors are lower gain and have a warmth similar to germanium transistors when overdriven. But they also have the top-end grind typical of silicon-based fuzz pedals, which adds to the mids and helps cut through. The combination of these rare transistors and the starved voltage creates a wide variety of textures at the turn of a knob.
In early 2023, Jamie Stillman was invited by legendary guitarist and producer Dave Catching to participate in a recording session at Rancho de la Luna for an album celebrating 30 years of Rancho. Dave, a total sweetheart, has been a massive supporter of EQD both in the studio and while touring, but this was not something Jamie ever expected. A founding member of earthlings? and touring member of numerous bands, including Eagles of Death Metal and Queens of the Stone Age, Dave Catching owns and operates Rancho de la Luna in Joshua Tree, California. Needless to say, Jamie jumped at the chance to go and ended up using the Dirt Transmitter on a lot of the recordings. Jamie was honored to join the cast of world-class musicians and thrilled when they were way into the tones he was getting with this pedal.
Rancho de la Luna, founded in 1993, has hosted some of the world’s most amazing bands and is known for its raw desert vibe. During these sessions, Jamie ended up using the Dirt Transmitter on a lot of the recordings. Jamie was honored to join the cast of world-class musicians and thrilled when they were way into the tones he was getting with this pedal.
After the session, there was talk about doing a pedal release in conjunction with the album, and the Dirt Transmitter was the perfect fit; seeing as it was used so much during the session. Dave was down and the plan was solidified. He suggested we use his friend, Mike Egan, to create some super special Rancho-themed art to celebrate the occasion. It just so happens that Mike is from Ohio and lives just a short drive from EQD headquarters. It all just seemed to fit together perfectly.
We couldn’t be more excited to have worked on this project with Dave. He is such an amazing human, and we’re beyond stoked to bring this to the world.
