Teaching Machines - Fuzzbillion

The Fuzzbillion is a distortion device for guitar, bass and synthesizers. The numerical switches provide the ablity to shape the distortion in ways far beyond conventional distortion devices. It has high-impedance guitar Inputs and Outputs switchable to Transformer-Balanced line-level Inputs and Outputs.

Effects ranging from subtle overdrive to screaming distortion can be achieved simply by changing the numbers.

The unit is completely analogue and uses multiple types of diodes and amplification devices from Germanium to Silicon and light-emitting diodes.

Changing the numbers changes the circuit itself, introducing different variations, some extreme, some subtle. The signal flow is from left to right so changes you make on the earlier numbers will affect what happens further down the signal path.

Total recall is possible, simply – write down the number (or photograph it) and you can return to your exact sound whenever you like. 

Features:

A wonderful box of analog distortion magic

Eleven rotary switches for full circuit reconfiguration — up to [a theoretical] 10 billion tonal combinations..!

Switchable between guitar/instrument and transformer-balanced line-level input signals (1/4" TS — MONO)

All-analog design using germanium, silicon, LEDs, and op-amp stages

Left-to-right signal path which makes for intuitive tone sculpting

Covers everything from clean boost and warm overdrive to octave fuzz and PLL-style chaos (Phase-Locked Loop)

Recallable settings by simple numerical notation (write it down or snap a photo)

Discrete surface-mount build for reliability and character

Advanced tone-shaping filter that shifts response, not just cuts highs

Designed in collaboration with Life Is Unfair Audio Devices

Handmade in the UK by Teaching Machines

Controls:

Wheel 1: Boost and input gain

Wheel 2: Primary drive level

Wheel 3: Positive waveform clipping type

Wheel 4: Negative waveform clipping type

Wheel 5: Tilt EQ tone control

Wheel 6: Octave fuzz drive

Wheel 7: Octave fuzz blend (mix)

Wheel 8: Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) oscillator tracking

Wheel 9: Bias adjustment for op amp stages

Wheel 10: Output clipping stage

Wheel 11: High-cut tone filter

Volume knob: Master output level

Footswitch: Effect bypass (with numerical recall capability)