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I was just browsing around FuzzHugger.com and came across something I never noticed before..the fact that the chalice and the Algal Bloom both have the same knob configuration. I assume there must be some circuitry differences, or it would be redundant..so...can someone explain?

I've asked this many times myself, and peeps have always been like "Well, this and this and this!", so now I'll pass along what I know!

The Chalice was designed to be a stand-alone AB-Synth 5k fuzz without the oscillation. I'm assuming it's a bit, hmmm... well, I have an AB-Synth 5k, and the non-oscillatoricamaticacorial side of the pedal is a pretty thick, synthy-in-its-own-rite fuzz. Really nice sustain, liquidy, more of a FUZZ, but with very surprising note-definition whilst playing chords. Like really surprising. Then when you cut down on the voltage via the Starve/Texture knob, it becomes more of a "distortion" pedal, actually somewhat similar to the ProCo Rat that I use (THAT I LOVE).

The Algal Bloom, as it would seems to me since I haven't played one (but have one being built for me RIGHT NOW) but have watched 1,013 demos, is almost like a friggin' Swiss Army Fuzz. That is not to say that it doesn't have like ONE super-awesome sound, because as, again, what I've seen/read, everyone that owns one ends up saying "I found the EXACT perfect fuzz that I wanted and have been looking for forever". I'd imagine that the Chalice is more like... savage or something, uh, a dreamy ferocity, but just based on my AB-Synth. Like it's a little more of a beast, whereas the A.B. is a super-friend. Whatever that means.

I think for a main fuzz, the A.B. will be right up my ass, as I'd like something pretty thick and fuzzy, yet still has that overdrive "sheen" to it that allows you to play full chords if you'd like.

Dude, a Fuzzhugger better be your first fuzz!

C

Here's a bit more from the Arc Flash: Rat Killer thread:

Tom Dalton wrote:The Arc Flash is very different from the AB-Synth.

I once said that the AB-Synth started with one-half of the Algal Bloom (and that I doubled it, then modded it from there)...it's caused lots of confusion!

magiclawnchair wrote:the chalice is the 5 knob absynth with out the oscillation.

the absynth is the next step from the old 1134 fuzz.

the arc flash is its own beast in the land of fuzzhugger! a very massive and lovely beast!!!

^^^This guy knows what's goin on!

magiclawnchair wrote:the absynth is the next step from the old 1134 fuzz.

To dive in more... They both share the same on-board parts, but there are some off-board/control differences that affect signal.

^^You beat me to it!

StudioShutIn wrote:I was just browsing around FuzzHugger.com and came across something I never noticed before..the fact that the chalice and the Algal Bloom both have the same knob configuration. I assume there must be some circuitry differences, or it would be redundant..so...can someone explain?

The Chalice is as-close-as-possible to a non-oscillating AB-Synth 5k. It has Gain, Fuzz, Voltage, and Level...very much like the AB-Synth, but just slightly higher-fi, without the sizzle/sear overtone.

The Algal Bloom has a different circuit, and the controls react to that differently.

Compared to the Chalice...
The Algal Bloom cleans up more gracefully, with some pretty drives...the Chalice gets a bit ragged and nasty, with some slight gating, when Gain is reduced.
The Algal Bloom has more note separation/definition...the Chalice is still relatively open sounding, but much more of a layered fuzz.
The Algal Blooms has kinda scrambly, extreme note separation with everything cranked...the Chalice gets compressed, nasty and splattery.
The Algal Bloom isn't as high gain as the Chalice...the Chalice is higher gain layered fuzz.

The Algal Bloom is like a refreshed/unique take on some classic tones, garagey, pretty fuzz and overdrive tones. Some have called it a middle ground between (or alternative to) a Fuzz Face and Big Muff...circuit-wise, it isn't like either.
The Chalice is higher gain, layered silicon fuzz, from nasty to huge!

One really experienced fuzz collector said that the Chalice sounds like "several different amps up high, mic'd, and mixed together," and also that it was capable of getting very SCARY!

ah thanks for the info...hmmm I may have to go into this further...
One question though, if I'm looking for those kinda small, pinched-off 'nasally' sounding fuzz tones (i.e. the lead tone from "reeling in the years" and other psychedelic 60's fare) which would be the fuzz I should look into further? I'm also curious about those 'barely fuzzed' kind of tones that are mostly clean, but have kinda frazzley artifacts on the decay and stuff...do either of these pedals do this at low gain and/or fuzz settings? (thinking sort of like the YOTR)

Had to come back to add this in..I just watched Tom's demos on YouTube of both of them and I think I can hear the difference now..the AB, to me atleast, sounds a little more thick, with fuzzy lows and low-mids...kind of Muff-y, whereas the Chalice is a little brighter, but not harsh...just has a little more sizzle and clarity.
Of course..maybe my ears are broken...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQxxZelheQI[/youtube]



the wolf computer and the snow drift are only two pedals that i have gotten that yotr sorta loveliness from...

you can get some nice light fuzzy gainy od from the algal bloom...