This time around, we’re dissecting the huge range of essential effects out there for stage and studio, exploring everything from rugged multi-effects units through to boutique overdrives and vocal plug-ins.
Warm Audio Foxy Tone Box
Key Features: If there’s one thing that undeniably characteristic of guitar music of the late ’60s through into the 1970s, it would have to fuzz tones. Several coveted stomp boxes were made famous by the guitar players that wailed through them during this era and one of these fuzz circuits was of course the Foxx Tone Machine birthed in 1971. To truly recreate genuine, vintage fuzz tones no corners can be cut, no individual component overlooked. Luckily, Warm Audio is a company that takes recreations of old vintage gear very seriously.
The Foxy Tone Box is Warm Audio’s impeccable recreation of the “Foxx” circuit and what a mighty fine job they have done. This gorgeous, retro looking stompbox stays true to the original’s one of a kind layout, with the controls located on the side of the pedal, as opposed to the top face. The simple, elegant layout consists of three knobs controlling volume, sustain, and fuzz (mellow-brite) and a switch for the octave up effect. Input and output jacks are located on the parallel side panel, with the top panel playing host to the footswitch and face plate, which in itself is very stylish. The enclosure is striking with a retro orange velvet finish, sure to stand out on any pedal board on stage or in the studio.
Warm Audio have gone to extreme lengths to stay true to the original circuit, sourcing NOS (New Old Stock) 2N3565 germanium Fairchild transistors used in the original circuit. All other components are of the highest quality, using carbon resistors, germanium 1N34A diodes, high quality film capacitors and gold plated PBC pads. All this combined makes for one rich, thick and rounded sounding fuzz.
The beautiful thing about this particular circuit is wide array of fuzz tones on offer. From gutsy and squishy through to fizzy and splattering; especially when the octave up is engaged for wailing solos or to push chords through the wall of fuzz beneath. It’s also incredibly responsive and dynamic dependent on one’s playing style, the guitar volume knob and pickup configuration.
Mixdown Says: Warm Audio’s Foxy Tone Box is yet another fine example of what a company’s commitment to design, component selection and meticulous attention to detail can yield, a fine recreation of a classic.
For admirers of the fuzz tones of the likes of Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Peter Frampton, Nine Inch Nails and Beck (to name but a few), or those who just love vintage fuzzy goodness with the classic octave up to boot, the Foxy Tone Box does just that, all be it without the vintage price tag.
Overall: A faithful, authentic recreation of the classic “Foxx” fuzz circuit, done in genuine “no corners cut” Warm Audio style. Gorgeous, vintage fuzz tones, reminiscent of the golden era of guitar music.
Get in touch with Studio Connections to find out more about the Foxy Tone Machine today.