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Best Distortion Pedals For Metal (2024 Updated)

If you're looking for a way to elevate your metal guitar playing, distortion pedals are a must-have. These effect pedals modify the sound of your guitar signal, adding distortion and saturation to create the intense and heavy sound that metal music is known for. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which distortion pedal is right for your playing style?

Before buying any distortion pedal, consider your playing style and preferences. Do you prefer a more overdriven, classic metal sound or a more modern, aggressive tone? How much control do you want over the amount of distortion and tone shaping? Think about your budget and what features are necessary for your playing to make an informed decision.

Are you tired of your metal guitar sound falling flat or lacking in aggression? Are you looking for a way to create a heavier and more intense sound? If so, distortion pedals for metal could be the solution you need. But with so many options available it can be overwhelming to choose which one is right for you. What features should you look for? How much distortion is the right amount? Read on to find out everything you need to know about distortion pedals for metal.

10 Best Distortion Pedals For Metal

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
It is an AC adapter designed for powering a specific type of guitar effect pedal.
2
The product is ideal for adding a heavy metal distortion effect to electric guitar music.
3
Ideal for adding distortion to electric guitar sound with true bypass for clear signal path.
4
The product is ideal for adding distortion effects to an electric guitar's sound.
5
Ideal for powering a heavy metal distortion effects pedal with an AC/DC power adapter or replacement power supply.
6
The product is ideal for producing heavy distortion sounds for electric guitars in various music genres.
7
Ideal for creating heavy metal distortion and overdrive effects in electric guitar playing.
8
The product is ideal for adding distortion to guitar or bass sounds, providing a heavy metal or rock-style tone.
9
Ideal for musicians looking for a high-gain distortion effect to add depth and intensity to their electric guitar sound.
10
The product is ideal for producing heavy metal distortion effects on electric guitars.
It is an AC adapter designed for powering a specific type of guitar effect pedal.
The product is ideal for adding a heavy metal distortion effect to electric guitar music.
Ideal for adding distortion to electric guitar sound with true bypass for clear signal path.
The product is ideal for adding distortion effects to an electric guitar's sound.
Ideal for powering a heavy metal distortion effects pedal with an AC/DC power adapter or replacement power supply.
The product is ideal for producing heavy distortion sounds for electric guitars in various music genres.
Ideal for creating heavy metal distortion and overdrive effects in electric guitar playing.
The product is ideal for adding distortion to guitar or bass sounds, providing a heavy metal or rock-style tone.
Ideal for musicians looking for a high-gain distortion effect to add depth and intensity to their electric guitar sound.
The product is ideal for producing heavy metal distortion effects on electric guitars.

1. Pwron Ac Adapter Fo Dod Fx86b Death Metal Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal Power Supply Cord Charger

This product is designed to work with a wide range of input voltages, from 100 to 240 volts AC and 50/60Hz. It is thoroughly tested by the manufacturer to ensure its quality and performance. It also comes with over-voltage and over-heat protection features to provide maximum safety and protection for your devices. Before purchasing, please check if your device model matches the product listing.

In case of any issues, the product comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, a 60-day free exchange with a paid return label, and a 360-day worry-free warranty. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the customer support team for assistance.

Pros

  • Wide input voltage range of 100-240VAC 50/60Hz
  • Thoroughly tested for quality and performance
  • Over-voltage and over-heat protection for device safety
  • Multiple warranty options for customer satisfaction
  • Responsive customer support team

2. Boss Mt-2w Waza Metal Zone Distortion Pedal

The Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal is an excellent choice for any musician looking to enhance their sound. With two modes, this pedal allows for a wide range of distortion options, making it perfect for any style of music. The premium buffer ensures that your signal remains clear and strong, even when using multiple pedals in your chain. The 3-band EQ allows for precise control over your tone, ensuring that you can dial in the perfect sound for any situation.

Crafted from high-quality materials, this pedal is built to last, making it an excellent investment for any musician. Whether you're playing live or recording in the studio, the Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal is sure to take your sound to the next level.

Pros

  • Two modes for a wide range of distortion options
  • Premium buffer ensures a clear and strong signal
  • 3-band EQ allows for precise control over your tone
  • Crafted from high-quality materials, built to last

3. Distortion-Mt1 Full Metal Shell Distortion Electric Guitar Effect Pedal True Bypass

The metal enthusiasts will surely love the excellent dynamic feedback of this product, making it perfect for playing various metal style songs, particularly rhythm guitars. The true bypass design ensures minimal tone loss, making it a sought-after choice for professionals and beginners alike. It produces a low frequency thick and distortion sound, providing you with an outstanding user experience. The full metal shell makes it resistant to rust, sturdy, and durable to use. This product also boasts high gain distortion while consuming low power.

Pros

  • Excellent dynamic feedback for playing a variety of metal style songs
  • True bypass design minimizes tone loss
  • Low frequency thick and distortion sound provides good user experience
  • Full metal shell is rust-resistant, sturdy, and durable
  • High gain distortion while consuming low power

4. Boss Ds-1w Waza Craft Distortion Pedal

The Disttion Pedal with Stard Mode is an exceptional addition to any guitarist's toolkit. This pedal offers two distinct modes: Standard and Custom. The Standard mode provides a classic distortion tone that is perfect for a wide variety of musical genres. On the other hand, the Custom mode offers a more personalized experience, allowing users to fine-tune their sound to their preferences.

One of the standout features of this pedal is the Tone/Dist/Level controls. These three knobs allow users to adjust the tone, distortion, and volume of their sound. This level of control is essential for achieving the perfect sound for any performance or recording.

The pedal itself is compact and durable, making it perfect for gigging musicians or anyone who wants to take their sound on the road with them. The pedal also features a sturdy footswitch that is both responsive and reliable.

Overall, the Disttion Pedal with Stard Mode is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and high-quality distortion pedal. With its two distinct modes and precise controls, this pedal is sure to deliver the perfect sound for any musical style or performance.

Pros

  • Two distinct modes: Standard and Custom
  • Tone/Dist/Level controls for precise adjustments
  • Compact and durable design, perfect for gigging musicians
  • Sturdy footswitch for reliable performance

5. Behringer Hm300 Power Supply Replacement

The AC/DC Power Adapter/Power Supply is an excellent option for powering up various devices. This adapter is sold and shipped by DCPOWER and is compatible with a wide range of devices. It has an auto-switching feature, which enables it to be used worldwide without any issues. The adapter has an input range of 100-240V AC and 50-60hz, making it suitable for use in different countries. The device's output is a stable DC 9V, which can provide the necessary power to run the connected device.

The adapter is a reliable and cost-effective way of powering up various devices. It is lightweight and can be carried easily while traveling. The auto-switching feature makes it a versatile product that can be used in different countries without any issues. It has a stable output, which ensures that the device runs smoothly without any hiccups. The adapter is easy to use and is compatible with a wide range of devices, making it a must-have for anyone who uses electronic devices.

Overall, the AC/DC Power Adapter/Power Supply is an excellent product that offers a reliable and cost-effective way of powering up devices. It is versatile, easy to use, and compatible with various devices, making it a must-have for anyone who uses electronic devices regularly.

Pros

  • Auto-switching feature for worldwide use
  • Input range of 100-240V AC and 50-60hz
  • Stable output of DC 9V
  • Compatible with a wide range of devices
  • Reliable and cost-effective

6. Amptweaker Tight Metal Pro Ii Distortion Guitar Effect Pedal

The Tight Metal Pro II is a game changer in the world of rock/metal tone. It boasts an unparalleled level of sonic brutality that is sure to redefine your sound. Whether you're playing live or in the studio, this pedal is the perfect addition to your setup.

What sets the Tight Metal Pro II apart from its competitors is the inclusion of Depth Finder and DeFizzerator. These built-in features allow for a greater level of control over your sound, ensuring that you can achieve the exact tone you're looking for with ease.

Designed with the needs of rock/metal musicians in mind, the Tight Metal Pro II is a must-have for anyone looking to take their sound to the next level. With its powerful and versatile capabilities, this pedal is sure to become a staple in your rig.

Pros

  • Unparalleled level of sonic brutality
  • Built-in Depth Finder and DeFizzerator for greater control over your sound
  • Perfect for live and studio use
  • Designed with the needs of rock/metal musicians in mind

7. Boss Ml-2 Metal Core Distortion Pedal

The Disttion Guitar Pedal is the perfect addition to any musician's arsenal. It boasts a durable metal construction, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of live performances and studio recording sessions. With its low and high settings, this pedal offers a wide range of tonal options that can be easily adjusted to suit any style of music.

Whether you're looking to add some crunch to your metal riffs or add some warmth to your blues licks, the Disttion Guitar Pedal has you covered. Its intuitive controls allow for easy tweaking of the low and high settings, giving you complete control over your sound.

This pedal is also incredibly versatile, making it a great option for guitarists, bassists, and even keyboard players. Its compact size makes it easy to fit onto any pedalboard, while its sturdy construction ensures it will be a reliable addition to your setup.

Overall, the Disttion Guitar Pedal is a must-have for any musician looking to take their sound to the next level. Its durable construction, versatile tone, and easy-to-use controls make it a great investment for both novice and professional players alike.

Pros

  • Durable metal construction
  • Low and high settings offer a wide range of tonal options
  • Intuitive controls allow for easy tweaking of sound
  • Versatile and suitable for guitarists, bassists, and keyboard players
  • Compact size fits easily on any pedalboard

8. Mxr M116 Fullbore Metal Distortion Pedal W/4 Free Cables

The product includes 4 cables and boasts of a three-band EQ with sweepable mid frequencies that allows the user to adjust the sound to their preference. It also has a tight, fast, switchable Noise Gate that enables the user to produce syncopated metal riffage with ease. The Noise Gate's sensitivity can be adjusted using the Internal Gate Trigger control. Additionally, the Scoop Switch feature boosts the highs and lows while keeping the EQ active, providing a richer and fuller sound experience.

Pros

  • Comes with 4 cables
  • Three-band EQ with sweepable mid frequencies for sound adjustment
  • Tight, fast, switchable Noise Gate for syncopated metal riffage
  • Internal Gate Trigger control for adjusting the Noise Gate's sensitivity
  • Scoop Switch boosts highs and lows while keeping the EQ active

Best Distortion Pedals For Metal FAQs

Can distortion pedals be used for other genres besides metal?

Yes, absolutely! Distortion pedals are not limited to just metal music. While they are commonly associated with heavier genres, they can also be used in various other genres such as rock, punk, grunge, and even blues.

Distortion pedals are essentially used to add a certain level of grit, crunch, and sustain to a guitar's sound. This can be used to enhance the dynamics and character of the music being played. For example, a blues guitarist may use a distortion pedal to add some extra crunch to their guitar tone, while a punk rock musician may use it to add some aggression and edge to their playing.

Furthermore, there are different types of distortion pedals available in the market such as overdrive, fuzz, and distortion. Each type offers a unique sound and can be used in various genres depending on the musician's preference.

In conclusion, distortion pedals are versatile tools that can be used in a wide range of musical genres. It all comes down to the musician's creativity and how they want to incorporate the pedal into their style of music.

How do distortion pedals affect the tone of a metal guitar?

Distortion pedals are an essential component of a metal guitarist's gear. They add grit, sustain, and drive to the guitar's sound, making it possible to achieve the signature heavy and aggressive tone that defines the genre. The effect of distortion pedals on a metal guitar's tone is significant. They amplify the signal of the guitar, increasing the gain and adding distortion to the sound. This creates a more saturated and compressed tone, with a more prominent mid-range and less emphasis on the bass and treble frequencies. The result is a sound that is thick, powerful, and dynamic, which is perfect for heavy riffs and solos. Distortion pedals come in many different types, from classic overdrive pedals to high-gain distortion pedals. Each type adds a different flavor to the guitar's sound, allowing the player to customize their tone to their liking. In conclusion, distortion pedals are an essential tool for any metal guitarist looking to achieve a heavy and aggressive tone.

How do I choose the right distortion pedal for my metal guitar setup?

When it comes to choosing the right distortion pedal for your metal guitar setup, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, you want to think about the type of metal sound you're looking to create. Do you want something heavy and aggressive, or something more classic and vintage? This will help you narrow down your options based on the different types of distortion pedals available.

Another important consideration is the level of gain you need. Some distortion pedals offer a lot of gain, which can be great for heavy metal, while others may have a more moderate gain level that's better suited to classic rock or blues. You'll also want to pay attention to the EQ options on the pedal, as these can help you shape your tone and get the sound you're looking for.

Ultimately, the best way to choose the right distortion pedal is to do your research and try out different options for yourself. Don't be afraid to experiment with different pedals and settings until you find the one that works best for your playing style and tone preferences. With a little patience and persistence, you'll be able to create the perfect metal tone for your guitar setup!

What are the best distortion pedals for heavy metal?

There are several distortion pedals available in the market that are specifically designed for heavy metal music. One of the most popular options is the Boss MT-2 Metal Zone. This pedal offers a wide range of distortion tones that can suit various styles of heavy metal music. It also has a built-in equalizer that allows you to tweak the sound to your liking.

Another option is the Pro Co RAT2 Distortion Pedal. This pedal has been a favorite among heavy metal guitarists for decades. It offers a crunchy, aggressive tone that can cut through any mix. It also has a versatile tone control that can help you dial in the perfect sound.

The MXR M116 Fullbore Metal Distortion is also a great choice for heavy metal guitarists. It offers a high-gain distortion that is perfect for modern metal music. It also has a built-in noise gate that can help you keep unwanted noise under control.

Ultimately, the best distortion pedal for heavy metal will depend on your personal preference and playing style. It's important to try out different pedals and find the one that works best for you.

What are the differences between different types of distortion pedals for metal?

There are several types of distortion pedals available for metal, each with their unique characteristics and features. The most commonly used distortion pedals are overdrive, distortion, and fuzz pedals.

Overdrive pedals are generally used to boost the gain of an amplifier, resulting in a warmer and more natural-sounding distortion. They are ideal for creating a classic rock and blues sound. On the other hand, distortion pedals are designed to produce a heavier and more aggressive distortion, making them perfect for metal genres. They often have more gain and can create a more compressed sound.

Fuzz pedals, on the other hand, are known for their unique sound that is often described as "fuzzy" and "buzzing." They are typically used to create a vintage-style distortion sound, which is popular in psychedelic and garage rock.

Some distortion pedals also come with additional features, such as EQ controls, tone shaping options, and built-in noise gates. These features can help fine-tune the sound and eliminate unwanted noise.

In summary, the main differences between different types of distortion pedals for metal are the type of distortion they produce, the amount of gain, and the additional features they offer. It's important to choose a distortion pedal that suits your playing style and the sound you want to achieve.

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