Xploration • Curation • Recommendation
16 years after its debut, EarthQuaker Devices reissues the original format of the Dirt Transmitter Fuzz Driver in 'Legacy' 1000 limited run
Key Points
EarthQuaker Devices reissued the original-format Dirt Transmitter Fuzz Driver as a "Legacy" limited run of 1,000 units, mostly via a Reverb.com exclusive and international dealers. It’s Jamie Stillman’s design, made in Akron, Ohio, USA. As of 2026-07-13, the price was £159 (MAP/RRP; $150/€179).
The ~22-component circuit uses 2 transistors and a clipping diode (original: 2 × 2N1711, 1N5817); the reissue’s components are undisclosed. Controls: Tone, Level, Bias, Fuzz. Specs: true bypass; input 500 kΩ; output 100 Ω; top-mounted jacks; 9 V DC (requires centre -, 2,1 mm, 3 mA).
EQD says the rare silicon transistors give a gritty top end and more gain; Bias sweeps from gated Velcro to thicker, natural fuzz. This is a Fuzz Face adjacent circuit. For electrical safety or modifying the pedal, consult a qualified tech.
Back in 2020 I did a piece on my 9 Favourite EarthQuaker Compact Fuzzes at the time (below image), and the V2 Dirt Transmitter was firmly in that number - I always intended to get all of those 9 into the Reference Collection - but it’s not quite happened yet. While the Compact V2 edition would definitely be my pick - if I could get my hands on one in a decent condition, and at a reasonable price.
The Dirt Transmitter is a circa 22 component 2-Transistor Silicon Fuzz circuit, with further Clipping Diode to enhance its output. The original had 2 x 2N1711 Transistors and a 1N5817 Diode to fulfil those roles. It's not disclosed what's in the new Legacy Reissue, where I kind of understand the nostalgia for the larger original format - while the circuit fits easily within a compact enclosure per the V2 - and I can rarely look beyond the practicalities and ergonomics of a pedal! In any case - I would think there were probably slightly different components here - otherwise they would have made a feature of it in the launch notes!
As EQD put it themselves : "The secret sauce, or magic jus, if you will, of this pedal lies in its rare silicon transistors that offer a gritty top end response and more gain than typical germanium transistors." That basically means those transistors have a little more bite and edge about them - and are great at delivering rich harmonic textures throughout the full sweep of the Bias control - right through from gated and velcro tones and upwards in a clockwise direction.
Controls - Tone, Level, Bias, Fuzz.
The interesting thing for all 3 iterations - is that although they have the same 4 controls - they're all in a different order and slightly differently labelled.
This is a very Fuzz Face adjacent circuit as far as I'm concerned - with some extra components to make it more malleable / shapeable and produce a more consistent output. Generally I would leap to snap one such up - but I'm not a fan of unnecessarily large enclosures - which case has been proven by the V2 edition.
It's a great sounding Fuzz / Fuzzy-Drive / Fuzz Driver - and had it been reissued as a compact - it would be a must buy for me - while now I'm keener than ever to snag a more slimline V2 edition! I've had a few opportunities to snag a reasonably priced one of those over the last few years - but have always had other priorities at the time - there's a decent one on Reverb.com but they're asking $400 for it - which is too much for me - I will have to wait opportunistically in the wings until a decently priced and conditioned one comes along.
The Dirt Transmitter Fuzz Driver Reissue is limited to 1,000 units - which are mostly available through a a Reverb.com exclusive - while International Dealers will cary them too - outside the USA. Pricing is a very reasonable $150 / €179 / £159 - and you can read more about the pedal on the EQD site!
Key Features
- Limited Edition Fuzz Driver pedal
- EQD founder Jamie Stillman’s most sought-after fuzz creation
- Simple 4 knob layout provides a wealth of fuzz tones
- Bias control provides gated Velcro to thicker, natural fuzz tones
- True Bypass Switching
- Input Impedance: 500 kΩ
- Output Impedance: 100 Ω
- Top-mounted jacks for easy pedalboard mounting
- Made in Akron, Ohio, USA
- Powered by regular 9 V DC PSU (not supplied - requires centre -, 2,1 mm, 3 mA current draw)
- MAP / RRP : $150 / €179 / £159
Demos
