Hangman fx's new DAGG'R 2-in-1 Dynamic Auto-Gain/Gate is a magnificent mighty morphing gain-ramping machine

The new Hangman fx pedal is a rare object of beauty in looks, output, and playability!

The DAGG’R Dynamic Auto-Gain/Gate features 2 Gain Channels - Overdrive and Fuzz - which you can Auto-Swell between the Gain dialled into the O.D. or Fuzz Knobs, and the Max Gain via the smaller Black knob. With DAGG’R Mode Engaged - your playing style triggers the gain bloom / swell when you dig in. Where the Sense (Sensitivity) knob defines the threshold of the trigger point - which you can then further temper / soften via your Guitar Volume Control.

It must be said hat all three of those gain controls - O.D. + Fuzz + Max Gain are all highly interactive and sort of bleed into each other - where the DAGG’R Mode sets which Side - O.D. or Fuzz gets Ramped. Actually all 3 controls come into play - even though the Ramping only supposedly happens on either the O.D. or Fuzz side - while - you do still tend to get something of a mix of those 3 gain controls - for most permutations of settings - it’s a little bit trial and error - to see which settings yield your preferred tones - this is an incredibly lively pedal!

You have a choice of either the O.D. or Fuzz Channels for the DAGG’R Auto-Gain-Ramp function - where your pick attack and when you dig in - triggers the swell up in gain on that side of the pedal (Depending on the application of the DAGG’R switch!) - up to the Max Gain Setting - so that single Max Gain mini dial sets the upper target range value for both the O.D. and Fuzz Channels - and those gold knobs set the lower or starting range. But is not that clearly demarcated - as there is fair amount of gain overspill someone - so that it feel like you’re for of ramping from Overdrive to Fuzz - which is how I like it - and is one of he quirks of this pedal!

The Smooth knob is then the speed of transition (Ramp Up and Back) - so that it’s nigh instant when dialled all the way back, and increasingly offset / delayed when dialled up. As mentioned - the envelope-follower ramping effect then allows you to trigger that swell bloom - which also adds a wonderful sustain to proceedings. The Limit / Limiter knob then ’dampens’ / limits the volume for the Max Gain setting - so you can fully temper the impact of that gain swell / ramping.

The DAGG’R also benefits from a unique Amp Tone Stack - which gives you extended range and a very lively feel. Paul thinks it might be the first time that said rare tone stack is used on a pedal - but understandably he desires to keep that a trade secret!

In short this is an incredibly mighty morphing gain-ramper - where you can alternatively ramp up the Overdrive or Fuzz gain voicings. You can also run the pedal more traditionally by having that 3rd toggle switch set in the middle / off position.

Paul has given you the maximum options to trigger the ramp up - so there are side ports for Trigger, Expression, and External Switch - or you can just engage the right Max Gain Footswitch which instantly applies the upper target range.

For my own purpose I prefer to keep it fully dynamic - so I don’t use any of the external mini switches to trigger the pedal - but rather let my pick attack and playing style control how the gain is triggered and ramped. You can set the Sensitivity quite high - and then dampen / temper that by lowering your guitar volume - so you get an exceptionally dynamic / morphing playing experience.

Right at the start I was confused as to how the ramping worked - and briefly thought it was a case of ramping from Overdrive to Fuzz settings - which would be cool too - but that’s not what the pedal does. Instead it ramps form the Settings of the O.D. and Fuzz knobs and transitions up to the Max Gain Value set on that mini knob. It’s actually really straight forward to deploy when you figure it all out - and an instant delight. It’s one of the most fun gain devices out there - and it feels really great to soar up through the Gain range and feel the Overdrive or Fuzz voicing bloom and ebb and sustain.

It has to be noted that he 3 gain knobs are highly interactive - and do have a tendency to bleed into each other on occasion - which makes it slightly confusing at to exactly what is going on - where the feel and output always remains superb!

You will need to experiment with the smaller black dials to get the best feel for your playing style - while you should figure that out pretty quickly - and then, as mentioned you have several ways to trigger that gain swell / bloom for either Channel!

I dialled this pedal in from scratch several times - and always ended with the same sort of settings - so you’re fine playing it by ear and by feel. Just be away that there is a huge interaction better most of the key knobs - and the gain knobs in particular - so the position of each ’dial’ can really matter!