EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker Overdrive

The EarthQuaker Devices Special Cranker is an all-discrete analogue overdrive pedal designed to add grit, saturation, and harmonic richness to a guitar signal without fundamentally altering the player's core tone. It suits guitarists, bassists, and even keyboardists seeking a transparent, touch-sensitive overdrive that reacts naturally to playing dynamics — much like the effect of an additional preamp tube in an amplifier. The Special Cranker builds upon the foundation of EarthQuaker Devices' Speaker Cranker, introducing expanded control and versatility while retaining the original's spongy, dynamic character.

The pedal features four controls: a Level knob for output volume adjustment, a More knob for gain that operates by adjusting transistor bias, a Tone knob for treble frequency shaping, and a Diode Selector switch that toggles between Germanium and Silicon clipping options. Germanium delivers a softer, more rounded and transparent response with tamed highs and lower output, while Silicon provides a brighter, more modern edge with higher output. Both settings respond well to playing dynamics and retain strong note clarity. At maximum gain, the Special Cranker can produce overbiased tones suited to more aggressive playing styles. The pedal also features Flexi-Switch® Technology, allowing both latching and momentary footswitch operation via the same relay-based, true bypass switching system.

The Special Cranker can be powered by a standard 9-volt DC supply with a 2.1mm negative centre barrel and can safely operate between 9 and 18 volts. Because the relay-based switching requires power to pass signal, a dedicated power supply is recommended. The More control may produce minor noise during adjustment as a result of its transistor bias function — this is a normal operational characteristic. Unity gain is achieved between 10 and 12 o'clock on the Level control depending on the selected diode mode. The pedal comes backed by EarthQuaker Devices' limited lifetime warranty.

Specifications:

Dimensions
4.75 x 2.50 x 2.25 in. (121 x 64 x 57 mm) with knobs

Current Draw
15 mA

Input Impedance
≈5 MΩ

Output Impedance
<25 kΩ

Flexi-Switch® Technology
This device features Flexi-Switch® Technology! This relay-based, true bypass switching style allows you to simultaneously use momentary and latching style switching.

• For standard latching operation, tap the footswitch once to activate the effect and then tap again to bypass.
• For momentary operation, hold the footswitch down for as long as you’d like to use the effect. Once you release the switch the effect will be bypassed.

Since the switching is relay based, it requires power to pass signal.

Power
This device should be powered a standard 9-volt DC power supply with a 2.1mm negative center barrel. We always recommend pedal-specific, transformer-isolated wall-wart power supplies or multiple isolated-output supplies. Pedals will make extra noise if there is ripple or unclean power. Switching-type power supplies, daisy chains and non-pedal specific power supplies do not filter dirty power as well and let through unwanted noise.

The Special Cranker can be safely operated from 9-18 volts.

*Specifications subject to change without notice.