Vox Bulldog Cooltron Distortion Pedal
No longer available at zZounds
Tube Distortion in a pedal.
Overview
Introducing the Cooltron series of effect pedals, three very special stompboxes that use a 12AU7 preamp-type tube at low voltage to deliver the kind of tone that, until now, would have been impossible to achieve in a battery-powered pedal.
Bulldog Distortion
With dual channels - each with its own Gain and Volume controls - and growling tube tone, the VOX Bulldog Distortion pedal adds extra bite to your fret burning maneuvers. Gain 1 dishes out vintage distortion while Gain 2 packs a more modern, aggressive sound with slightly scooped mids. Both are adjustable from subtle to completely over the top. A Bass control adds extra low end thump at extreme settings and a warm, round mellowness at lower settings. And with the Gain 2 Voice control you can independently tailor the second channel's hell-raising tone. A Treble control will take your sound from a biting attack at one extreme to smooth and liquid at the other. The Bulldog also is equipped with true bypass.
Want to know how it all works?
Normally, tubes are used at high voltages and this restricts their use in battery-powered devices such as guitar effects pedals. Historically, attempts have been made to use tubes at low voltages in what has been dubbed 'starvation' mode, but these circuits don't allow the tube to function in an acceptable manner. The tube simply cannot be biased to a satisfactory operating condition. Plus, the necessary heater (filament) current is too high to deliver acceptable battery life. Imagine how… read more annoying it would be to have to change batteries every ten minutes during a gig!
Here's what makes the Cooltron system tick. The Cooltron circuit basically operates by using two very special signal paths. The first is the 'servo circuit,' which provides the right conditions between the plate of the tube and the grid. This achieves controllable, stable parameters for the tube and provides the correct operating conditions for the tube to function as it would if run at a higher voltage. The second circuit is a patented power supply that provides a low voltage, low current supply to the heater elements in the tube. Since the tube is now running at such a reduced supply level, the anode current is much smaller than normal. This means that the amount of heat required at the cathode to achieve sufficient cathode current emission is much smaller - hence the ability to run the heaters at a lower level and for Cooltron pedals to run for 16 hours on 4 x AA batteries!
The Cooltron system provides true tube sonic performance at very low voltage and at reduced heater current - ideal for inclusion into guitar effects pedals. Cooltron guitar effects pedals offer valuable tube type sonic performance. read less
Bulldog Distortion
With dual channels - each with its own Gain and Volume controls - and growling tube tone, the VOX Bulldog Distortion pedal adds extra bite to your fret burning maneuvers. Gain 1 dishes out vintage distortion while Gain 2 packs a more modern, aggressive sound with slightly scooped mids. Both are adjustable from subtle to completely over the top. A Bass control adds extra low end thump at extreme settings and a warm, round mellowness at lower settings. And with the Gain 2 Voice control you can independently tailor the second channel's hell-raising tone. A Treble control will take your sound from a biting attack at one extreme to smooth and liquid at the other. The Bulldog also is equipped with true bypass.
Want to know how it all works?
Normally, tubes are used at high voltages and this restricts their use in battery-powered devices such as guitar effects pedals. Historically, attempts have been made to use tubes at low voltages in what has been dubbed 'starvation' mode, but these circuits don't allow the tube to function in an acceptable manner. The tube simply cannot be biased to a satisfactory operating condition. Plus, the necessary heater (filament) current is too high to deliver acceptable battery life. Imagine how… read more annoying it would be to have to change batteries every ten minutes during a gig!
Here's what makes the Cooltron system tick. The Cooltron circuit basically operates by using two very special signal paths. The first is the 'servo circuit,' which provides the right conditions between the plate of the tube and the grid. This achieves controllable, stable parameters for the tube and provides the correct operating conditions for the tube to function as it would if run at a higher voltage. The second circuit is a patented power supply that provides a low voltage, low current supply to the heater elements in the tube. Since the tube is now running at such a reduced supply level, the anode current is much smaller than normal. This means that the amount of heat required at the cathode to achieve sufficient cathode current emission is much smaller - hence the ability to run the heaters at a lower level and for Cooltron pedals to run for 16 hours on 4 x AA batteries!
The Cooltron system provides true tube sonic performance at very low voltage and at reduced heater current - ideal for inclusion into guitar effects pedals. Cooltron guitar effects pedals offer valuable tube type sonic performance. read less
Specs
Bulldog Distortion controls - Gain 1, Volume 1, Gain 2, Volume 2, Bass, Treble, Gain 2 Voice, Gain1/Gain2 Switch, True Bypass
Big Ben Overdrive controls - Gain, Tone, Volume, True Bypass
Brit Boost controls - Treble Boost/Full Range Boost, Gain, Tone, Volume, True Bypass
Tube: 12AU7
Power: 4 x AA batteries (allows 16 hours of operation)
Dimensions: 1 6.84 cm (6.63 in.) (W) x 15.55cm (6.12 in.) (H) x 6.4cm (2.52 in.) (D)
Weight (without batteries): Bulldog Distortion 1.07kgs (2.36 lbs.), Big Ben Overdrive 1.02kgs (2.25 lbs.), Brit Booster 1.05kgs (2.31 lbs.)
Options: 9V AC adapter
Big Ben Overdrive controls - Gain, Tone, Volume, True Bypass
Brit Boost controls - Treble Boost/Full Range Boost, Gain, Tone, Volume, True Bypass
Tube: 12AU7
Power: 4 x AA batteries (allows 16 hours of operation)
Dimensions: 1 6.84 cm (6.63 in.) (W) x 15.55cm (6.12 in.) (H) x 6.4cm (2.52 in.) (D)
Weight (without batteries): Bulldog Distortion 1.07kgs (2.36 lbs.), Big Ben Overdrive 1.02kgs (2.25 lbs.), Brit Booster 1.05kgs (2.31 lbs.)
Options: 9V AC adapter
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
(16 ratings)
Submitted November 16, 2005 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Out of Control Bulldog Bites HARD!"
I have to say that the Bulldaog was a great purchase. I tried many Distortions and found this one to be most to my liking. I use it alot and am happy....I was really worried before I tried it because it was powered by batteries!! I didn't believe that it copuld sound anygood. But for cutting metal with a bit of shred its great. The only thing I would want is a bass boost so that it would chug a bit more ... but my Marshall handles that!
How long will it last? ...How long is a piece of string?
Sound
This pedal sounds great. When I was in the shop checking it out I had a whole queue of distorion pedals laid out to try. The Bull dog was about half way down the line. I had previously tried most of the BOSS distortion/metal line up and had now come to the Bulldog. As soon as it warmed up I was blown away by the edge that this pedal has. The presence is huge. In some reviews people say that it was too much but it hit me right in the chest. I play in a Hard Rock/ Metal band and this was the sound for me. Gain 1 was great it takes you all the way from crunchy overdrive right through to classic rock. The tone is great and although there is a bass and treble eq, Im glad that it's not so responsive. Don't get me wrong the eq works it's just not that overpowering. In Gain 1 the sound of the guitar and amp really come through. Thats what I like about this pedal. I play a custom 1989 PRS through a marshall amp. Hold on to ya seats guys cause… read more here comes Gain 2. Gain 2 is a monster! With Volume and Gain controls on both channels you can get almost any hard rock sound you need. But Vox went one better and put in a Gain 2 voice. This is incredible..with one turn you can go from Nirvana to Rammstein. If you go full on everything it does start to go slightly "white noise" but then again what doesn't. I run this in the middle of my pedal board. I go from Guitar to Tuner, Cry Baby, Blues Driver, Big Muff Pi, Bulldog, Ibanez analog delay, Boss Flanger to Amp. It fits right in. I love the Big Muff but I found it sometimes was to fuzzy(it's a fuzz pedal) for my rythym playing. The Bulldog has got the presence to give the part plenty of tone and definition!
Features
The Bulldog gives you alot of control in a pedal. The Gain 2 voice knob is great!! It gives so much versitility. The pedal also comes with a bass and treble eq which eq's the master output. The eq doesn't really make too much difference and I guess if they were gonna do it I would have like to have seen it 3 band. The blue light inside the tube is a bit childish but...I got to admit I like it. Lets face it us musicians and studio engineers love anything that lights up! Battery power. Ipower my pedal off my pedal board power supply but I have used it on occassion on batteries and it's true....It works! A valve pedal on battery power! Also it has a direct by pass which ...well....all pedals should have in my mind!
Quality
I must say that valves full stop worry me. Thay are delicate! This product is made pretty well. It isn't a BOSS pedal! But it seems safe. Most of it is made of metal with some plastic sides. The finish is great and very appealing. I was drawn too it!! All you guys that like sexy pedals will probably like this one! The worst thing about it's build are the gain and volume knobs. Remember when they used to make them out of ....what...Bakerlite (Hard plastic that doesnt melt) Well these are a bit weak but they havent broken yet. I gig every week at least twice and it sits in my pedal board well. It hasnt chipped or bruised yet.... I would like to add that I don't want to drop it.....from any height!! The stomp buttons are standard for many pedals and work well with on problems.
Value
Just the sound is worth the price! But I live in Japan where it seems to be much cheaper....
Manufacturer Support
Not used so 5 by default.
The Wow Factor
VERY SEXY. Great Design work but "MAKE SURE YOU HEAR IT!"
Musical Background:
Active Musician and Recording engineer.
Musical Style:
Hard Rock, Metal, sometimes jam blues and am learning Jazz at the moment. read less
Sound
This pedal sounds great. When I was in the shop checking it out I had a whole queue of distorion pedals laid out to try. The Bull dog was about half way down the line. I had previously tried most of the BOSS distortion/metal line up and had now come to the Bulldog. As soon as it warmed up I was blown away by the edge that this pedal has. The presence is huge. In some reviews people say that it was too much but it hit me right in the chest. I play in a Hard Rock/ Metal band and this was the sound for me. Gain 1 was great it takes you all the way from crunchy overdrive right through to classic rock. The tone is great and although there is a bass and treble eq, Im glad that it's not so responsive. Don't get me wrong the eq works it's just not that overpowering. In Gain 1 the sound of the guitar and amp really come through. Thats what I like about this pedal. I play a custom 1989 PRS through a marshall amp. Hold on to ya seats guys cause… read more here comes Gain 2. Gain 2 is a monster! With Volume and Gain controls on both channels you can get almost any hard rock sound you need. But Vox went one better and put in a Gain 2 voice. This is incredible..with one turn you can go from Nirvana to Rammstein. If you go full on everything it does start to go slightly "white noise" but then again what doesn't. I run this in the middle of my pedal board. I go from Guitar to Tuner, Cry Baby, Blues Driver, Big Muff Pi, Bulldog, Ibanez analog delay, Boss Flanger to Amp. It fits right in. I love the Big Muff but I found it sometimes was to fuzzy(it's a fuzz pedal) for my rythym playing. The Bulldog has got the presence to give the part plenty of tone and definition!
Features
The Bulldog gives you alot of control in a pedal. The Gain 2 voice knob is great!! It gives so much versitility. The pedal also comes with a bass and treble eq which eq's the master output. The eq doesn't really make too much difference and I guess if they were gonna do it I would have like to have seen it 3 band. The blue light inside the tube is a bit childish but...I got to admit I like it. Lets face it us musicians and studio engineers love anything that lights up! Battery power. Ipower my pedal off my pedal board power supply but I have used it on occassion on batteries and it's true....It works! A valve pedal on battery power! Also it has a direct by pass which ...well....all pedals should have in my mind!
Quality
I must say that valves full stop worry me. Thay are delicate! This product is made pretty well. It isn't a BOSS pedal! But it seems safe. Most of it is made of metal with some plastic sides. The finish is great and very appealing. I was drawn too it!! All you guys that like sexy pedals will probably like this one! The worst thing about it's build are the gain and volume knobs. Remember when they used to make them out of ....what...Bakerlite (Hard plastic that doesnt melt) Well these are a bit weak but they havent broken yet. I gig every week at least twice and it sits in my pedal board well. It hasnt chipped or bruised yet.... I would like to add that I don't want to drop it.....from any height!! The stomp buttons are standard for many pedals and work well with on problems.
Value
Just the sound is worth the price! But I live in Japan where it seems to be much cheaper....
Manufacturer Support
Not used so 5 by default.
The Wow Factor
VERY SEXY. Great Design work but "MAKE SURE YOU HEAR IT!"
Musical Background:
Active Musician and Recording engineer.
Musical Style:
Hard Rock, Metal, sometimes jam blues and am learning Jazz at the moment. read less
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