3-way switchable hard clipping pre-amp delivers versatile distortion tones from overdrive to fuzz
1000x gain amplification with active 3-band EQ enables precise tone shaping across the frequency spectrum
Envelope-controlled white noise generator adds lo-fi and analog-synthesizer-style noise effects
Footswitch buffered bypass ensures clean signal when pedal is off
Standalone pedalboard-friendly enclosure for easy integration
Summarized by Shop
From "When the Sun Explodes"
"EXPLODER" by Beautiful Noise Effectsis a highly expanded and modified version of the gain circuit from the WHEN THE SUN EXPLODES. A full-range distortion device with wildly more tone customisation options, and in a standalone pedalboard-friendly enclosure.
The gain circuit is a 3-way switchable hard-clippin
Gain Amplification
1000x
Pre-Amp
3-way switchable hard clipping
Post-Amp
Active 3-band EQ (low, mid, high)
White Noise Generator
Envelope-controlled (on/off by instrument signal)
Bypass
Footswitch buffered
Power Source
DC-powered
Finish
Black
Compatible Instruments
Electric guitar, Bass guitar
Accessory Size
Standard
Summarized by Shop
4.7
6 ratings
5
4
3
2
1
Dirt Elevation!
As a fan and previous owner of When The Sun Explodes, I was hopeful that Exploder would cover the dirt of that pedal and more. It does. The EQ band on Exploder is super helpful, and the same core tones with clipping are on this pedal. It's very versatile, and can also get incredibly destructive. It sounds great to me post-reverb. I agree with a previous reviewer that the white noise feature is not something I can find a way to easily incorporate into actual song, so I could have done without that.
R
Robyn · August 8, 2026
Covers all bases
With 3-band eq and Sym Asym and no diodes, it's a great workhorse. Add envelope controlled white noise and you have quite a range to explore.
O
OKKIM · July 30, 2026
Another winner from Beautiful Noise
When the Sun Explodes is one of my favorite in the "dirty reverb" genre of pedals, and the Exploder is another really fun entry to their lineup. The main draw of the pedal for me is the ability to blend in an envelope-controlled white noise generator that creates some interesting textures. Like other Beautiful Noise pedals, this pedal is not for getting getting a vintage OD/distortion sound--this is for shoe-gazey wall-of-sound textures. If that's what you're in to, make sure to check this one out!
