EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 Review

Thank you to Sweetwater Music for keeping these in-stock (and for letting me snag a couple of stock photos!).

As a bassist, I'm always on the lookout for gear that can help me achieve the perfect tone. When I first heard about the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3, I was immediately drawn to its promise of delivering heavy, distorted tones with plenty of sustain. I had to try it out for myself.

After spending some time with the pedal, I was impressed by its build quality and unique design. The black and gold color scheme looks great, and the control knobs are intuitive and easy to use. The pedal feels solid and well-constructed, and I appreciate the attention to detail in the design.

But what really blew me away was the pedal's ability to deliver thick, meaty distortion. As a bassist, I need a pedal that can handle low frequencies without getting muddy or losing definition. The Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 definitely delivers in that regard. The notes seem to rumble through the floor, and the sustain seems almost endless.

One of the standout features of this pedal is the octave-up fuzz function. This adds a gritty, distorted texture to my bass that is perfect for heavy riffing. The octave-up effect also makes it easier to cut through the mix and stand out in a band context.

Another impressive feature is the boost function, which adds more power and presence to my sound than I've ever heard before. This is perfect for solos or when I need to be heard over a particularly loud drummer or guitar player.

What I appreciate most about this pedal is its versatility. I spent a lot of time experimenting with different settings, and it can handle anything from fast, aggressive riffs to slow, droning passages. The Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 is also surprisingly responsive to playing dynamics, which makes it a joy to play with.

In terms of drawbacks, I did find that the pedal can be a bit noisy at higher gain settings. However, this is a common issue with high-gain pedals, and it's nothing that a good noise gate can't solve.

The Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 on my pedalboard (with current settings).

Overall, I think the EarthQuaker Devices Sunn O))) Life Pedal V3 Octave Distortion + Booster guitar pedal is an excellent addition to any bassist's rig. If you're looking for a pedal that can deliver a powerful, heavy sound with plenty of sustain and versatility, this is definitely one to consider.

If you’d like to get your own Life Pedal V3, check it out HERE over at Sweetwater!