KATO V2

Originally released in 2023, the KATO V2 brings forth new features for 2026!
- Powerful EQ circuit for the Fuzz channel.
- Third Glitch mode titled "Chaos".
- Individual stereo outputs for Fuzz and Glitch channels. Mono operation unchanged.
- Improved PCB layout with lower noise floor.

DEMOVIDS

Demo by We As A Company
Demo by Boring Gear Reviews
Demo by Pedal Experiments
Demo 1 by Unsound Circuitry
Demo 2 by Unsound Circuitry

DESCRIPTION

KATO (/ˈkɑt̪o/: loss, extinction, famine, dearth) is the most violent nine volt sound mangler in existence. It's capable of completely disemboweling your sound, yet you're able to precisely define when and how it happens. If you want to take it even further, engage the Glitch footswitch and your tone will spiral into complete glitchy madness.

The conceptualization, testing and creation of KATO was done in co-operation with the artist Felix Lybeck, known from the band Bad Sauna, the label thisinotadoggg and his work in Radio Helsinki.

CONTROLS

Control layout is split into two sections, each affecting their corresponding Glitch or Fuzz sides of the effect.

When used in mono mode, the right footswitch is the master bypass for the entire effect and the left footswitch will toggle Glitch on and off. Mono mode is active when only the MONO output is used.

When used in stereo output mode, each footswitch will independently toggle the corresponding channel on and off. Stereo output is active when both outputs are used.

Using only the Glitch output is also possible.

Disengaging the Glitch channel regardless of operating mode will allow the Glitch circuit to produce its potential trail/decay, depending on how the Drift control is set.

Drift sets the speed and accuracy of the signal tracking of the Glitch effect. On higher settings muting your chords or notes will result in a digital sounding divebomb.

Depth sets the amount of lows in the Glitch effect. When dimed it will produce a hefty sonic boost and when dialed back it's more like a lingering overtone for your sound.

Drone/Shriek/Chaos switch allows you to choose between three different Glitch modes. Like their titles suggest, the first one is more like a drone and the second one has a wilder tonality. The Chaos mode, that is a new addition in the V2, is interactive with Fuzz channel controls and has enhanced tracking of playing dynamics.

Kill control does many things. First it turns your tone from a thick crushing fuzz into a splattery octavey distortion. Finally when dimed it will, like the title suggests, kill your signal for a duration that is dependant on the intensity of your playing and how Gain and Sensitivity controls are set.

Gain sets the amount of input signal amplification for the Fuzz effect.

Tone adjusts the frequency content of the Fuzz channel. It's an active tilt EQ centered around lower mids. It's arranged so that you can dime the Volume to overload the EQ circuit with devastating results.

Separate Fuzz and Glitch volume controls are on the top left of the layout.

Internal Sensitivity trimmer is an input pad type control that enables the Fuzz effect to accept wide spectrum of signal levels coming from different types of pickups or pedal chains. Turn it counter-clockwise to commodate a hot humbucker or turn it clockwise if you have lower amplitude signal going into the device, like a single coil pickup for example.

TECHNICAL STUFF

- Dimensions: 120mm x 145mm x 60mm
- All top jacks
- Buffered bypass
- 2.1mm 9V DC negative center power connection. Overvoltage will kill the unit.
- Current draw 40mA
- 500k input impedance
- 1k output impedance(s)
- Built with authentic high quality components