Non-Human Audio KimChi

Dave Jordan of Non-Human Audio is a circuit explorer, the kind who looks at a schematic and asks the questions others overlook. In mid-2024, he fixated on one: why was a specific method of transistor biasing—a key factor in creating distortion—never made adjustable in pedal designs? Theorizing it could unlock a new tonal range, he decided to build the experiment.

The result is the Kimchi fuzz (currently in per-order), a circuit that validates his curiosity. The unique bias control acts as the core of the pedal, morphing its voice from a clangy, biting overdrive all the way to a zippery, compressed fuzz. Throughout this entire sweep, the Kimchi maintains a surprising note clarity that is often lost in other fuzzes.

The textures are as varied as the control allows. Some settings feel natural and chewy, while others become beefy with an aggressive high-end. It can even feel squishy with single notes yet open up with chords, offering a dynamic and highly responsive playing experience. The Kimchi isn’t just another fuzz; it’s a working prototype of a previously untapped idea, brought to life.