Released in May of 2020, the Black Mass Electronics 1312 was something very close to the JHS Packrat, one of the most hyped pedals of the winter of 2022: a multi-mode RAT distortion pedal.
Now in its 3rd version, the 1312 has the same identical layout as its illustrious descendant, with the three classic RAT controls (Level, Gain and Filter), and a rotary knob named “Clip” that selects different diode voicings (8, in this case).
Here’s the list of the clipping modes:
• SILICON – Familiar, compressed clipping
• RED LEDS – Louder, more aggressive sounding
• VINTAGE GERMANIUM – Thick, amp-like
• QUAD SILICON – Juicy, heavy saturation
• ASYMMETRICAL SILICON – Less fizzy than silicon, more organic
• MOSFET – Saturated and modern-sounding
• GERMANIUM/SILICON – Unique, looser sounding
• ASYMMETRICAL MOSFET – Modern sounding, lower gain.
This pedal can also run at 18v for increased headroom (after setting up some internal DIP switched), and, as an important extra, 50% of the profits from it have been and will be donated to organizations working to dismantle oppression in all its forms, such as No More Dysphoria, Transgender Emergency Fund, Asian American Resource Workshop, Black & Pink – Boston, and Solidarity North Shore.
Needless to say, it’s also a lot more affordable than the JHS one!
Check out the sounds of the Black Mass Electronics 1312 V3 – we added it to our article about the best RAT clones and evolutions.
Black Mass Electronics 1312, Builder’s Notes
The 1312 began its life as a physical embodiment of one of Black Mass Electronic’s fundamental beliefs: Black Lives Matter. It also provided an actionable avenue for us to demonstrate our support monetarily. This new iteration of the 1312 embodies another important sentiment: Trans Rights are Human Rights. 50% of the profits from these pedals will be split between several organizations whose causes we support – No More Dysphoria, Transgender Emergency Fund, Asian American Resource Workshop, Black & Pink – Boston, and Solidarity North Shore.
The 1312 Distortion is a famous three letter ? distortion circuit with 8 different clipping options on a rotary switch. The 1312 V3 features an internal charge pump that turns your 9V supply voltage into 18V for increased headroom. You can use an 18V supply but you must change the internal dipswitch settings FIRST. Please reference the manual.
