Acoustic Trauma

Distortion

Dual-preamp analog distortion with 17 knobs, noise gate, 3-band parametric EQ—18V center-positive.

WMD (William Mathewson Devices) operates from Denver, Colorado since 2007, starting in founder William Mathewson's garage with handful of guitar pedals and DIY grit before launching onto world stage with Geiger Counter in 2008, later expanding into Eurorack modular synthesizers becoming leader in modular synthesis industry. The Acoustic Trauma delivers comprehensive analog distortion via dual specially-voiced preamps driving 3-band boosting parametric EQ, addressing players seeking extreme tonal shaping and gain flexibility beyond standard three-knob distortion pedals. 17 knobs across face provide professional-grade control depth: Cool Preamp offers low-medium gain overdrive with smooth clipping cleaning up when guitar volume rolls down, Hot Preamp designed for increased volume and sustain without cleaning up, Preamp Blend knob mixes both preamp signals creating hybrid tones.

Powerful transparent noise gate kills noise caused by incredible gain, controls include gate threshold, noise reduction amount, plus internal blue trimpot marked R for release time adjustment. 3-band boosting parametric EQ provides comprehensive frequency shaping after distortion stage, addressing scenarios where distortion character requires precise frequency sculpting for different guitars or amplifiers. True bypass switching via footswitch with red LED indicator. Requires 18VDC center-positive power supply (NOT standard Boss-style center-negative)—no battery operation as 9V insufficient for circuit headroom, includes dedicated 18V power supply. Input, output, and power connections located on right side. Red-and-white graphics.

Note: discontinued by manufacturer. The Acoustic Trauma targeted players seeking professional analog distortion with comprehensive control depth and noise management, suitable for high-gain metal, progressive rock, and studio recording where precise tonal shaping and noise control enhance workflow beyond limitations of standard gain/tone/volume distortion pedals, addressing scenarios where extreme gain settings require sophisticated noise gating and EQ unavailable in simpler distortion circuits.