① INPUT BUFFER
High-pass filter strips sub-bass before the fuzz.
HPF: fc = bass cut
Clean low end muddies the octave — Mayer cut it here.
→
② FUZZ STAGE
Gain + germanium soft clip.
f(x) = tanh(drive·x)
Asymmetric bias → even harmonics. Germanium knee ≈ 0.3V.
→
③ TRANSFORMER
Bandpass + ferrite core saturation.
BPF → tanh(sat·x)
Phase-splits for the rectifier. Core adds odd harmonics.
→
④ RECTIFIER (OCTAVE)
Full-wave rectify: f(x) ≈ |x|
Doubles frequency → octave up. Fundamental eliminated.
|sin(ωt)| = 2/π − (4/3π)cos(2ωt) − ...
→
⑤ OUTPUT FILTER
DC removal + tone shaping.
HPF(DC) → LPF(tone)
Smooths rectifier hash. Dry/wet blends with clean input.