Rancho de la Luna Dirt Transmitter: EQD Desert Fuzz
The Rancho de la Luna Dirt Transmitter is a Special Run of the much loved dirt box
4,8 / 5,0 | 
The EarthQuaker Devices Rancho de la Luna Dirt Transmitter is the return of an old, discontinued favourite, and a collaboration with Dave Catching.
Rancho de la Luna
The legendary EQD Dirt Transmitter, a fuzz pedal inspired by the iconic Fuzz Face and is returning. This special edition, born in the heart of the desert’s most fabled studio, is making a comeback in 2025.
The catalyst for its revival arrived in 2023 when EarthQuaker Devices (EQD) founder Jamie Stillman received an invitation to lend his talents to a special record. This album marks the 30th anniversary of Rancho de la Luna, the mythical studio where Josh Homme first gathered an eclectic group of musicians in 1997 for The Desert Sessions.
These seminal recordings featured an all-star cast including Mark Lanegan, Josh Freese, Dean Ween, and Homme’s Queens of the Stone Age bandmates, among others.
Dave Catching
Also appearing on those sessions was Dave Catching, former touring member of QOTSA and Eagles of Death Metal, further cementing the studio’s legacy in desert rock history.
I love that Dave has a drawer packed to the brim with EQD pedals, and he loves them, as in every interview I have watched with him, he gets them out to show off. The man is addicted, and what a great addiction to have!
Dirt Transmitter
When the Dirt Transmitter first hit the market in January 2008, it was a compact powerhouse. These initial units featured a simple, yet effective, three-knob layout: Fuzz, Tone, and Level. However, it wasn’t long before EQD’s founder, Jamie Stillman, had an epiphany that would transform the pedal.
Velcro Rip Fuzz Tones
Shortly after its release, Jamie decided to add an external Bias control. This seemingly small addition proved to be a game-changer, breathing new life into the circuit. The Bias control works by adjusting the voltage supplied to the transistor.
When the Bias is set all the way up, the pedal is properly biased, delivering its intended fuzz tone. But as you turn the Bias down, the voltage to the transistor is gradually starved, resulting in a unique gated fuzz effect.
This manipulation creates a distinct, sputtery, ripping velcro tone that becomes more pronounced and characterful the further you roll the Bias back.
Flexi-Switch
Like all EQD pedals, the Rancho de la Luna Dirt Transmitter is proudly designed and made in the USA. It features Flexi-Switch technology for versatile momentary or latching operation and runs on a standard 9V power supply.
Price & Availability
The EarthQuaker Devices Rancho de la Luna Dirt Transmitter is priced at $179/£189. We’ll update you as soon as they are available on Thomann. This one is going to be popular with desert rock fans for sure!
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