10 Best NUX Distortion Pedals
for May 2023

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Distortion pedals are an essential component of any guitar player's tool kit. They offer a variety of tones and effects that can completely transform your playing style. NUX, a well-regarded name in the world of musical instruments, offers an impressive range of distortion pedals to suit every guitarist's needs. These pedals are renowned for their quality, durability, and versatility in creating different styles of music. From the powerful Core series to the expertly-crafted Metalcore and the Deluxe series, NUX pedals deliver a punchy, in-your-face distortion that makes them stand out from their competitors. They offer a wealth of effects, including analog overdrive, multi-effects, and digital effects, all of which can be controlled using MIDI technology. Whether you're looking for a classic rock sound, a modern metal tone, or something entirely different, NUX distortion pedals have the capability of giving you the exact sound you're looking for. In this post, we will take a closer look at the 10 best NUX distortion pedals, highlighting their unique features and capabilities, so that you can choose the perfect pedal to take your tone to the next level. So, buckle up and prepare for a journey through the world of NUX distortion pedals, and find the one that will make your guitar sound raw, powerful, and unforgettable!

1
9.5
SCORE
NUX Cerberus Multi-function Guitar Effect Pedal Inside Routing IR Loader Analog Overdrive Distortion Digital Delay Modulation Effects

NUX Cerberus Multi-function Guitar Effect Pedal Inside Routing Loader IR Analog Overdrive Distortion Digital Delay Modulation Effects

by Cherub Technology Co,.Ltd
What We like

An integrated loop switcher, IR loader, kill dry function, 0 to 20dB volume boost and an accurate tuner

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Product Features

  • including Inside Routing, IR loader, Analog Overdrive,Distortion and Digital Effects
  • MIDI control to organize your own effect pedals
  • NUX Cerberus multi-effects pedal,can be used as a stand-alone device or 4 cable method connection
  • 16 effects,128 presets (32 banks x 4 presets)
2
9.5
SCORE
NUX Fireman Distortion Effect Pedal Dual Channel Brown Sound

NUX Fireman Distortion Effect Dual Pedal Channel Brown Sound

by Cherub Technology Co.,Ltd
What We like

Modern Brown Sound in a box

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Product Features

  • 9V/18V toggle switch. The 18V position doubles the working voltage inside to give you wider dynamic range.
  • True-bypass/Buffer-bypass toggle switch.
  • 2 independent VOLUME, GAIN control knobs to fit rhythm and solo applications.
  • Based on the legendary amplifier builder's distortion pedal.
3
9.1
SCORE
NUX HG-6 High Gain Distortion Electric Guitar Effect Pedal True Bypass

NUX HG-6 High Gain Distortion Guitar Electric Effect Pedal True Bypass

by NUX
What We like

LED indicator shows status of effect and battery condition

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Product Features

  • Very high gain makes the distortion sound aggressive
  • 3 gain stages fully discrete circuit FET simulate the characteristic distortion of tube amplifier
  • True bypass provides transparent tone
  • Active middle frequency EQ circuit
4
9
SCORE
NUX MG-100 Multi Guitar Pedal Distortion Compression Modulation Delay Reverb Amplifier and Cabinet models Drum Machine 40 Seconds Looper

NUX MG-100 Multi Guitar Pedal Distortion Compression Modulation Delay Amplifier Reverb and Cabinet models Drum Machine 40 Seconds Looper

by Zhuhai Wei Ke Kejikaifa Co.,Ltd
What We like

A total of 72 presets: 36 factory & 36 user presets

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Product Features

  • 13 classic amp and 11 speaker cabinet models powered by NUX TS/AC Technology
  • Tap Tempo
  • Up to 40 seconds phrase loop, unlimited overdubs
  • 58 effects, up to 8 can be used simultaneously
5
8.9
SCORE
Nux Metal Core Distortion Effect Pedal Tone Lock Preset Function

Nux Metal Core Distortion Effect Tone Pedal Lock Preset Function

by Cherub Technology Co,.Ltd
What We like

4 control knobs: gain, level, bass, treble

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Product Features

  • 2 types of metallic sound and built-in 2-band eq
  • True bypass design, minimize loss of tone and get more control of pedal
  • Aluminum alloy housing, good durability
  • Tone lock function, disable knobs function to ensure preset won't change during performance
6
8.6
SCORE
NUX MG-30 Guitar Multi-Effects Pedal Guitar/Bass/Acoustic Amp Modeling Processor, IR Loader, White-Box Algorithm, EFX Routing, 4'' Color LCD, NMP-2 Footswitch Included

NUX MG-30 Guitar Multi-Effects Guitar/Bass/Acoustic Pedal Amp Modeling Processor

by Cherub Technology Co.,Ltd
What We like

USB recording interface, firmware update, QuickTone edit software.

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Product Features

  • Versatile application scenes and global settings.
  • Comes with NMP-2 for external foot control.
  • 56 pedal effects (Wah, OD/Dist/Fuzz, Mod, EQ, Comp, Delay. Reverb).
  • Ultra-low system latency(2ms) and 2 powerful DSPs.
  • 4" large colorful LCD with intuitive UI.
7
8.1
SCORE
NUX MG-400 Multi Effects Pedal, Amp Modeling, 512 samples IR, 10 Independent Moveable Signal Blocks

NUX MG-400 Multi Effects Pedal

by Cherub Technology Co.,Ltd
What We like

Input trim under SYSTEM MENU.

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Product Features

  • 512 samples IR resolution and USER slot with each patch. (additional 12 IR COLLECTION slots)
  • 5 output modes with global 3 band EQ for quick tone tweaking. (Besides STUDIO DIRECT, others will disengage IR signal as default.)
  • USB recording interface, firmware update, QuickTone edit software.
  • NG, CMP, EFX, AMP, IR, EQ, MOD, DLY, RVB, P.L | 10 independent moveable signal blocks.
  • Electric guitar amp models, bass amp models, and acoustic simulation IRs with related acoustic amp models.
8
7.6
SCORE
NUX Solid Studio IR Loader and Power Amp Simulator Pedal

NUX Solid Studio IR Loader Power and Amp Simulator Pedal

by UnAssigned
What We like

You can capture any of your favorite amplifiers sound and create your own IR file by Solid Studio. Place the microphone to the front of the speaker and adjust the capturing position as you desire.

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Product Features

  • Power Amp Simulation produces a warm tube-like sound and you can choose one of three power tubes for your essential sound needs.
  • STEREO Output and DI Output, and a Bypass "THRU" Output
  • Solid Studio comes with 8 speaker cabinet simulations. All the cabinet models inside the Solid Studio are sounds great as original as the way it feels.
  • 8 microphone models you can combine with any cabinets. You can adjust microphone position for fine tuning.
9
7.6
SCORE
NUX ACE of Tone Dual Overdrive Pedal stacked with Tubeman MKII and Morning Star

NUX ACE of Tone Dual Overdrive Pedal with stacked Tubeman MKII and Morning Star

by Cherub Technology Co.,Ltd
What We like

9V/18V switch to 18V for internal double voltage for wider dynamic range.

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Product Features

  • Versatile routing and toggle switches. You can adjust the order as MS->TM or TM->MS.
  • Dual Overdrive Pedal stacked with Tubeman MKII and Morning Star.
  • In the left corner-Tubeman with FAT mode. In the right corner-Morning Star with SHINE mode.
10
7.6
SCORE
NUX MG-300 Multi Effects Pedal TSAC-HD Pre-Effects,Amp Modeling algorithm,CORE-IMAGE Post-Effects,IR,56 drum beats,60 seconds Phrase Loop

NUX MG-300 Multi Pedal Effects TSAC-HD Pre-Effects

by Cherub Technology Co.,Ltd
What We like

Use Data Cable for USB port any time.

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Product Features

  • Load 3rd-party IRs to expand sound ability,56 drum beats and 60 seconds Phrase Loop Synchronization with Rhythm.
  • IR (Impulse Response), USB audio stream (recording interface with re-amp function), and more.
  • TSAC-HD Pre-Effects and Amp Modeling algorithm providing optimum sound response and play ability. CORE-IMAGE Post-Effects sound library offering you studio sound quality.
  • Update the firmware from the official website for the first playing.
  • Expression Pedal can be used to control the volume or the effects.

Once upon a time, in the early days of rock and roll, distortion was achieved by cranking up the volume on guitar amplifiers until they practically begged for mercy. However, as technology improved, musicians began to look for more reliable and consistent ways to achieve that coveted distorted sound.

Enter the NUX distortion pedal. The NUX brand was established in 2005 in China and quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, affordable pedals. Their first venture into the distortion pedal market was the NS-2 model in 2010. It was a basic, no-frills pedal that provided solid distortion without breaking the bank.

In 2013, NUX released the TS-2 Tube Screamer, a pedal designed to emulate the overdriven sound of a vintage tube amplifier. This pedal quickly became a fan favorite, with its warm and organic sound that could easily be dialed in to suit any playing style.

Over the next few years, NUX continued to release a variety of distortion pedals, each with their own unique sound and character. The NUX HG-6 High Gain Distortion Pedal was a favorite among metal guitarists, while the NUX Brownie Distortion Pedal was modeled after the iconic sound of the Marshall JCM800 amplifier.

In 2017, NUX released their most versatile distortion pedal yet - the NUX Cerberus. This pedal combined analog overdrive and distortion with digital effects, allowing guitarists to create complex and layered tones with ease. It also offered MIDI control and the ability to be used either as a standalone device or with a 4 cable method connection.

Despite their relatively short history in the distortion pedal market, NUX has quickly established itself as a brand that offers high-quality products at an affordable price point. Their commitment to innovation and versatility has earned them a loyal following among guitarists of all skill levels and genres. So, whether you're a metalhead or a blues player, there's a NUX distortion pedal out there for you.

One key design choice in the NUX Cerberus multi-effects pedal is its versatility in allowing users to choose between using it as a stand-alone device or with the 4 cable method connection. This design choice gives users more flexibility in how they choose to integrate the pedal within their existing setup, allowing for different routing options and ultimately leading to a more personalized and optimized sound.

Another notable design choice is the inclusion of MIDI control for organizing and editing the various effect pedals. This feature allows users to access and manipulate the different audio effects more efficiently and quickly, which can translate into a more fluid and dynamic performance experience. Additionally, the 128 preset options (32 banks x 4 presets) that are available in the pedal give users ample options to save and recall their preferred sound settings, allowing for consistency in performances and recordings.

Overall, these design choices show that the NUX Cerberus multi-effects pedal was created with the user's needs and preferences in mind. By offering flexibility, efficiency, and customization, the product aims to enhance the overall music-making experience beyond what the manufacturer says, empowering musicians to express themselves more fully through their music.

FAQ About nux distortion pedals

Q: Who makes NUX pedals?

A: NUX is a brand of guitar pedals and multi-effects processors that is owned by Cherub Technology Co., Ltd., a musical instrument company based in Shenzhen, China.

Q: What kind of distortion pedal does Slipknot use?

A: James Root, the guitarist of Slipknot, uses a number of different distortion pedals. One of his favorites is the Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9DX, which he uses to create his signature "scooped" tone.

Q: How much is NUX Recto distortion?

A: The price of the NUX Recto Distortion pedal can vary depending on the retailer, but it typically costs around $99 USD.

Q: What are the best metal distortion pedal settings?

A: The best metal distortion pedal settings depend on a number of factors, including the specific pedal being used, the guitar and amp being used, and the tone preferences of the player. However, some general tips for setting up a metal distortion pedal include boosting the mids for a more aggressive tone, using a high gain setting to create a thick, saturated sound, and experimenting with different EQ settings to find the right balance between clarity and heaviness.

And more, the NUX Cerberus multi-effects pedal is a must-have for guitarists looking for a versatile and dynamic tool. With its unique combination of Inside Routing, Analog Overdrive, Distortion, and Digital Effects, this pedal allows you to create your own personalized sound. What's more, it comes with MIDI control, making it easy to organize your own effect pedals. You can even use it as a stand-alone device or connect it using the 4 cable method. With 16 effects and 128 presets, there's no limit to the sounds you can create. So, if you're looking for a pedal that can do it all, be sure to check out the NUX Cerberus. To learn more on other NUX pedals, check out our review on NUX Pedals - Are They Good? [2022 REVIEW], and our list of the 10 Best Nux Distortion Pedals of 2023 on 10 Best Nux Distortion Pedals of 2023. Happy playing!

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