Detail 01
Distortion, not overdrive
Generates its own saturated gain, so it works into a clean amp without relying on amp breakup.
Product detailSKU #1294516231355
TC ElectronicDark Matter Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal
aggressivehigh outputwarmmetalrockhard rock
1/4
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
TC Electronic's budget distortion pedal. For a guitarist who wants heavier, more saturated gain than an overdrive gives, at a low price.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Getting heavy rhythm tones from a clean or solid-state amp
- Rock and punk rhythm parts on a small board
- A second, higher-gain channel for players with a one-channel amp
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players who want subtle, transparent boost — this is a full distortion
- Anyone chasing amp-like low-gain breakup
- Bass rigs; the voicing is aimed at guitar
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
Aggressive, cutting voicing
Presence in the upper mids helps rhythm parts stay audible against drums and bass.
Detail 03
High output
Can be run at unity or pushed above your clean level, so switching on gives a volume lift too.
Detail 04
Thick, warm low end
Chugging low notes hold together rather than turning to mush at high gain.
Detail 05
Under $65
Low enough risk to be a first distortion, with no resale pressure if the voicing isn't yours.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Budget for a 9V supply; check whether one is in the box
- 02High-gain pedals expose noisy single-coils — a noise gate may be worth adding
- 03Sounds thin through small practice amps; test through the rig you actually use
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Dark Matter or MojoMojo — which should I get?
Dark Matter for heavier, self-contained distortion into a clean amp. MojoMojo for warmer overdrive that pushes an amp you already like.
02Is it enough gain for metal?
It reaches saturated distortion territory. Whether it's enough depends on how modern and tight you want the rhythm tone.
03Will it clean up with the guitar volume knob?
Distortion pedals respond less to volume rolloff than overdrives do. Expect a gain drop, not a full clean tone.
04Can I use it as a solo boost?
Yes, with the level set above unity, though it also changes your tone rather than just raising volume.
