Wren and Cuff XTS Series: Huge Fuzz in a Micro Pedal
Wren and Cuff launches the XTS Series—palm-sized Big Muff recreations with full-size tone. Priced at $149.99 each, now available.
Boutique pedal builder Wren and Cuff has officially unveiled the XTS Series, proving you don't need to sacrifice pedalboard real estate for massive, stadium-ready fuzz. Standing for "Extra Small," the new XTS lineup shrinks two of the company’s most highly regarded Big Muff® recreations into palm-sized enclosures. Priced at a competitive $149.99 each, these micro pedals deliver the exact same meticulous tone-crafting that put Wren and Cuff on the map.
No Compromise on the Micro Scale
When boutique builders transition to micro pedals, the industry standard often means cutting corners on build quality, switching to cheaper components, and ditching reliability for a smaller footprint. Wren and Cuff took the exact opposite approach.
The XTS Series pedals meet the same rigorous standards as the rest of the Wren and Cuff lineup. Both pedals are made entirely in the USA, feature true hard-wire bypass, and come with a lifetime warranty. They are road-ready, deeply rugged, and perfectly suited for crowded modern pedalboards where space is at a premium.
XTS Tall Font Russian: The Throaty Classic
Since the late 2000s, the full-size Tall Font Russian has been a staple in the Wren and Cuff catalog, landing on professional boards in tiny clubs and massive arenas alike. Now, that exact same circuit is available in the XTS format.
Designed as a part-for-part recreation of a transitional-model "Tall Font" Sovtek®-era Muff, this pedal is famous for its comparatively low-gain grind and aggressive, throaty growl. With greatly reduced output and a milder mid-scoop than its American ancestors, it sits beautifully in a mix. It bridges the gap between a traditional fuzz and a heavy overdrive, retaining incredible note definition and an articulate character.
Bassists will also find a lot to love here—the XTS Tall Font Russian handles low frequencies effortlessly, meshing with the bass without ever becoming flabby, smeared, or lost in the mix.
XTS Fade Font ’94: The Aggressive Sibling
If the Tall Font is the articulate, throaty brother, the XTS Fade Font ’94 is its louder, distinctly angrier sibling. Based on a unique vintage 1994 Sovtek-era Big Muff® from builder Matt Holl’s personal collection, this pedal captures a vastly different side of the 90s Russian fuzz sound.
The original unit featured a strange collection of component values due to the loose manufacturing tolerances and component drift common to the era. Recreating this specific magic took two years of meticulous experimentation. The resulting Fade Font ’94 circuit is higher-gain, far more aggressive, and loaded with unmistakable papery grit and a commanding, focused low end.
While squeezing this massive circuit into a micro-enclosure meant a few of the full-size Fade Font's highly unique, oversized parts couldn't make the jump, the XTS version gets remarkably close to the original 1994 tone in both sound and feel. It is a powerhouse for both guitar and bass players looking for an aggressive cut.
XTS Series Shared Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
| Power | 9VDC negative tip adapter (2.1 mm barrel) |
| Current Draw | 8mA |
| Dimensions | 3.7” x 1.6” x 2” (L x W x H) |
| Weight | 6.9 oz |
| Bypass | True hard-wire bypass |
| Price | $149.99 |
Out Thoughts
I'm a massive Big Muff fan (see my articles linked below), so these are both right up my alley. Their compact size makes a lot of sense and leaves more space for other stompboxes on your pedalboard.
- The Legendary Roar: A History of the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff Pi
- Top 5 Big Muff Clones/Alternatives: Big Muff Circuits With a Twist
These are well worth checking out if you need the controlled grind of the Tall Font or the aggressive roar of the Fade Font '94. The Wren and Cuff XTS Series lets you keep your tone without compromising for an inch of pedalboard space. Both models are available now.
- +Compact micro size without tone compromise
- +True hard-wire bypass and USA manufacturing
- +Lifetime warranty
- +$149.99 price point is competitive for boutique Big Muff clones
- +Two distinct circuit voicings for different playing styles
- +Articulate low-end response suitable for bass
What's the difference between the XTS Tall Font Russian and XTS Fade Font '94?
The Tall Font Russian is a part-for-part recreation of a transitional Sovtek-era Muff with low-gain grind and articulate growl that bridges fuzz and overdrive. The Fade Font '94 is higher-gain, more aggressive, and delivers papery grit with a focused low end based on a specific 1994 vintage unit.
Are the XTS Series pedals made in the USA?
Yes. Both pedals are made entirely in the USA, feature true hard-wire bypass, include a lifetime warranty, and meet the same rigorous standards as Wren and Cuff's full-size lineup.
How much do XTS Series pedals cost?
Each pedal in the XTS Series is priced at $149.99. Both models draw 8mA at 9VDC and fit in a compact 3.7" x 1.6" x 2" footprint.
Keep browsing
Get this stuff first.
Leaks, deals and reviews in your inbox, once a week. No spam, just gear.