Pro Co Sound, a name synonymous with the iconic RAT distortion, has announced the release of its new, highly anticipated Sterling Vermin Distortion Pedal. This boutique-quality stompbox, hand-soldered in small batches in Jackson, Missouri, is set to redefine what players expect from their gain pedals, expertly blending classic RAT grind with refined overdrive textures.
Unrivaled Tone and Craftsmanship
The Sterling Vermin isn’t just another distortion pedal; it’s a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design.
Boasting premium components including a high-performance LM741 op-amp and smooth CTS pots, this pedal delivers an expansive sonic palette.
Boutique RAT?
Guitarists will immediately recognize the familiar 3-knob control set, offering seamless access to everything from subtle, sweet-sounding grit to harmonic-rich, fuzz-like grunge.
“Fusing refined overdrive textures with traditional RAT grind may seem like a peculiar amalgamation, but you’ll recognize the sheer genius of this combination every time you plug into the Pro Co Sterling Vermin,” says a Sweetwater spokesperson. “Simply put, it’s a masterwork of stompbox design, yielding extremely dynamic textures ranging from high-fidelity Klone-like low-gain to Muff-esque tones that hit like a katzenjammer.”
Available at Sweewater
Versatility at Your Feet: Dual Clipping Modes
A standout feature of the Sterling Vermin is its selectable clipping diodes. Players can effortlessly toggle between traditional RAT silicon diodes for that classic, bold, midrange-heavy bite or engage a hot-modded BAT41 option for a smoother, more balanced response and expanded tonal colors.
This versatility ensures the pedal excels as both a snarling high-gain distortion and an articulate low-gain overdrive, offering a broad, highly usable tonal range across the entire gain spectrum.
Built to Impress, Dressed to Perform
Beyond its exceptional sound, the Pro Co Sterling Vermin makes a visual statement. Housed in a polished stainless steel enclosure with exquisite laser-annealed graphics, it’s designed to withstand the rigors of the road while looking positively eye-catching on any pedalboard.
High-end CTS pots and oversized knobs provide smooth, satisfying control with consistent, responsive rotation, underscoring its boutique-quality construction from top to bottom.
Key Features of the Pro Co Sterling Vermin:
- Boutique-quality stompbox fusing refined overdrive textures with traditional RAT grind
- High-performance LM741 op-amp
- Selectable clipping diodes: traditional RAT silicon or hot-modded BAT41 option
- Extremely dynamic textures, from high-fidelity Klone-like low-gain to heavy-hitting Muff-esque tones
- Familiar 3-knob control set with high-end CTS pots
- Hand-soldered in small batches in Jackson, MO
- Polished stainless steel enclosure with laser-annealed graphics
Price & Availability
The Pro Co Sterling Vermin Distortion Pedal is available now with an MSRP of $349.99. It promises to be a statement piece for discerning musicians who refuse to compromise on tone.
Be sure to check out our guide on how to dial in the top 5 distortion and overdrive pedals.
Available at Sweewater
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