Citadel Electronics Vector

A Seventies Super-Fuzz, Updated for Today

The Vector follows in the tradition of octave fuzzes that shaped 70s rock, with that immediately recognizable sonic signature: a nervous high end, cascading harmonics, and a very pronounced presence in the mix. Here, the approach is decidedly modern: the combination of germanium and silicon transistors allows you to regain the warmth, roundness, and "vintage" response of germanium, while benefiting from the stability and impact of silicon when you push the gain.

For Whom, Which Styles, and In What Context?

Designed for guitarists and bassists seeking a fuzz with personality, the Vector excels when filling the space with a wall of saturation without losing midrange definition. It suits both intermediate and advanced musicians looking for an analog fuzz capable of stepping off the beaten path, whether on a riff-oriented pedalboard or in a studio setup for layering guitars.

Its natural playgrounds: stoner rock, doom, grunge, garage, experimental metal, and shoegaze. On bass, it maintains a convincing foundation and delivers controlled aggression that makes the instrument stand out in a dense mix, especially on pick-driven lines or more "synthetic" patterns.

Controls, Settings, and Design: A Fuzz That Shapes Itself

The Vector offers a set of controls designed to quickly dial in the right sound while maintaining real finesse. The Tone adjusts the overall balance, while Fuzz controls the saturation level, from nervous roughness to a more massive compression. The Octave control adds the harmonic coloration typical of octave fuzzes, ideal for psychedelic leads, monolithic riffs, or textures that "sing" on the high strings.

The Wear control is the key to versatility: it modulates the grain texture to shift from a dense, tight, and heavily compressed sound to a more open, airy, and biting saturation. On the integration side, the relay-based true bypass ensures a preserved signal when bypassed, and the silent footswitch makes the pedal particularly pleasant for live use. Finally, the power-on activation selector is a real plus for advanced pedalboards (convenient for recalling your on/off state at startup).

The Sound

The Vector delivers a massive fuzz, very rich in harmonics, with an attack that can range from a "velvety" thick tone to a sharper, more aggressive edge depending on your settings. The germanium/silicon blend is noticeable in the response under the fingers: the pedal can remain warm and organic on open chords while becoming more incisive and abrasive when pushing gain and octave.

It responds particularly well to playing nuances and instrument volume variations: by slightly lowering the volume, you can regain definition and tame the saturation, then instantly return to a rough and authoritative fuzz. The octave adds that "synth-like" brightness and the sensation of a doubled note, perfect for cutting leads, hypnotic unisons, and very lively psych/ambient textures.

Technical specifications

Effects	Octaver / Harmony, Distortion / Overdrive / Fuzz	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Grey
EQ	Tone

Brand / Model	Citadel Electronics Ltd Vector	Length	114 mm
Effect	fuzz saturation with +1 octave	Width	62 mm
Controls	Tone, Octave, Level, Fuzz, Wear	Height	58 mm
Octave	harmonic addition inspired by vintage fuzzes	Weight	250 g
Texture	Wear control to shape saturation grain	Manufacturing	China
Bypass	relay-based true bypass	For guitar	stoner riffs, psychedelic leads, intense fuzz textures
Footswitch	silent	For bass	massive saturation with preserved lows
Selector	power-on activation/deactivation	Suitable styles	stoner rock, doom, grunge, garage, experimental metal, shoegaze
Indicator	activation LED	Context	stage, studio, rehearsals
Input	6.35mm Jack	Included	Vector pedal
Output	6.35mm Jack	Power supply	optional 9V DC adapter
Chassis	metal	Consumption	50 mA