Thorn Soundlabs The Freak Double Stage Booster

A modern booster designed as a sculpting tool

In the world of guitar boost pedals, there are often two categories: the clean boost (which raises the level without coloring too much) and the "character" boost (which adds a marked signature). The Thorn Soundlabs The Freak positions itself as a hybrid tool: it can deliver level with a linear behavior while offering precise midrange focus thanks to its variable range "Freq" circuit. The result: you can adapt your presence and projection on stage without necessarily changing amps or stacking complex EQs.

Its "double stage" approach is ideal in a modern effects chain: one stage can be used to structure gain and dynamics, while the other allows you to shape the most useful frequency range depending on the guitar, pickups, and context (trio, big wall of guitars, drop tuning, etc.).

Who is The Freak for, and in which styles does it make a difference?

The Freak is aimed at guitarists who want to control their attack and their place in the mix, from intermediate to pro level. In blues and rock, it becomes a formidable boost pedal to thicken a tube amp crunch, raise volume for solos, or add extra bite to an existing overdrive. In metal and hard rock, the "Damping" setting and "Freq" section help to tighten the low end and target the right midrange zone for better clarity, especially with low tunings.

In the studio, it's an ally for standardizing a take: a well-set boost helps stabilize perceived level, enhance attack precision, and achieve a more consistent drive by pushing a preamp. Live, it helps cut through the mix without necessarily increasing volume: a well-chosen frequency setting often provides more presence than a pure volume boost.

Controls, switching, and "double stage" logic

The interface is straightforward, with four controls: Damping, Gain, Boost, and Freq. The Damping control adjusts the amount of low frequencies reaching the distortion circuit: this is a very musical lever to keep the bass tight, avoid "muddy" effects, and maintain definition when pushing the amp or a drive pedal downstream. The Gain / Boost pair allows you to dial the level and the push sensation, from a subtle nudge to a full-on solo mode.

The Freq parameter selects a precise frequency range to boost or cut: this is especially useful to adapt the pedal to a guitar that's too dark, a very bright amp, or a pedalboard already heavy in mids. On stage, The Freak offers switching designed for action: two footswitches (Effect Bypass and Boost, and Freq) and dedicated status LEDs (Freq and Boost) for quick visual control. The whole is wired with true bypass, ideal if you want a clean effect cut when disabled.

Sound

The Thorn Soundlabs The Freak stands out with a sense of punch and responsiveness: it respects playing intention and pick dynamics while allowing fine-tuning where it really matters. In clean boost mode, the level increase remains clear and useful for driving an amp input, with a feeling of reserve and authority. When you start playing with Damping and the Freq section, the pedal becomes a true "mixing tool" for guitarists: tighter lows, better focused mids, and adjusted presence without unnecessary harshness.

Placed before an overdrive, distortion, or tube amp, it can thicken the grain, improve attack definition, and give a more "finished" sound. Placed after some saturations, it can also work as a level booster for leads while maintaining tonal coherence thanks to the frequency control.

Technical specifications

Effects	Boost	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	White
EQ	Yes

Variable frequency range for boost	300 Hz to 3.4 kHz	Power connector	5.5 x 2.1 mm barrel plug, center negative
Controls	Damping, Gain, Boost, Freq	Battery operation	not possible
Footswitches	Effect Bypass and Boost, Freq	Dimensions	94 x 120 x 38 mm
Status LEDs	Freq and Boost	Dimensions with switches, jacks, and knobs	94 x 123.5 x 53 mm
Input	6.35mm mono TS jack	Weight	370 g
Output	6.35mm mono TS jack	Power adapter	not included
Input impedance	470 kOhms	Required voltage	9 to 18 V DC (center negative)
Output impedance	2.2 kOhms	Consumption	18 mA
Power	9 to 18 V DC (do not exceed 18 V DC)