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What Is the PLASMA Coil? Gamechanger Audio’s Distortion Pedal Explained

The PLASMA Coil is Gamechanger Audio and Third Man Records’ Xenon-tube distortion pedal—but “plasma coil” also has unrelated industrial and air-treatment meanings.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team

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“Plasma coil” can refer to several unrelated technologies. For guitarists and other musicians, the best-documented consumer product with that name is Gamechanger Audio and Third Man Records’ PLASMA Coil: an instrument distortion pedal that uses a Xenon gas-discharge tube. It is not a semiconductor-processing tool or a generic plasma-coil hobby device.

What is the Gamechanger Audio PLASMA Coil?

The PLASMA Coil is a distortion pedal for shaping an instrument’s sound. Gamechanger Audio’s manual describes a signal passing through a transformer and Xenon gas-discharge tube, with the audio recovered from electromagnetic fluctuations. The manufacturer also describes the pedal’s distortion and gating behavior and its subharmonic and upper-harmonic modes. These are manufacturer explanations, not independent listening-test results. Read the manufacturer’s manual.

A Reverb product listing describes a signal path that includes EQ, octave/effect circuitry, a transformer, a Xenon tube and an antenna. It lists the high-voltage distortion circuit as operating at 3.5 kV; that figure is a listing specification, not independently verified measurement. See the Reverb listing.

How does the pedal shape a sound?

The tube-based circuit produces distortion, while the pedal’s gating behavior affects how the distorted signal responds as notes fade. The manual documents subharmonic and upper-harmonic modes, letting players add lower or higher harmonic content. The available sources describe these functions but do not establish how the pedal compares sonically with other distortion effects.

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#1 Best Overall
Gamechanger Audio Plasma Pedal
  • High voltage distortion is a new and previously unexplored method of achieving signal clipping. You are playing a bolt of electricity, and the electrical discharges produced by the PLASMA Tube are instantly converted back into audio signal.
  • Unique frequency response with grainy and sizzling distortion textures. Sharp and massive pick attacks because of the naturally occurring noise gate.
  • Wide scope if picking response. From sputtery broken sounds, to rhythmical staccato playing, all the way to rich and very long sustaining lead sounds.
  • Harmonic transparency allows to play even the most complex chords. Suitable and designed to use with guitars, bass, synthesizers and drum machines.
  • Power supply is not included. Plasma Pedal uses standard 9 V DC center negative pedal power supply.

Gamechanger Audio says the pedal was designed primarily for guitar, and that it can also be used with synths, bass and drums. Suitability in a particular rig depends on the instrument’s signal and the player’s intended sound; the sources do not provide independent tests across those instruments.

Power, size and safe setup

  • Power: The manufacturer specifies 9 V DC, center-negative, with a 2.1 × 5.5 mm barrel connector and 300 mA current capacity. The pedal does not support a 9 V battery. Check voltage, polarity, connector size and current capacity before connecting a supply. Manufacturer manual.
  • Water: The manual warns against operating the pedal near water or in rainy outdoor conditions.
  • Dimensions and weight: The manual lists 148 × 96 × 70 mm and 840 g.
  • Frequency response: The manual specifies 20 Hz–22 kHz.

How long does the Xenon tube last?

There is no single guaranteed service-life figure in the available product descriptions. Gamechanger Audio’s manual estimates 10,000 hours. A Reverb listing gives a wider estimate of 10,000–70,000 hours of active playing and describes the tube as replaceable. These are source-specific estimates, not a warranty or promise of lifespan; the manual advises contacting the dealer or manufacturer if the tube breaks. Manual · Reverb listing.

Rank #2
Gamechanger Audio Plasma Drive High Voltage Distortion Eurorack Module
  • High voltage distortion is a new and previously unexplored method of achieving signal clipping. You are playing a bolt of electricity, and the electrical discharges produced by the PLASMA Tube are instantly converted back into audio signal.
  • Unique frequency response with grainy and sizzling distortion textures. Sharp and massive attacks because of the naturally occurring noise gate.
  • Wide scope if input level response. From sputtery broken sounds, to rhythmical staccato playing, all the way to rich and very long sustaining sounds.
  • 1 octave up and 1 and 2 octave down tracking oscillators. CV control over distortion and dry wet mix. Assignable pre and post effect equalizer.
  • Harmonic transparency allows to play even the most complex chords.

What else can “plasma coil” mean?

The phrase is not the name of one universal device. In semiconductor-processing equipment, an RF current through a conducting coil can generate an electric field that sustains plasma in a low-pressure chamber. One patent describes a particular design that places a conductor plate in the coil’s central void to increase field intensity there and slow residue formation on a chamber window. That industrial component is unrelated to the instrument pedal. Read the patent.

Other uses are distinct as well. A University of Canterbury paper, “Generating high voltages with a plasma coil transformer,” reports a prototype producing a 75 kV peak impulse from a 40 kV DC capacitor bank; it does not show that a desktop demonstration device or the guitar pedal uses the same design. Read the paper. Novaerus uses the phrase for a plasma-discharge component in an air-treatment device, but its product FAQ does not establish general air-cleaner or health outcomes. See the Novaerus FAQ.

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Rank #3
Generic AC Adapter for Gamechanger Audio Third Man Records Plasma Coil Fuzz Pedal Power
  • Adapter worldwide input voltage range: 100-240V 50 / 60HZ
  • Our product is the replacement . not orginal , but All Adapters have been 100% tested ensure it works with the models shown in th title
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  • Cable Length: 4ft(1.2m)
  • Package include: 1 x New Premium AC-DC Adapter Charger Power Supply
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Warranty and buying considerations

The manufacturer’s manual states a one-year warranty from shipping, or longer where applicable law requires. Warranty coverage depends on the applicable terms and jurisdiction, so check the current terms with the seller or manufacturer when buying. The available sources do not establish current prices or inventory.

For a potential buyer, the practical checks are whether the pedal’s distortion and harmonic controls fit the intended sound, whether the power supply meets the exact specification, and whether tube service and the applicable warranty are acceptable. The cited sources do not compare the PLASMA Coil with competing pedals or provide independent sound tests.

Quick Recap

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Bestseller No. 2
Gamechanger Audio Plasma Drive High Voltage Distortion Eurorack Module
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Harmonic transparency allows to play even the most complex chords.
$369.00
Bestseller No. 3
Generic AC Adapter for Gamechanger Audio Third Man Records Plasma Coil Fuzz Pedal Power
Generic AC Adapter for Gamechanger Audio Third Man Records Plasma Coil Fuzz Pedal Power
Adapter worldwide input voltage range: 100-240V 50 / 60HZ; Cable Length: 4ft(1.2m); Package include: 1 x New Premium AC-DC Adapter Charger Power Supply
$6.10
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Feumotu AC Adapter for Gamechanger Audio Third Man Records Plasma Coil Fuzz Pedal Power
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Jantoy Replacement AC Adapter Compatible for Gamechanger Audio Third Man Records Plasma Coil Fuzz Pedal Power
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Jantoy Replacement AC Adapter Compatible for Gamechanger Audio Third Man Records Plasma Coil Fuzz Pedal Power
  • AC Adapter compatible for Gamechanger Audio Third Man Records PLASMA Coil Fuzz Pedal Power
  • Manufactured with high quality material and built-in protection of over current, over voltage, short circuits . COMPACT DESIGN and LOW CONSUMPTION makes it ideal for taking around and using at home.High-quality materials and tested by the manufacturer to ensure safety and durability.
  • Clean the charging port of the power adapter regularly. Because the plug is prone to fouling after long-term use. If it is not cleaned up in time, it will cause poor contact of the plug and even cause the adapter to fail to work.
  • Choose Correct Voltage: Please choose correct voltage before plug it to your device. Small household appliances usually don't have circuit protection, if with the wrong voltage, may damage your device. It is important to choose the right voltage before powering your device. We recommend to use less than 330% of the full load.
  • Note: Prevent falling from heights during use. Do not throw, knock, or shake the charger. High and low temperatures can shorten the life of electronic equipment, damage chargers, and damage circuit boards. Please use indoors.Please don’t run it overload. Otherwise, it will be damaged soon.
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Feumotu AC Adapter for Gamechanger Audio Third Man Records Plasma Coil Fuzz Pedal Power
  • Constructed from robust and resilient components to support enduring use.
  • Incorporates integrated safeguards to promote secure and stable operation.
  • Offers broad adaptability across various devices and configurations.
  • Designed with energy-saving considerations to reduce power usage without compromising output.
  • Simplified upkeep and cleaning for sustained reliability.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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