Almost all overdrive or distortion pedals use diodes, tubes or transistors to clip your signal, but Gamechanger Audio has thrown those out the window with its new Plasma Pedal. Instead, electrical wizardry powers the device—through a window on the enclosure, you can even marvel at miniature lightning bolts shaking and shuddering as you play.

But how does it all work? According to the manufacturer, the Plasma Pedal converts your signal into a rapid series of continuous high-voltage discharges within a xenon-filled tube. Those discharges are then converted back into an analog audio signal, leaving you with a saturated, hot-as-hell and almost-screeching distortion that sounds as though it was made for chunky rhythm and staccato lead playing. And a natural noise gate effect, courtesy of the unique circuitry, lends even more credence to that claim.

Hear the Plasma Pedal in action in the video below:

Gamechanger has not announced a price and date of availability for the Plasma Pedal. For more information, check outgamechangeraudio.com.