The fatter/darker FatRock version of the TightRock, can be used as a preamp into an amp’s effects return or power amp. Since its introduction, the TightRock has been very popular, but as usual Amptweaker received many requests for a variation the new FatRock is the culmination of discussions on online forums, from players who wanted a warmer version that worked better with brighter guitars and amps. All features are identical to the TightRock, but the tone has been tweaked to extend the low range of the Tight and Tone controls, add a fixed Fat boost at the frontend for a slightly less aggressive attack, knocking the edge down, and boosting the lowend in the output EQ. The EQ switch converts the tone from the TightDrive EQ to a new PlexEQ which gives the pedal the classic vintage stack tones a little less mids, and the classic 412 bottom, but this FatRock version doesn’t add as much sizzle as the TightRock PlexEQ does. The Gain Boost switch modifies the gain from a classic distortion sound to a very modern amount of gain, but doesn’t color the sound of your amp as much as the TightMetal. With the Gain Boost and EQ turned off the pedal can be used as a fat overdrive for an already distorted amp or pedal, without changing the character very much. The TightRock noise gate has also been retweaked to make it smoother, and to sound better with the reduced highs of the FatRock to allow it to work better for solos. A new cool Amptweaker feature is the SideTrak™ effects loop.Several consumer requests led to this extra effects loop that turns OFF when the pedal is ON. Since the FatRock makes such a good ‘solo’ pedal, it’s the perfect pedal to include this unique idea.