Well, regarding Fuzz - the first decision one has to make is if you prefer Germanium or Silicon Transistors being used. A rather vintage inspired, smoother tone is produces by Germanium Transistors while the Silicon fuzz pedals are known to offer greater transparency and simply sound harsher, brighter and fuzzier. The EarthQuaker Devices Hoof, being a hybrid, pairs the good qualities of both Transistors delivering a smooth, natural and harmonically rich sustain. The Level, Fuzz and Tone controls operate in the usual way while the Shift knob lets you adjust the mid content- from classic scooped mids to more modern cutting mid-range frequencies. The EarthQuaker Hoof is hand build, all-analog, true bypass that can be powered by either battery or a regulated power supply.