Beetronics Larva vs Heavy Metal FX HMFX Phase Riot Factory Second
The Beetronics Larva and the Heavy Metal FX HMFX Phase Riot Factory Second are both pedals. The Beetronics Larva leans crunchy and mid-forward. The Heavy Metal FX HMFX Phase Riot Factory Second leans aggressive and high gain.
cited
Blended from circuit-archetype lineage, dynamic feel, tone-signal overlap and tone-vector distance — the tone vector itself is derived from editorial description text, not a measured acoustic signal, so this reflects how similarly the catalog copy describes the two, not a lab measurement. Shown only within a gear class, and only where there's enough evidence to be meaningful.43% — somewhat different
cited
Citation/mention fame — how often this gear is cited across artist rigs and gear discussion.$249via Reverb
The Beetronics Larva is a six-stage analog phaser with dual preset morphing and an integrated Moogerfooger-inspired preamp, handmade in Los Angeles. Two independent Rate and Depth controls define phaser presets A and B; the Ramp footswitch morphs continuously between them, with Ramp Speed and Ramp Shape controls governing the transition curve. A Resonance knob shapes the phaser feedback intensity. The integrated Preamp section (Gain and Master Volume) delivers warming crunch independently or combined with the phaser. An Effect toggle selects Preamp only, Phaser only, or Vibe mode. Tap tempo and bypass footswitches. Standard and Custom Shop editions at $249 and $349.
Heavy Metal FX is a small boutique builder whose catalog leans toward gain and modulation pedals aimed at metal and hard-rock players, and the Phase Riot is the brand's take on an aggressive phaser rather than a subtle, vintage-style sweep. This particular unit is listed as a factory second, meaning it likely carries a minor cosmetic flaw such as an enclosure scratch or slightly off-center graphic rather than any functional defect, sold at a discount versus a first-quality unit. Specific control layout and sweep-rate range for this model aren't confirmed here beyond the boutique gain-pedal positioning implied by the brand's broader catalog.
cited
Genres this gear is documented as being used in.- classic rock
- alternative
- funk
- Metal
- Hard Rock
- Alternative Rock
- crunchy
- mid-forward
- analog warmth
- warm
- aggressive
- high gain