ProCo Sterling Vermin vs Wampler Phenom Distortion

The ProCo Sterling Vermin and the Wampler Phenom Distortion are both pedals sharing op-amp. The ProCo Sterling Vermin leans aggressive and full. The Wampler Phenom Distortion leans high gain and tight. Current prices: $349.99 vs $99.97.

Similarity
citedBlended 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.

45% — somewhat different

Shared tone character
citedDerived from overlapping tonal signals across both listings.
  • op-amp
Citation fame
citedCitation/mention fame — how often this gear is cited across artist rigs and gear discussion.
0%
0%
Price

$349.99via Reverb

$99.97via Reverb

Description

The ProCo Sterling Vermin is a boutique take on the classic Rat circuit built around an LM741 op-amp with selectable clipping diodes, letting players flip between the classic silicon-diode RAT grind and a smoother, more articulate voice using BAT41 diodes. Its Distortion and Filter knobs set around 2 o'clock hit a sweet spot that's thick, heavy, and spongy, while backing off the Distortion knob shifts it toward a soft-clipping, nuanced, amp-like overdrive rather than full fuzz-edged distortion. It preserves the RAT's familiar shaggy distortion-and-fuzz blend on the silicon setting while sounding tighter and more defined even when pushed toward fuzzier textures. It suits players wanting the classic RAT voice with real added tonal versatility from its filter and diode-selection options.

The Wampler Phenom Distortion uses JFET-based clipping instead of the op-amp and diode clipping found in most drive pedals, loosely inspired by the popular MXR EVH 5150-style high-gain tones at a lower price point. It offers a Bright/Classic voicing switch, independent Gain and Volume controls, and a full 3-band EQ. Classic mode delivers smooth, tight low-end punch and soaring lead tone, while Bright mode adds a glassy harmonic edge that cuts through a live mix, part of Wampler's value-focused Collective Series.

Genres
citedGenres this gear is documented as being used in.
  • Punk
  • Rock
  • Metal
  • Hard Rock
Tonal lean
  • aggressive
  • full
  • fuzzy
  • high gain
  • tight
  • harmonically rich
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