1981 Inventions DRV2 No3 Distortion Effect Pedal, Black Hyperfade

Hand assembled in Nashville, TN and imagined by Matthew Hoopes from Relient K, 1981 Inventions prides themselves in reinventing, retooling, and reinspiring musicians to get creative with simplistic effects. Their DRV distortion pedal was, and still is, a big hit, becoming one of the go to names in the boutique pedal world for its "rodent" reminiscent style and diverse array of aesthetic variations. Now, 1981 has revisited this beloved circuit with the DRV2 No3, a modified distortion effect pedal that isn't too far off from V1, enhancing the signature sound with new adjustments that give way to more expressive dirt-crafting.

Just like the previous iteration, the DRV2 is a three knob wonder that goes from barely dusty to disgusting dirty with the turn of the DRV2 knob. The notable upgrade for this version, and this could come as a shock when talking distortion effects, is the lower noise floor. This quieter tweak allows for a wider sounding distortion, giving the option to dial in the crunch (or lack thereof) to clean, barely-clipping tones to add slight character to a stock sound. Alternatively, the wilder settings won't idly hum and buzz when playing isolated leads, reserving the distorted treatment for notes and chords alone. When used in addition to the VOL knob, players can accurately gain stage the effect to their liking.

The final top side control that needs to be spoken on is the CUT knob, a high-frequency roll off that now affects a wider tonal spectrum with bigger lows and tighter highs. Set the filter wide open for gnarly, scratchy, almost fuzzy tones, or ease off the high end to achieve a bluesy, subdued character. Dial this parameter into the DRV2 and VOL functions and experiment with different sonic possibilities like fully filtered hair raising or wide open chiming, yet minorly crunchy cleans.

Pushing the distorted envelope further, the DRV2 is now operable with both 9-volt and 18-volt power supplies. This modifications makes the effect respond differently at each voltage, essentially providing two different, but mostly alike modes dependent on the power decided. Inside the box, 1981 has included the option for switchable true-bypass for players who want the option. The improved distortion is packaged in a newly designed aluminum enclosure printed with UV gloss graphics.

Find the DRV to distort like no other with the 1981 Inventions DRV2 No3 Distortion effect pedal.