Blackstar DEPT.10 Dual Drive Valve Overdrive/Preamp Effect Pedal

General

Designed by the DEPT.10 R&D team at Blackstar, the Dual Drive is no mere high-quality two-channel tube overdrive stompbox, but a fully-fledged preamp pedal complete with Cab Rig simulator. To start, you're presented with the choice of an organic clean sound and three just-as-natural cuts of overdrive via the CL/CR and OD1/OD2 mini-switches, and while split into two sides, the distortion amount and volume can be dialled in per side for accurate shaping. Inside, the single ECC83 preamp valve operates at a higher power rating of 200 Volts, bringing it up to the level of a tube amp, so you get that trademark breakup to ensure that every nuance is pulled out of your playing.

The DEPT.10 Dual Drive: Jack Straight in On Stage & Record at Home with Ease

The second course of treats served up by this pedal includes the ability to plug directly into the stage block of a PA system while still enjoying every bit of your full-fat guitar sound. This is all thanks to patented Cab Rig simulator technology of which, using the various controls offered by the free Architect software, the power amp, cabinet, virtual room, microphone, and master section can be customised with precision. The DEPT .10 team have also gifted their Dual Drive with Blackstar's own ISF control. Push it to the right to unleash classic British-style tone, or pull it back to the left for a more American vibe. This comprehensive guitar-based tool can even be hooked up to a PC or Mac computer via the low-latency USB port to serve as a solid audio interface for home recording.