Amp-like distortion pedals

johnnyseven · Post by **johnnyseven** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 1:06 pm

I previously didn't really get the fuss about pedals that sounded like or acted in similar way to guitar amps. I had and OCD/DLS clone and didn't get on with them - found they didn't have enough brightness for me. However since I bought my Coopersonic Valveslapper and (particularly) Dirtbox i've realised that I like amp-like traits such as them being responsive to how hard you play or cleaning up with the guitar's volume knob. I like them so much so that i'm starting to dislike my Rat as it doesn't seem to operate in the same way. Just wondering what other pedals might be out there as a replacement for my Rat (I use it with the distortion level between 1/2 and 3/4) that are amp-like? I have already looked at and am interested in the Zvex Box or Rock (the Vexter version as it apparently has extra brightness which I like) and Distortron, review of these pedals would be welcome.

UlricvonCatalyst · Post by **UlricvonCatalyst** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 1:37 pm

There are a lot of valve-driven pre-amp type pedals out there. Maybe you'd get along with one of them.
I had a Tonebone Brit for a while which was kind of a Marshall stack in a box. Wouldn't that be a good substitute for the Rat?
If you want to go cheaper there are a lot of Blackstar valve pedals on eBay all the time for Â£50-Â£80.

Post by **Mike** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 1:52 pm

johnnyseven wrote:I previously didn't really get the fuss about pedals that sounded like or acted in similar way to guitar amps. I had and OCD/DLS clone and didn't get on with them - found they didn't have enough brightness for me.

That's weird. The DLS can be painfully bright with the tone dimed, while the OCD in HP mode is quite peaky.

At least in my setup I wouldn't want any more brightness out of them, in fact I keep the tone controls somewhere between the 11 and 2 o clock region on both on my Dual pedal.

I would imagine it's maybe something to do with
- your particular setup
- the fact you don't wear earplugs at rehearsal and get your ears smacked out by cymbals at close quarters.

It could be that you basically can't hear high frequencies all that well anymore due to fatigue.

Fran · Post by **Fran** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 2:00 pm

The MBM Tonebender cleans up well. More of a Fuzz though.
Dont laugh but the Boss DS-2 on mode II really is nice with the right guitar. Cleans up well with a Strat.

Johno · Post by **Johno** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 2:06 pm

Mark is there an overdrive pedal on the market you haven't owned already ha ha

maybe try Mesa Boogie V Twin

johnnyseven · Post by **johnnyseven** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 2:25 pm

You have a point there Johno, I have had quite a few. Mike's also probably right about my set up, maybe I need to realise that there isn't the perfect pedal out there for me and just get on with it with what I have. Thanks for talking some sense into me.

George · Post by **George** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 2:48 pm

My MBM Blackstone clone does all the responsive dynamic stuff you're after, and cleans up very well if at the beginning of your chain. It also has eyewatering levels of gain and a presence knob so you can dime all the treble you need.

I use it for a light transparent overdrive which is gorgeous.

mellowlogic · Post by **mellowlogic** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 3:30 pm

I love my DLS. I have yet to try an OCD, but that's definitely on my short list of pedals to purchase.

timhulio · Post by **timhulio** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 4:09 pm

Box of Rock is okay, as is a the BSIAB II. To be honest I'm not a big fan of 'amp-like' overdrive. I feel removed from the action, like using a digital model or something.

SGJarrod · Post by **SGJarrod** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 4:45 pm

Mike wrote:
johnnyseven wrote:I previously didn't really get the fuss about pedals that sounded like or acted in similar way to guitar amps. I had and OCD/DLS clone and didn't get on with them - found they didn't have enough brightness for me.
That's weird. The DLS can be painfully bright with the tone dimed, while the OCD in HP mode is quite peaky.

At least in my setup I wouldn't want any more brightness out of them, in fact I keep the tone controls somewhere between the 11 and 2 o clock region on both.

I would imagine it's maybe something to do with your particular setup

+1

I feel these are the best 2 amp-like OD's for that Brit sound.... If these do not do it for u then I am skeptical that you will find anything to work with ur current rig

I have never used an amp the OCD did not sound phenominal on.... and I no longer have my DLS...and I miss it

johnnyseven · Post by **johnnyseven** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 4:59 pm

As Mike suggested, maybe my ears don't work properly.

Thom · Post by **Thom** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 11:07 pm

I know that you've said that you don't take your rig to shows you play, or maybe not maybe shows you play...d that apply to practices as well?
The reason I ask is that when I'm at home I pretty much have to dime the treble/tone knobs on all my dirt pedals to get the bite out of them that I want - however, when I get to practice or gig, those same settings are FUCKING EAR BLEEDING HARSH! And immediately I dial it all out again. I guess it's the difference between playing at home volumes and playing with those tubes cooking. Maybe something to consider.
But back to your question...
DLS - for me is the greatest Marshall in a box pedal.
Formula No. 5 - wonderful, wonderful overdriven tweed sound.

johnnyseven · Post by **johnnyseven** » Wed Mar 02, 2011 11:47 pm

I always take my amp and cab to rehearsals. My Bassman played at home doesn't sound very good as I have to play at low volume, it's at band practice when I can crank my amp that I was referencing.

othomas2 · Post by **othomas2** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 12:39 am

I always find the T-rex Moller very amp-like...

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... maybe worth looking at the Dual Dr Swamp as well...

I might be off the marl in terms of the sound you're after though.

If you want that Marshall in a box then have a listen to the Wampler Plextortion... sound incredible, and quite versatile in terms of EQ.

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Thom · Post by **Thom** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 9:02 am

johnnyseven wrote:I always take my amp and cab to rehearsals. My Bassman played at home doesn't sound very good as I have to play at low volume, it's at band practice when I can crank my amp that I was referencing.

Fair enough. Am not sure what to suggest really...DLS through my Bassman can be really bright and I rarely have the tone above half way. Maybe it is the ears...

JJLipton · Post by **JJLipton** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:01 pm

Honestly i never liked the RAT either due to its lack of brightness. Right now im also looking for a pedal, The fulltone full drive 2 looks very cool.....2 stage overdrive? Very amp-like, if you ask me. Do you like tube screamers?

johnnyseven · Post by **johnnyseven** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:39 pm

JJLipton wrote:Honestly i never liked the RAT either due to its lack of brightness. Right now im also looking for a pedal, The fulltone full drive 2 looks very cool.....2 stage overdrive? Very amp-like, if you ask me. Do you like tube screamers?

That's interesting. I wouldn't say that my Rat lacked brightness at all.

cobascis · Post by **cobascis** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 1:54 pm

JJLipton wrote:Honestly i never liked the RAT either due to its lack of brightness. Right now im also looking for a pedal, The fulltone full drive 2 looks very cool.....2 stage overdrive? Very amp-like, if you ask me. Do you like tube screamers?

The rat is one of the brightest distortion pedals you can buy?

endsjustifymeans · Post by **endsjustifymeans** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 5:08 pm

cobascis wrote:
JJLipton wrote:Honestly i never liked the RAT either due to its lack of brightness. Right now im also looking for a pedal, The fulltone full drive 2 looks very cool.....2 stage overdrive? Very amp-like, if you ask me. Do you like tube screamers?
The rat is one of the brightest distortion pedals you can buy?

I have limited experience with a turbo RAT but bright is barely the description I would use... more searing.

sp3k · Post by **sp3k** » Thu Mar 03, 2011 6:20 pm

cobascis wrote:
JJLipton wrote:Honestly i never liked the RAT either due to its lack of brightness. Right now im also looking for a pedal, The fulltone full drive 2 looks very cool.....2 stage overdrive? Very amp-like, if you ask me. Do you like tube screamers?
The rat is one of the brightest distortion pedals you can buy?

I think it has a lot of treble but i don't think it's bright. I might just be playing with words here...

Amp-like distortion pedals

Amp-like distortion pedals

Re: Amp-like distortion pedals

Re: Amp-like distortion pedals