Understand Guitar Overdrive Pedals [Gain, Clipping, Headroom, EQ & All That] - That Pedal Show

Why do the classic OD pedals - Tube Screamer, Bluesbreaker, Klon, RAT and others - sound like they do? Join us as we unravel what’s going on.
Life too short for long KZbin videos? Please see the ‘Interesting bits and go-to sections’ information below.
Welcome to the show. So you’re confused about overdrive pedals? Yep, us too. It used to be that there was but a modest handful of predominantly yellow, green and black boxes from which to select your overdriver. It was easy, and pretty cheap. Now there are hundreds and hundreds of pedals at all prices, all claiming to be the ‘best’ version of this, that or the other. Where do you start?
Let’s break it down. Today we’re talking about the ‘normal’, ubiquitous overdrive pedal: those that use an opamp and clipping circuit in the style of Tube Screamers, Rats, Bluesbreakers, Boss ODs, Klons etc etc etc… Yes, there are other ways to do it, but this is by far the most prevalent.
We talk about gain, clipping types - hard and soft clipping, asymmetric/symmetric - EQ and headroom as the broad topics of discussion. Our hope is that if you can stay awake until the end of the video, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s going on and, crucially, be in a better place to choose an OD pedal that will work for you.
PLEASE NOTE: Our diagrams are merely simplistic representations to help the discussion. They are NOT any kind of circuit diagram.
Enjoy the episode.
Pedals & stuff in this episode…
• TheGigRig Three2One
www.thegigrig.com/three2one
• Sonic Research ST-200 Tuner (link for the ST 300 Mini)
Australia: bit.ly/2mR1s8c
• Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive
No longer available new
• Boss SD-1w Super Overdrive
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2h8pDvx
USA: bit.ly/3lu3RGb
• Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer (Keeley mod)
No longer available
• ProCo RAT 2 Classic Distortion
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2Tmovw3
Australia: bit.ly/2Vj4ntr
USA: bit.ly/2ZNqmON
• Boss BD-2w Blues Driver
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2DwcjzE
Australia: bit.ly/3i1Jkp1
USA: bit.ly/3xoje7X
• Walrus Audio Ages
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3qWKUxE
Australia: bit.ly/2APZuRG
USA: bit.ly/3DlYpv4
• Hamstead Odyssey Intergalactic Driver
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2EqNBCD
Australia: bit.ly/2CjboSy
• MI Effects Super Blues Pro
miaudio.com/effects/super-blu...
• Massive Secret BoostODFuzz
Prototype - not available
• Dunlop EP103 Echoplex
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2cQsuNc
USA: bit.ly/3EmUdfW
• MXR Ten Band EQ
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2iCCuw7
Australia: bit.ly/2Yx95Wz
USA: bit.ly/3EhAiPx
• Boss EQ-200
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2MWA4oV
Australia: bit.ly/2BViWct
USA: bit.ly/3Ii0mw8
• TheGigRig G2
www.thegigrig.com/g2
* Why do we have preferred retailer links? Find out here: www.thatpedalshow.com/partners
Interesting bits and go-to sections…
- Intro playing: 00:00
- What are we doing today? 02:00
- Today’s amps: 03:40
- Boss SD-1w: 04:40
- Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer: 05:50
- Klon Centaur: 06:32
- ProCo Rat 2: 08:25
- Boss BD-2w: 09:40
- BD-2, Rat, TS808, SD1, Klon compared: 10:35
- What happens in a normal OD pedal?: 11:55
- What is gain?: 15:50
- How is overdrive created?: 19:15
- Hard and soft clipping: 21:45
- MI Effects Super Blues Pro: 23:40
- Symmetrical/asymmetrical clipping: 24:30
- Different types of clipping: 28:45
- Summary so far, on to EQ: 38:15
- 1KHz mid boost: 42:00
- The Tube Screamer mid hump: 48:25
- EQ - thump, nose, bite, air: 54:10
- Hamstead Odyssey and EQ placement: 55:00
- Walrus Ages: 1:04:12
- What is headroom: 1:12:45
- Slew rate and dynamics: 1:14:45
- Voltage & headroom: 1:20:30
Guitars in this episode:
• 1965 Fender Telecaster - no specific video yet
• Fender American Vintage ’62 Stratocaster - Mick’s video at bit.ly/2cQv3yT
• Gibson Memphis 1958 ES-335 - Mick’s video at bit.ly/2mpJA8X
Amps in this episode
• Marshall 1987x with Zilla Custon 212 / Celestion Alnico Ruby speakers
UK & Europe: bit.ly/31eVWmc
USA That Pedal Shop: bit.ly/3v3Xazc
• Vox AC15 C1 with Celestion Greenback speaker
UK & Europe: bit.ly/36BSfrw
USA That Pedal Shop: bit.ly/3E0H1Qs
We hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to our channel.
You can buy TPS merch to support our efforts www.thatpedalshowstore.com
We are on Patreon - crowdfunding for creatives
/ thatpedalshow
Please visit our preferred retailers!
UK & Europe: Andertons Music bit.ly/2cRvIvt
Australia: Pedal Empire bit.ly/2mWmJQf
USA: That Pedal Shop www.thatpedalshop.com/

[@kdrake777]

Closest thing to wine tasting in the guitar world. We need an episode on pedal and guitar pairings. :)

[@avantgardenovelist]

Lol

[@erickwalsh9258]

Me before watching - "Ugh, another "overdrive" episode" Me after watching - "This is one of the best TPS episodes!!"

[@amd3011]

The correct number of overdrives to own is n+1, where n is the number you already own. The same formula also applies to guitars.

[@zwidawurzn9423]

yea in my case it also counts for chorus/flanger pedals, i think i have 9 of these right now.

[@e.g.systems6146]

Q: How many guitars is "enough guitars"? A: Just ONE more, I promise........

[@cgmxtreme70]

This also is delay/reverb pedals for me.

[@johncooper16]

Alternatively, D-1, where D is the number of guitars (pedals) that will trigger divorce proceedings.

[@playmoreguitar5393]

If only guitar players applied the same formula to guitar lessons!!!

[@southpaw335]

0:05 OK first error noted... Mick says “hopefully help you choose the right ‘one’ for you”. I am sure he meant ones (plural)

[@ThatPedalShow]

See, now there is sense talking. :0)

[@soulassasin10]

@@ThatPedalShow i bought sooooooo many pedals because of you guys, at last count i had 378 😂😂😱😱 PS: 122 are OD and Dist pedals 😂😂😂 Some might call this a problem 😂😂💪💪

[@e.g.systems6146]

@@soulassasin10 Wow, talk about "FOMO", looks like you bought everything, you know "just in case" :O)

[@Umbinator]

@@soulassasin10 Hey man, nothing wrong with keeping your small music store business supplied to keep your customers happy ;)

[@soulassasin10]

@@e.g.systems6146 exactly my thoughts 😂

[@davidburke2132]

Unfortunately in these lockdown times of cutting my own hair I’m tending to find myself asymmetrically hard clipped... and I’m not a fan! It does tend to give the sensation of increased headroom though I suppose. 😋

[@mattheweastel129]

👏

[@kimmolingonheimo]

lockdown, cutting, asymmetrically, hard clipped, fan, headroom...man the most intelligent humour Ive encountered for a long time, maybe you should do lockdown standup or sitdown... : )

[@maxm6931]

I assume you gained some fuzz?

[@orryfishburne5326]

Brilliant!!!

[@mikepittman9686]

Prediction: By the end of this video, I'm going to want about three new pedals.

[@PickShark]

The RAT just sounds so damn good all the time.

[@kingfisher7960]

Check out the Mesa Boogie Throttle Box if you like the rat.

[@Wanderer_XJ]

The more I watch, the more I realize how precisely centered that plexiglass is. The rug, the amp bench, the Hiwatt, even the pedal shelves on the wall. All are split perfectly by the sheet of plexi right in the middle. Bravo! 👏🏻

[@ThatPedalShow]

You are indeed welcome.

[@aarondaniels629]

@@ThatPedalShow i know this video is old (in internet terms) but do you recall the settings on the ac15? was it normal channel or top boost? if it was normal where was the channel volume set? if it was top boost where was the treble, bass and channel volume set?

[@alfgwahigain5544]

OMG - it would bug the absolute shit out of me if it wasn't. I would be shouting at the computer screen "What was that? Sorry, I can't hear anything because I'm so distracted by your surreal, MC Escher-esque set!"

[@adamscottv]

It's uncanny.

[@smelltheglove2038]

I hate it and the worst part is that now that we know more it turns out all the plexiglass restricted air flow and made things worse. Just like all the idiotic shit they mandated it didn’t work and they won’t admit it. How insane the last two years have been.

[@Prometheus260491]

This is a public service! Outstanding content, this will be reference material for years.

[@jamesryan1939]

Total respect, half a million in guitars and pedals, masking tape to extend the life of your glasses. Priorities 100%, I have holes in my socks, just bought an ultra Stratocaster.

[@jeffreyfarmer9173]

I feel after this I'm one step closer to attaining my phd in tone. Or atleast being able to impress the ladies with my knowledge of diode clipping. I'll let you guys know how it works out! Cheers!

[@davidf8749]

I think your new-found knowledge re: diode-clipping could be a disadvantage when chatting to most of the ladies. If you do find a lady who is impressed by this, then she is definitely a keeper :)

[@dljohnsonmusic]

Yes, let us know how this works....I want to take a turn after your results are in.😉

[@ryangunwitch-black]

Yes! My chick loves this stuff. You should see how her eyes glaze over....lol

[@justie1220]

This has been one of the most educational guitar videos I’ve ever watched. Thank you to Mick, Dan, Simon, Frasier, and everyone who supports these two awesome gentlemen.

[@grahambliley8604]

This episode is ace. Watching TPS and your comradery over a shared interest and intellectual endeavor has been truly nourishing. As a middle-aged man with little social interaction, it helps fill a void - I imagine that is true for a significant part of your audience. Your bravery and (Timmy-like?) transparency about mental health has also been inspirational.

[@ChristopheLambin]

Graham Bliley I know *exactly* what you mean. Well said!

[@brendankiernan4596]

Wishing you the best brother. Keep rocking

[@alfgwahigain5544]

Absolutely. Dan & Mick are awesome, and in my middle aged adult daydreams I get to hang out with them and play guitars and try pedals. "...as a middle aged man with little social interaction..." I'm right there with you brother.

[@gavinbrown5580]

Yes, yes, yes. Agreed!!

[@paultaylor2968]

This show is like sitting down to a banquet when u are starving. Love the detail. Magic thanks lads

[@Andersabjorn1]

Hahaha! 😂

[@DoobTube71]

The Boss Blues Driver, the unsung hero of the OD pedal universe.

[@shanespruiell93]

The mid hump discussion starting around 42:20 is one of the eye opening bits of the 100s of hours I’ve spent watching this channel

[@brianbaird5742]

This is hands down one of the most informative episodes. Hats off to you fellas!

[@n3rdg4m3r]

I'm sure many people have said this before... but thank you for the awesome work on the video description. I love watching older episodes and having that information and timestamps helps a ton! Cheers guys, glad to see more TPS again!

[@ThatPedalShow]

You’re welcome 🤓👍

[@adctd2gtr]

You fellas have taken me to absolute school for these years since I've found your show, and I freaking love you for it every time. All the gratitude, gents.

[@morganbaker3808]

The fact that you cats have found a way to keep doing the show during COVID; to keep teaching so we all can keep learning. It's brilliant.

[@KozmykJ]

Aand we're back !!! 36 minutes in and I Pause and pick up a guitar for half an hour or so. Not complaining. I often need a nudge of encouragement, and that is often provided by your good selves. TPS Syndrome - an interesting phenomoenon... 🖖

[@mattgilbert7347]

I did same. Also not complaining (my hands are, but I ignore. Tone>Pain).

[@eanroad]

I remember several months ago asking y'all if you could approach your vids in a more structured format. Mick, you said it would never happen. Obviously, you were kidding cause this vid is 🔥 and very nicely structured. Great job fellas! Cheers!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Haha!!! If an hour and half is structured, count us in! Cheers Al!

[@RobFlaxMusic]

Seriously this is the most incredible, comprehensive discussion of gain I've ever seen. Bravo!

[@davidnuzzaci2459]

This was one of the top 3 videos both of you have ever created!!!! I enjoyed learning from this video more then any other because you narrowed the focus of its content and explained sonically and the technicals so well ! "man you 2 work so well together! Wonderful ! Thank you.

[@agentmirv]

Thanks for this! There was a lot of information here, but not in a bad way. Like many of your videos, more will sink in with each re-watch. These are a great resource!

[@MichaelStriano]

One of the more informative shows you’ve done. Basically a video of “a-ha” moments. The main reason I started watching you guys is I am the type of person who needs to know how things work and your old video about the different types of OD was the first one I saw. This makes so much sense and now I understand so much better why I like the combinations I do and why I use my Golden Fleece/Archer/TS/Carpe Diem (TPS edition!) in the ways that I do. Thanks so much!

[@SkyBrotherBortz]

I love the sheer joy you all express from hearing an overdriven guitar sound. I'm glad I'm not the only one who enjoys such simple pleasures.

[@PloqNiul]

Learned literally everything I know about pedals from you guys! Thank you for doing this kinda stuff. Still have a long ways to go, but I’m a lot farther along than I’d be without you guys!

[@amtreble]

I was going to teach my sis all about drive pedals (she also plays) and today you post this haha cheers, you guys are the best

[@CitizenOfEverywhere]

When you clip the signal, this is the equivalent of adding a series of harmonics at varying amplitude. A square wave is the sum of all of the odd harmonics of a sine wave at the same frequency - hard-clipping is an loose approximation of a square wave. So, clipping is adding harmonics. If you add EQ that can lower some treble (aka a low pass filter), you can then subtract some of these harmonics back out again. (Analog subtractive synthesizers are based entirely on this idea). Hard-clipping into a low pass EQ will tend to sound more like a soft-clipping, and you can dial in exactly how much (or little) "harshness" you want.

[@hosoiarchives4858]

Great post where did you learn that

[@Davimre]

Hahaha this is basic EE/signal processing

[@jonreali8021]

Well said. As a fellow EE, thank you for posting what I have been meaning to after numerous TPS overdrive/fuzz episodes - in particular Josh Scott's visit on the topic. Based on superposition and FFT / IFFT between time and frequency domains, the roundness (sharpness) of the corner of the clipped signal has a significant impact on the higher frequency harmonic content of the output signal. As do the various symmetries (e.g., rising versus falling clipped corner symmetry, among others) for odd/even harmonics. I'd love to see/hear Dan explain the above at a high level with a few simple graphics.

[@andyrichardson9039]

The square wave out there in the world isn't actually the sum of the series of harmonics, though. It's just a p.d. varying with time, or - at the business end - a speaker flapping backwards and forwards. The harmonic series thing is a mathematical trick to build a square wave. And I think the series is 1/3 sin 3 theta + 1/5 sin 5 theta + 1/7 sin 7 theta and so on, so the higher orders are getting gradually less 'loud'. The Fourier thing is a way to analyse a real wave, and - a bit like how our eyes 'do' colour - it's where someone has built the maths off what our brains are actually doing. Your brain does a massive amount of processing, and most maths is a clever way of codifying that processing (I think!), similar to how natural language is a way of codifying stuff in the world. In effect, what Line 6, Strymon, Fractal and all those are doing is hard maths, which suddenly makes it seem a lot less r-n-f'n-r.

[@CitizenOfEverywhere]

@@andyrichardson9039 I disagree that this is merely a mathematical trick. They are two ways of looking at the same thing - time domain or frequency domain, and you can't change things in one without changing them in the other. As a musician, you don't need to understand the maths of this, but I think its interesting to know overdrive/distortion isn't magic - it's the quantifiable addition of harmonics, and that leads to understanding the role of a EQ/tone control to help shape these further.

[@christophermisagal4078]

I'm about 25 min in and just noticed the tape holding Dan's glasses together! LOL! Go hard or go home! Keep up the amazing work/learning/teachings guys. Greatly appreciated! Highly educational!

[@neilsmith5464]

Was I the only one screaming "Dan! Its a 1987X!" ? Guys - so grateful for your time, effort, wisdom and merch! Keep it going, been on the journey with you a mere 3 -4 years and loving it.

[@ChrisCollinsGuitar]

Very possibly the best video you guys have done. Great balance between the technical and the musical. I’ll be rewatching this many times. 👍👍👍

[@ChrisCollinsGuitar]

Thank you!

[@ThatPedalShow]

You’re very welcome

[@ChrisCollinsGuitar]

I’m rewatching again! Haha

[@lukehearn1341]

I'm in a classic rock cover band, and my gain section is a Bluesbreaker style, Rat, Tubescreamer, and Klon style. So versatile! Bluesbreaker for always less gain, Rat for higher gain, TS for mid bump, and Klon for solo boost.

[@ThatPedalShow]

That will do it! Nice one Luke!

[@MythosSoundStudio]

Dan and Mick, thank you. Watching your many OD and Distortion sessions over the past 5 years, this has to be the epitome of all the research, hard work, and many hours of talking about stacking, gain, clipping, etc. I finally got to see the famous Dan looking up and thinking ‘graphic’ and what’s going on in there. Loved it. It really help put all those discussions in a context I now finally really understand. Grateful. Thanks guys.

[@deckert618]

Thanks guys! I have been playing electric guitar for 40 years. This video simultaneously taught me more, and left me more lost in the wilderness, than all of those 40 years of mucking about. :) Great video, really!

[@joemisek]

Master class today. Great show.

[@jhowellkc]

Liking this just because of the SD-1 making an appearance.

[@jerryyeaaah15]

and sound really good in it 😄

[@nickreedman7360]

Seriously guys, so fascinating and watchable. Really appreciate all your hard work, and especially continuing on for us all!

[@johnfrewin7717]

A familiar path I’ll happily walk with you again, and see something new each time. Thanks gentlemen 👍🎸🇬🇧

[@leeseibert4979]

The way the divider lines up with the rug design freaks me out. It's like the rug was a prophecy of the pandemic!

[@davidf8749]

This has got to be Mick setting up the rug. :) :). Attention to detail is what makes this such a great and informative channel.

[@davidf8749]

Looking at the whole layout - the symmetry is spot-on. It's only the shelves on the back wall which are different (sorry Mick :) )

[@Sasketchejuana_man]

Paul Cochrane has stated the “Tim” pedal is actually more identical to the Jan Ray than the Timmy. From Paul - "The only difference between the Timmy and Jan Ray is the trim pot. It alters the opamp gain and the freq response of the bass control. This was stock in the old Tim - it's similar to the boost control, but I had it set to engage with a footswitch instead of always being on like the Jan Ray. It changes the value of one resistor which does have a big effect on the sound. I made the Timmy because people were asking for just the main part of Tim in a small box without the boost circuit or fx loop. In hindsight I wish I would have just kept that control... " I’ve combated this difference by using the Timmy with a Pigtronix Class A Preamp/ Boost at 18v ALWAYS ON. This gives you the headroom the Jan Ray has, but you get the 3 different clipping options with the Timmy, that the Jan ray doesn't offer. The default setting of the Jan Ray, is the Timmy's clipping diode switch all the way down (The Tubescreamer clipping mode). I prefer to leave it in the center, which is the most transparent. INCREDIBLE SOUND!!

[@zosojstro]

One o f the greatest episodes ever. I’ve been struggling with OD pedals thank you for helping to simply this topic. A big fan from Tacoma WA

[@97mico]

One of your best episode so far. Thanks for all the quality content

[@GazMoz78]

Ooo a feature length episode. Well that's tonight's viewing sorted! I'm sure my other half will love it..... ;-)

[@MrPullthetrigger123]

That strat sound! holy cow! 5:09

[@cynthiawong5638]

I Agree

[@walnutroof9385]

Mick's strats sounds superb, Dan's Tele sound's stiff and flubby. IMHO Peace!!

[@BruceKnouseMusic]

Anyone else feel the need to watch this every couple months as a refresher?

[@tldnolan]

This was the best episode of this ever. All the reasons i watch this was summed up in this episode

[@whiskersb5296]

Dan started playing the bd-2w before the screen said what it was. I said man, now that’s my kind of sound. Sure enough, that’s the one I own.

[@jer8525]

Yay, you are using the ac15. It is great listening to all the incredible amps you have, but it is nice to hear the plain old vox every once in a while

[@dominicfernando7842]

I've been brushing up on my electronics while in quarantine and thought of studying pedal circuits. What a perfect time for this video. You guys are a blessing, thank you so much!

[@TheHeggahegga]

Right, I'm 35 minutes in and for me this is hands down the best video you've ever done. So much info, so well explained, and it's making me want to go and play with pedals armed with this new information. Thanks very much for this video!

[@AndrewCCM]

I know this is said all the time, but I’ll say it again. Dan’s laugh makes my Friday mornings here in Texas. Starts my weekend off with a smile. Never stop what you guys do. It’s magical.

[@cornerstonegear]

If I may add a little more info, There's another case other than the soft/hard clipping diodes... It's not very frequent, but it's "no clipping diodes at all", so that the clipping is given by the signal hitting the supply rails after being amplified a lot. The result is a harsh/gritty/fizzy clipping.... That's what happens in the 2nd channel of the Gladio 🤓

[@ThatPedalShow]

Aha! Thanks Emilio. I really like that sound. Mick here. :0)

[@georgespiggot8502]

The Rat is one of those. It's sound is a lot to do with the LM308 clipping. There is a version where can turn off the clipping diodes, can't remember which.

[@mattgilbert7347]

The Tapestry Fab Suisse has that option. There's a Keeley pedal as well...can't remember which one.

[@cgraham9727]

This has got to be one of my favorite guitar effects videos I have ever watched. This content is incredible and I am more and more amazed at the depth of knowledge you both have! You are doing the guitar community a great service and I thank you for it!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you for the kind words Caleb! We’re stoked the info is of use to you - thanks for watching!

[@howardbwade]

A great show lads! I’ve watched many of your shows. This is among the best. I’ve been playing for over a half century, professionally for 45 years. Apparently I still have plenty to learn. Thanks a million.

[@AlexisGuitars]

I'm only 1 minute in and just need to say that that tele sounds phenomenal!

[@BackSeatDriver68]

Anybody know what pickups Dan uses, and what mods, if any, he’s done to the electronics?

[@reverandscales]

In December here in the states... The plexiglass between them seems somewhat superfluous...

[@davidcosan]

Thanks for making me fall in love again with all of these guitar things. Beyond "feelings" but actual facts and sound!

[@_RLP]

Simply outstanding. This will be reference material for years to come. You guys deserve a statue or something... Much respect and appreciation.

[@1961jscofield]

Even though I have other pedal options, that SD-1 has been on my board over 20 years now. Can't beat the classics sometimes.

[@kere92]

I was watching their “thoughts on tremolo” video yesterday, and they were talking about why they like low output pickups. We need that too! Great vid guys

[@vinnym799]

Absolutely my favorite episode of tps. So much info here thanks so much!

[@FarewellApollo]

I cannot express just how helpful this video is. Wonderful! Thank you for this!

[@garyjford1981]

This episode makes me want to build pedals, but I have no electronics knowledge or ability! How interesting would it be to sit down with a pro and they take you through a build, trying all different components, circuits etc. And learning to draw circuits and build them.

[@jonlohrenz5446]

Which one is best? The answer is of course: Yes.

[@Andersabjorn1]

It always is...😅

[@AdrianJames28]

I'm 2/3rds of the way through and this is possibly the best TPS episode ever! Excellent job guys!

[@simonnaji]

Thank you so much for all the careful thought and preparation you put into this. Really informative.

[@DanEtch]

That Pedal Show: The Movie Bring it on:)

[@andrewwilliamson4064]

Dan, that Tele sounds incredible, and Mick Blue has never sounded better.

[@BCEpedals]

Oh my god. You guys are phenomenal! This is the best explanation and demonstration over gain, clipping, headroom, etc... that I have seen to date. I know everyone might differ on this opinion but it certainly made much more sense to me after watching this episode. I love how you didn’t try to over simplify it because often its too diluted and too basic for where I am at. I’m certainly not a know it all, but I surely know more than I ever have after today. Thanks Mick and Dan, you two are awesome! Shoutout to Simon for the phenomenal work with the graphic diagrams! We appreciate you too buddy!

[@neilgoldberg2132]

Simply a wonderful video! I’ve been playing since age 10 (now 54) and have become obsessed again with guitar and distortion pedals. This was by and far the most fascinating video. (And I just got a CS “T” and i can’t put it down). Love the show the tones, your playing styles and personalities.

[@fraenkiboii]

I like Dan's orange patch on his glasses. Somebody should make a Dan S. signature model and you guys could sell it in the TPS store

[@michaela9817]

Requirement has to be the orange is just on one side :)

[@rafsbio]

Take my money.

[@LEgoiste]

It's a beta version gig rig accessory, eye tracker sensor for selecting pedals and pre-sets... or it's a bit of tape as he hasn't thought of it yet... Tangent alert!

[@bradylambert6820]

This was the episode I've been waiting for! Not perfect, not gonna fan boy here... but, really got me rethinking some of the basics. As someone with some formal electrical engineering training and years as a casual guitarist I wasnt thinking I'd walk away with much from this episode. But, damn... Mick and Dan did us well. Really hope this is the first in a series of more technical analysis and reflection into various effects.

[@MichaelTaylor-rz4wm]

Brilliant video. You guys continue to deliver! your videos clear up the mumbo jumbo for me. Thank you for another outstanding video!

[@alivewtwmusic]

Love this episode. This level of detail and education is why I watch TPS.

[@MrSh8ky]

Wow fellas I might have to watch this episode a couple of times, lots of very interesting information. I modded my Boss SD-1 a couple of years ago with a kit from Monte Allums which added an Asymmetrical and Symmetrical option and also an option for increased (X2) clipping. Thanks to your video I now have more of an understanding about what is happening in the circuit. I’m going to play with it today and really think about what is going on under the hood. Thanks you very much I love your shows, keep up the great work. Cheers Marty from Melbourne 🇦🇺

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

Here is what I understand about tubescreamers: They do this whole-gig-one-pedal thing and they're green.

[@jwmcmillenii]

Loved this one, gents. Educational and showcased some absolutely killer sounds that just made my ears happy and made me want to pick up my guitar. Cheers, and have a great weekend.

[@wolftonemusic2103]

Best "That Pedalshow" ever - massive thank you to you guys 🎶😎😘

[@kennethmeldrum4401]

Come for the knowledge, stay for the playing! Thank you for the great vids. How about a video on tweed style od’s? Like the DanDrive Tweedy

[@ThatPedalShow]

We’re on it!

[@joejames8335]

Les Lius?

[@AR-ld8qd]

This was brilliant! I want to be open minded but I just do not “get” the tubrescreamer into a clean amp thing. It just sits on top of the clean sound in an odd way, its like there is a mixer circuit set to the midpoint. Too much of the clean tone comes through. As a boost, I love it though!

[@ohkee]

Best explanation ever. Great vid Dan and Mick! Thanks for getting this rabbithole clear!

[@TiagoFrancomusic]

I could watch drive pedals being affected by EQ sliders all day

[@curtisburns]

I need to try some soft-clipping overdrives again. I've never been able to gel with them. It's not a tone thing, because they definitely sound great. I just feel strange playing with them. I've recently started running my amp hotter and using an attenuator though, and I really wanna find out how that affects the feel with soft-clippers.

[@christophermccoy8689]

I really appreciate TPS's educational ambition. I learned a lot. Thanks guys.

[@Corn3liu]

One of the best videos of the internet. Very clear, very articulate, very methodic explantion and approach to presenting and explaining. Not too technical, not too superficial (for my taste). I would have maybe added a graphic explanation at certain points (as you did in the beginning). 10/10.

[@jake-jk5rg]

When can we expect to see the first 'Steinhardt Effects' pedals Dan ? if you understand them so well you may as well have a go !! I'm sure the faithful here would support the venture.

[@Mike-sq5ud]

Call the Steinhardt Effects overdrive pedal the Xenolith - Rock differing in origin from that around it. SEX Drive for short.

[@sammcdouall4849]

You could base your pedal off the BYOC Crown Jewel. With the sounds of 10 pedals all in one pedal. Then teach us all how to get all the sounds.

[@tonybrooks476]

Ha! Buying one’s own birthday presents is the only way.

[@Scoots1994]

Today is my 50th birthday, but I don't need more pedals ... who am I kidding?

[@Scoots1994]

@@rhenry6903 I'm trying to work on a pedal out for every pedal in system.

[@Scoots1994]

@@metricdeep8856 Never say never. Have you heard the kma Logan? Or Moae Maia?

[@georgespiggot8502]

I just received a HOF 2 X4 for my birthday :) And, no, I didn't buy it for myself.

[@onewiththings]

Well done gents! I've been waiting 5 years for you to do this episode. I finally understand symetrical and hard clipping in the Klones, and 1k and 3.2 is why I love it. I use the Matthews Effects Architect v1, though I miss my BYOC Crown Jewel.

[@Cyndaquills]

I found a high headroom EQ and an OD that I liked the clipping in. I run that OD into the EQ after I find my right "clean" sound, then I placed a heavier OD after it. I can either stack or have a dedicated clean-edge of breakup-and heavier/lead tone. (Pedals used: Timmy - MXR Eq (silverbox) - Super Crunchbox - EQD Arrows)

[@zAvAvAz]

- Intro playing: @ 0:00 - What are we doing today? @ 2:00 - Today’s amps: @ 3:40 - Boss SD-1w: @ 4:40 - Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer: @ 5:50 - Klon Centaur: @ 6:32 - ProCo Rat 2: @ 8:25 - Boss BD-2w: @ 9:40 - BD-2, Rat, TS808, SD1, Klon compared: @ 10:35 - What happens in a normal OD pedal?: @ 11:55 - What is gain?: @ 15:50 - How is overdrive created?: @ 19:15 - Hard and soft clipping: @ 21:45 - MI Effects Super Blues Pro: @ 23:40 - Symmetrical/asymmetrical clipping: @ 24:30 - Different types of clipping: @ 28:45 - Summary so far, on to EQ: @ 38:15 - 1KHz mid boost: @ 42:00 - The Tube Screamer mid hump: @ 48:25 - EQ - thump, nose, bite, air: @ 54:10 - Hamstead Odyssey and EQ placement: @ 55:00 - Walrus Ages: @ 1:04:12 - What is headroom: @ 1:12:45 - Slew rate and dynamics: @ 1:14:45 - Voltage & headroom: @ 1:20:30

[@andrewguttry6886]

Anyone else think the cheapest (SD-1), sounded the best over all the 'boutique' modded stuff? Probably not!

[@ThatPedalShow]

It may well do to you. In this environment Klon sounds pretty bad to me. Mick here. But into my amp when I’m feeling it, it’s just majestic. It’s the maddening variability of guitar tone! :0)

[@stanislavmigra]

I kinda find SD1 as let say "big mac" of Overdrives. Its nice, big thick etc, but maybe you develope different taste buds and want some let say more artisan burgers. Not to bash SD1 or Bigmac :D

[@franknguitars7671]

It is an awesome pedal and always was. Always preferred it over a TubeScreamer

[@williamdavis7274]

@@ThatPedalShow idea for t shirt... a list of all the conditional statements that should follow every comment on tone. (I.e pedal x sounds the best or course it that's all Depending on your tastes, your guitar, your pick ups, your amp, your genre, your bands mix, acoustics, acidity of your sweat, wattage, mojo, astrological sign at birth (of Your guitar not YOU!)

[@matnukin1584]

I already looked up the price for an SD-1. Might as well go in for the Waza Craft. 😂

[@danielatherton1631]

That was fantastic! I've been trying to learn the differences between different ODs, Dists, Fuzzes to give my self a better idea of what I want. This is THE most explanative, comprehensive thing I've seen. I understand things now I didn't even know about before!

[@StevenHadfield]

Watching this for a second time, after revisiting the Mid-Scooped & Mid-Pushed Amps episode from Nov 2017. There's always something to learn and rediscover, and I'm now discovering new tones out of my amps shift-able eq's and current drive pedal selection. Thanks, guys.

[@icebob8555]

Does that pedal come with a Dan? welcome back guys

[@soulisthegoal96]

Nels Cline uses his Klon as an actual overdrive. He's one of the few, though.

[@mariodriessen9740]

Yet it sounds so great! I use my Klon clone the same way. Now I hardly ever use the Klon clone with single coils, so maybe that's why. But I just love the sound of a Klon type pedal cranked by a full sized humbucker in the bridge position of an ES-347 throught an AC30 or AC15.

[@JasonM96]

I use the Tumnus (a quasi-Klone) as a straight up OD. It’s awesome.

[@davidjavier7654]

Excellent! Thank you both for what you do…. So very helpful! Appreciate you both!

[@Amish_Trivedi]

1) Long episodes are probably exhausting for you all but omg what a dream. 2) Went to a big store here in the US, properly distanced etc, and tested out the AC 15. OMG. As soon as I'm not in an apartment, I'm absolutely getting one. Get home and there's one on the show. Perfect.

[@tonybrooks476]

Clearly it's called The Ages because of how long you would end up spending tweaking with all of those options!!