Elektron Analog Drive Distortion Stompbox

The Elektron Analog Drive may very well be the most powerful overdrive pedal we have ever seen. With 8 different circuits inside, a full range of expected controls including a parametric mid setup you really do get complete control over every overdrive sound you will ever need.

Wait Elektron, don't they make synths?

Yes, while they may be best known for their synths and related hardware this makes them a really good choice to make a pedal like this. They have some of the best knowledge in the world around distortion and how to best create unique analog circuits to get the best sound.

What are these 8 different circuits?

Okay while it may sound impossible to fit 8 discreet analog overdrive and distortion circuits in one pedal, they have done it! With everything from a clean boost to soft clipping overdrive, fuzz and all out amp like distortion you really have it all in this one pedal.

The circuits you have to choose from are:

• Clean Boost
• Mid Drive
• Dirty Drive
• Big Dist
• Focussed Dist
• Harmonic Fuzz
• High Gain
• Thick Gain

With so many options how do you control it?

However you want really. If you just want to make one setting and leave it like that no problem, the middle footswitch is your bypass control. Need multiple patches? No problem you can easily set them up on the pedal, then it is just a simple press of the left or right switches to flick between them on the go.

MIDI Control?

You beat me to it! Yes, you can control every aspect of the pedal via MIDI. This gives you loads of options live. Run it all off a single unit so that your entire band automatically switches tones or just use a larger midi foot control that can work with your entire rig. Either way will work great.

Here's what Elektron say about the Analog Drive

Analog Drive gives you eight analog distortion types in one box. It is the ideal pedal for guitarists who want to wreak havoc to signals and tones in the most diverse and characterful way possible.

Total analog distortion box

The sheer sonic range of the Analog Drive, courtesy of the eight different analog distortion circuits, is in itself a marvel. One stompbox harboring so many tone shaping opportunities: unheard of until now. Analog Drive is a bottomless well of new sounds.

The EQ touch

Enhance your amp with the 3 band analog EQ. The mid band is sweepable, which is very handy for dialing in the perfect EQ setting. The mid EQ can also be controlled with an expression pedal, making it easy to create analog wah-like sounds.

For the live rig

The possibility to store user presets will make the live gig flow smoothly. And if you rely on MIDI during your performances, the Analog Drive delivers. All settings are fully controllable via MIDI and it can even send MIDI program change messages.

Specifications

Sound processing

•     100% analog signal path
•     8 analog distortion circuits
•     3 band analog EQ with sweepable mid band

Audio input

•     High impedance instrument input

Expression pedal inputs

•     Input level on tip: -5 V – +5 V
•     Supplies +5 V on ring
•     Accepts Expression pedals and Control Voltage

Electrical specifications

•     Unit power consumption: 5 W, 400 mA typical
•     Compatible Elektron power supply: PSU-3b

Hardware

•     Dual digit seven-segment LED display
•     MIDI In/Out
•     1/4” audio input
•     1/4” audio output
•     2 x 1/4” Expression pedal input
•     Power inlet: Center positive 5.5 x 2.5 mm barrel jack, 12 V DC, 1 A

Physical specifications

•     Sturdy cast aluminum casing
•     Dimensions: W 171 x D 177 x H 62 mm (6.8” x 7.0” x 2.5”) (including jacks, knobs and footswitches)
•     Weight: approximately 1.2 kg (2.7 lbs)

Miscellaneous

•     Power supply included in box