Two New Overdrive/Fuzz/Distortion Pedals

Source Audio releases the Soundblox 2 OFD Guitar microModeler and OFD Bass microModeler   30-Sep-13

Source Audio have released two new pedals, the Soundblox 2 OFD Guitar microModeler and OFD Bass microModeler. The 'OFD' stands for 'Overdrive, Fuzz, and Distortion.' Source says that both pedals offer twelve meticulously crafted overdrive, fuzz, and distortion tones specifically voiced to accommodate the individual frequency range of either guitar or bass. They tell us that each pedal's comprehensive collection of distortion effects includes tone accurate models of Marshall and Mesa Boogie amps, as well as iconic pedals including the Big Muff, Fuzz Face, and Tube Screamer. Here's what a spokesperson had to say...

"The OFDs are the result of dramatic advancements in modeling technology as well as years of research by the Source Audio engineering team. The OFDs' distortion effects were finely tuned through an intense process of examination and A/B comparisons with the pedals and amps on which each effect was modeled. The end-result is a dynamic collection of precise and naturally responsive tones, from warm and chunky tube overdrive to over-the-top fuzz.

Both of the OFD pedals are housed in compact and extremely durable cast-aluminum chassis. Their sturdy exterior and relay-based buffered or true bypass switches are built to withstand endless gigging and rehearsal, plus the compact 4.5 x 4.5 inch footprint easily finds a place on any size pedalboard. Both boxes include easy-to-adjust internal Noise Gates and individual Treble, Mid, and Bass Tone controls. The OFD Bass microModeler also features a clean/dirty Mix knob as well as Source Audio's signature low-end preserving algorithm, Lo-Retain. Lo-Retain insures that bassists will not lose the thumping bottom essential to maintaining a strong low-end foundation.

The OFDs offer several forward thinking design functions. Preset morphing allows guitarists and bassists the opportunity to seamlessly shift from one preset to another with either an expression pedal or Source Audio's own Hot Hand 3 Universal Effects Controller. Contrary to what one might think, OFD Preset Morphing is not a simple crossfade, but rather an actual metamorphosis in the form of a multi-parameter shift, so fixing an expression pedal mid-sweep creates truly hybrid tones, opening a practically endless range of tone possibilities. Along with the entire line of Soundblox 2 pedals, the OFDs also contain the option of MIDI compatibility upon Source Audio's release of its MIDI Control HUB in early 2014.

Widely acclaimed for bringing innovation into the world of guitar effects pedals, Source Audio was founded in January 2005 by former engineers, scientists, and executives of Analog Devices, Kurzweil Music Systems, and Thomas H. Lee Partners. In 2006 Source Audio released its flagship product, the Hot Hand Motion-Sensing Ring. Since that time, Source Audio's distortion, filter, modulation and Hot Hand products have found their way onto the stages and recordings of Aerosmith, David Bowie, Phish, My Morning Jacket, The Cure, Porcupine Tree, Umphrey's McGee and Adrian Belew to name a few."

Pricing and Availability:

See local retailer.

More information:

• Source Audio