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Glossary

Glossary

asymmetrical clipping

It produces both even and odd harmonics, resulting in harmonically rich distortion that sounds layered1. Players often describe it as smoother, more natural, and tube-sounding2, or as richer, more open, more dynamic, and more amp-like3. Compared with symmetrical clipping, it can deliver more punch, a wider feel, and slightly less compression4. It appears in pedals such as the Boss SD-1 and OD-115.

Sources (5)
  1. Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive: what makes it a classic pedal, guitarworld.com, 2023-01-16
  2. The Ultimate Tube Screamer Mod Guide, premierguitar.com, 2007-02-07
  3. How-Gain-Headroom-and-Clipping-Shape-Your-Tone.pdf, guitarpcb.com
  4. The Alkene Nashville Overdrive, browneamplification.com
  5. Boss overdrive pedals: the evolution of its essential stompboxes, guitarworld.com, 2021-09-28
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Pedals with asymmetrical clipping