Decibelics releases Rivus Overdrive mini BluesBreaker pedal
November 25, 2024 · 2 sources
The Decibelics Rivus Overdrive went on sale on the Decibelics webstore on November 25, 2024, in Blue and Black versions at $190 plus shipping1. A second batch of preorders was scheduled to open on December 21.
The pedal is a mini-format take on the Marshall BluesBreaker, which Decibelics describes as refined from two pre-1995 MK1 units with vintage and thru-hole components1. It keeps the Gain, Level and Tone controls and adds a three-way CLIP switch (Hard, None, Soft) and a two-way MODE switch for the pre-1995 and post-1995 versions of the MK1 circuit1. According to the maker, the pre-1995 mode has slightly lower gain and more bass, while the post-1995 mode has more gain and less bass1. An internal gain-structure dip-switch offers three settings: I (stock), II (more gain) and III (most gain)1. Delicious Audio describes the internal switch as allowing different levels of overdrive intensity2.
The circuit uses thru-hole and New Old Stock components on a custom low-noise PCB, and the pedal is handmade12. It has true bypass and an intelligent bypass footswitch with boot memory and momentary mode1. Decibelics lists the dimensions with jacks as 95mm (3.74in) by 49mm (1.92in), and power as 9V DC with a current draw of 18mA1. Included accessories are a custom shipping box, four rubber feet, a guitar pick, a sticker and English instructions1.
"Mini luxury format, vintage and thru-hole components, built one by one, with extreme dedication"
Guitar Pedal X reported that the first batch was expected to sell out quickly1. The Rivus is an overdrive in the overdrive pedals category12.