The 1981 Inventions DRV in Greyscale is an analog pedal covering overdrive and distortion, with a second circuit built in: a preamp boost. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes two circuits present in the pedal, one distortion and one preamp boost, running at 18 volts via an internal voltage regulator1. It was the first official release from 1981 Inventions, developed as a collaboration with engineering by Jon Ashley of Bondi Effects, and worked on for the better part of three years1.
Circuit and switching
The DRV is a pedal from 1981 Inventions, and the maker's own description centers on its character rather than a published circuit breakdown: "I feel that the pedal is unique in design and sonically unlike anything I have ever heard, especially in the lower gain and boost settings"1. That places the emphasis on how the lower gain and boost settings behave, which is where RockBoard's PedalPedia says the pedal sets itself apart1.
Switching is handled by an internal relay behind a soft touch footswitch, which RockBoard's PedalPedia describes as super quiet, and the jacks are Switchcraft 11 open frame parts1. At 53mA of current draw, the pedal needs a supply that can deliver that current1.
With a 53mA draw, the DRV is above what many low-current daisy chain outputs supply comfortably; plan your power accordingly1.
Where the Greyscale sits in the DRV range
The DRV has been released in several colorways, each listed as its own pedal1:
The Greyscale shares the same steel enclosure design and circuit with these versions, which differ in case color1. Other DRV variations, such as the DRV ALT UNIVERSE and the DRV MONO, are covered on their own pages.
Background
Matthew Hoopes of 1981 Inventions described the project this way: "I have been working on this project for the better part of three years" and "I decided to make this the first official release"1. On the sound, his own words in the product listing are: "I feel that the pedal is unique in design and sonically unlike anything I have ever heard, especially in the lower gain and boost settings"1. That is the maker speaking about his own design, so read it as a designer's account rather than an independent review.
For context on the effect types the DRV covers, see Overdrive Pedals and Distortion Pedals, and for the boost half of the circuit, Boost Pedals.
Questions
Who designed the 1981 Inventions DRV?
The DRV was made as a collaboration, with engineering by Jon Ashley of Bondi Effects. Matthew Hoopes of 1981 Inventions described working on the project for the better part of three years before making it the company's first official release.
Is the 1981 Inventions DRV analog?
Yes. The DRV is an analog pedal, built with two circuits: one distortion and one preamp boost. The internal circuitry runs at 18 volts by way of an internal voltage regulator.
What voltage does the 1981 Inventions DRV run on?
The pedal's internal circuits run at 18 volts via an internal voltage regulator. Published listings also give a 9V DC center negative supply for the pedal, so the external supply is 9 volts while the circuit itself runs internally at 18.
How much current does the DRV draw?
The DRV draws 53mA, according to the published product listing.
What other colors of the DRV exist?
Alongside the Greyscale, the DRV has been offered in White, Silver and Pink versions, each listed as its own pedal.
Is the DRV Greyscale true bypass?
The Greyscale DRV uses a super quiet soft touch switching system via an internal relay, along with Switchcraft 11 open frame jacks.
Sources (1)
- DRV - Greyscale by 1981 Inventions | RockBoard | PedalPedia, RockBoard (rockboard.de PedalPedia), 2026
