The 6 Degrees FX Sally 5th Anniversary Overdrive is an overdrive pedal built as a recreation of the early version of the Tube Screamer 8081. Where a standard 808-style pedal gives you one fixed clipping and mid character, this "Advanced" 5th anniversary version adds two three-way switches that change the clipping diodes and the mid-range center frequency, so one pedal covers several voicings of the same basic circuit1. It sits in the wider family of overdrive pedals alongside 6 Degrees FX's other takes on the design, the Sally Drive Classic DC.
The two switches
The Sally's character comes from two toggles on top of the 808 base circuit1:
- G.A.S. switch: custom voiced germanium, asymmetrical and silicon clipping1
- SHIFT switch: a three-way mid-range selector offering the 808 stock 720Hz mid boost, or the added 590Hz and 480Hz settings for more low mid to suit your guitar and rig1
On top of that, an extremely effective active treble and bass EQ gives you +/- 6dB to shape your ideal tone, well beyond the single tone control of the original design1.
How the three clipping modes sound
Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio describes each G.A.S. position this way1:
| Mode | Character |
|---|---|
| Silicon | Closest to the original 808, but with less compression and a more open feel |
| Germanium | A warmer voice with very nice, even texture |
| Asymmetrical | The most gentle voice: less fizzy top end, a fatter body with great clarity, well suited for complex chording |
"Silicon clipping sounds closest to the original 808 but has less compression, more open feel."
Low mids and touch response
The SHIFT switch's 590Hz and 480Hz positions add low mid weight. De Gregorio addresses the obvious worry directly1:
"The increased low mid gives extra ballsiness to your tone but it will never become muddy thanks to the well-balanced EQ."
He also names touch sensitivity as one of these pedals' main strengths, meaning the pedal responds to how hard you pick rather than flattening your playing1.
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Questions
What does the SHIFT switch do?
The SHIFT switch is a three-way mid-range selector. One position gives the stock 808 mid boost centered at 720Hz, and the other two add 590Hz and 480Hz settings that bring in more low mid, so you can match the pedal to your guitar and rig. Delicious Audio notes that the increased low mid gives extra ballsiness without turning muddy, thanks to the well-balanced EQ.
What Tube Screamer is the Sally based on?
According to Delicious Audio, the Sally is a recreation of the early version of the Tube Screamer 808. The 5th Anniversary version adds a three-way mid-range toggle and a G.A.S. switch with custom voiced germanium, asymmetrical and silicon clipping options on top of that base circuit.
How much can the Sally's treble and bass EQ boost or cut?
The Sally has an active treble and bass EQ that gives plus or minus 6dB of tone shaping on each band. Delicious Audio describes it as extremely effective, letting you shape your ideal tone beyond what a standard Tube Screamer-style tone control offers.
Does the Sally sound muddy with the extra low mids?
Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio says no: the increased low mid gives extra ballsiness to your tone but it will never become muddy thanks to the well-balanced EQ. The low-mid SHIFT settings are designed to add weight while the EQ keeps the sound clear.
Sources (1)
- 6 Degrees FX Sally 5th Anniversary Overdrive, Delicious Audio, 2018-03-29
