The A3 Stompbox GROOVIM is a boutique distortion pedal from South Korea. according to RockBoard's PedalPedia's product page, it reimagines the classic RAT-style distortion with a cleaner, thicker, and more luxurious sound character, and it is designed to pair well with a wide range of guitars while maintaining a natural tonal balance1.
The controls: Gain, Volume and Filter
The GROOVIM keeps its control layout to three knobs, in the manner of the RAT-style design it draws on1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of distortion1 |
| Volume | Sets the output level1 |
| Filter | Shapes the tone1 |
Circuit and sound
RockBoard's PedalPedia describes the GROOVIM as taking the RAT-style distortion as its starting point and reworking it: "reimagines the classic RAT-style distortion with a cleaner, thicker, and more luxurious sound character"1. The stated aim is a pedal that pairs well with a wide range of guitars while maintaining a natural tonal balance1.
The circuit is analog, and switching is true bypass, which RockBoard's PedalPedia says leaves an uncolored signal when the pedal is disengaged1.
Power and practicalities
The GROOVIM runs on a 9V DC supply with a center negative plug and draws 9mA of current1. That is a light load, well within what a standard pedalboard power supply output handles.
Videos
sower music
Questions
Is the A3 Stompbox GROOVIM a RAT clone?
The maker describes the GROOVIM as a RAT-style distortion that has been reimagined with a cleaner, thicker and more luxurious sound character. So it is based on the RAT circuit family rather than being a straight copy: the goal is a different tonal character from the original design, aimed at a natural tonal balance across a wide range of guitars.
Is the A3 Stompbox GROOVIM true bypass?
Yes. The maker specifies true bypass switching, which means the signal passes through uncolored when the pedal is disengaged. Your guitar's tone reaches the amp unchanged while the GROOVIM is off.
Is the A3 Stompbox GROOVIM analog?
Yes. The maker lists the circuit type as analog, so the distortion is produced by analog circuitry rather than digital processing.
What power does the A3 Stompbox GROOVIM need?
The GROOVIM runs on 9V DC with a center negative plug, the same standard supply used by most compact pedals. It draws 9mA of current, which is a light load for any pedalboard power supply.
Where is the A3 Stompbox GROOVIM made?
The GROOVIM is made in South Korea. The maker describes it as a boutique distortion pedal from that country.
How much current does the A3 Stompbox GROOVIM draw?
The maker lists the current draw at 9mA, a low figure that any standard 9V pedalboard power supply can handle.
Sources (1)
- GROOVIM by A3 Stompbox, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026