The Aclam Cinnamon Drive Dreamer Edition is an overdrive pedal from the Spanish maker Aclam, combining two clipping stages in one box so it can cover everything from a clean boost to what the manual calls "ferocious distortion"1. Aclam describes it as an original design, inspired by the tube amplifiers of the 60s and 70s, aiming to capture the open dynamics of that era1.
The Dreamer Edition is a reissue with a new look, returning more than six years after the pedal's initial release while keeping the same circuit approach and dynamic range1. It draws on the tube amplifiers of the 60s and 70s, capturing the open dynamics and essence of that era23.
What it does: two clipping stages from clean boost to distortion
The Cinnamon Drive Dreamer Edition stacks two clipping stages in series. The first stage uses a custom soft clipping circuit, voiced by Aclam to cover clean to mid-gain overdrive, with independent gain and level control. The second stage stacks a hard-clipping circuit on top, which is what pushes the pedal from overdrive territory into distortion1.
Both stages share the same passive tone control. Aclam says this control retains the bottom end and mid-range while softening the high frequencies, so rolling off treble does not thin out the low end the way some tone controls can1.
Each stage also has a bass dip switch. With both switches down, Aclam says you get a drop in the low frequencies, focusing the tone on the mid-range. The manual suggests this is useful with small amps or with guitars that have a lot of low end1.
| Control or switch | What it does |
|---|---|
| First stage gain and level | Custom soft clipping circuit covering clean to mid-gain overdrive1 |
| Second stage | Stacks a hard-clipping circuit for higher gain sounds1 |
| Tone (shared by both stages) | Passive control that retains bottom end and mid-range while softening highs1 |
| Bass dip switches | Both down drops low frequencies and focuses the tone on mid-range1 |
| Bypass switch | Engages the unit and lights the LED above it1 |
Because the two stages are independent in level, the pedal can also work as a clean boost by keeping the gains low, or as a two-stage drive by running both stages up. That range is what Aclam means when it describes sounds "from a clean boost to ferocious distortion"1.
The Dreamer Edition and the original Cinnamon Drive
The original Cinnamon Drive returns in the Dreamer Edition with a fresh new look more than six years after its initial release, while Aclam says it maintains the same versatility and dynamic range1. The circuit is described on the product page as an original design, not a clone of another pedal2.
The Dreamer Edition ships with the pedal itself plus an anti-sliding rubber pad and a Velcro pad, so it can be mounted either on Aclam's own pedalboards or on a conventional hook-and-loop board12.
Aclam also sells a Scratch & Dent version of the Dreamer Edition. These are fully functional and tested to the same standards as the regular products, but may have small scratches, smudges on the screenprint, or powder coating defects, and some may be demo units used for reviews3.
Power, enclosure and warranty
The pedal runs on a 9V DC power supply with the standard Boss type 2.1mm connector, negative tip, and Aclam recommends a supply with a minimum of 100 mA to leave a safety margin for the DC adapter12. Actual current draw is about 35 mA, so a single isolated output on a typical pedalboard power supply is more than enough2. A 9V battery is also supported, which sets it apart from many modern drives that only accept a DC input2. If the pedal does not power on, Aclam's troubleshooting advice is to confirm the supply is 9V DC negative tip with a minimum output of 200 mA1.
The enclosure is a custom light aluminum housing designed specifically to fit Aclam's Smart Track pedalboards, which is why the pedal's footprint and mounting pads are shaped the way they are1. The product carries a two-year warranty from the purchase date under Spanish legislation, applicable with proof of purchase and the serial number, and it is not transferable1.
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Questions
Is the Aclam Cinnamon Drive true bypass?
Yes. The Cinnamon Drive Dreamer Edition uses relay true bypass, so when the pedal is disengaged the signal passes through without going through the clipping circuit. The bypass switch engages the unit and lights an LED to show it is active.
Does the Cinnamon Drive Dreamer Edition fit Smart Track pedalboards?
Yes. Aclam builds all of its effect pedals, including the Cinnamon Drive Dreamer Edition, in a custom light aluminum enclosure specially designed to fit its Smart Track pedalboards. The box also ships with an anti-sliding rubber pad and a Velcro pad for other boards.
What power supply does the Cinnamon Drive need?
It runs on 9V DC, center negative, using the standard Boss type 2.1mm connector, with a minimum 100 mA supply recommended as a safety margin. Current draw is about 35 mA. A 9V battery also works, so the pedal can run without a power supply.
Where is the Cinnamon Drive made?
Aclam makes the Cinnamon Drive Dreamer Edition in Spain. The company is based in Barcelona and also builds the Smart Track pedalboards the pedal is shaped to fit.
Sources (3)
- Cinnamon-Drive-Dreamer-Edition.pdf, Aclam Guitars, 2025
- Cinnamon Drive, Aclam Guitars
- Scratch & Dent Cinnamon Drive Dreamer Effect Pedal, Aclam Guitars
