The [AD Pedals Aerodynamic Overdrive] is an overdrive pedal from AD Pedals, described by Pedal of the Day's reviewer Mike B as "a versatile little black box"1. It sits in the low-to-mid gain drive category, the range of light to moderate grit that players use to push an amp or add texture to a clean tone, rather than the heavier territory covered by distortion pedals or fuzz pedals1.
What it does
The pedal carries the three controls Mike B calls "almost a given these days for any overdrive: Volume, Tone and Gain"1. Each does what an experienced overdrive player expects:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Sets the overall output level |
| Tone | Shapes the treble character of the drive |
| Gain | Sets the amount of drive |
| Toggle switch | Selects the clipping arrangement |
The Volume control can be pushed further than its level-setting role suggests. As Mike B put it, "it's easy to get a nice, clean, shiny boost by turning down the Gain and cranking up the Volume," which puts the pedal in the same working territory as a dedicated boost pedal when set that way1.
The toggle switch changes the clipping, the part of the circuit that shapes how the signal breaks up. When flipped to the right, the Aerodynamic Overdrive uses Bat41 diodes for a symmetrical, low-gain tone1. For more on how this kind of pedal fits into a board, see the site's guide to overdrive pedals.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the pedal on 18 May 2015. Mike B's verdict was favorable on versatility: "The Aerodynamic Overdrive is a versatile little black box, and no matter what setup you play through, you'll be able to" find a use for it, with the review describing a pedal that "exudes tone and sparkle for days" and sounds great with single coils or humbuckers overall1.
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Questions
What kind of pedal is the AD Pedals Aerodynamic Overdrive?
It is an overdrive pedal in the low-to-mid gain drive category, according to Pedal of the Day's review. It carries the standard three controls of Volume, Tone and Gain, plus a toggle switch that changes the clipping arrangement. With the Gain turned down and the Volume cranked, it can also serve as a clean, shiny boost.
What does the toggle switch on the Aerodynamic Overdrive do?
The toggle switch changes the pedal's clipping character. When flipped to the right, the Aerodynamic Overdrive uses Bat41 diodes for a symmetrical, low-gain tone, as described in Pedal of the Day's 2015 review.
Sources (1)
- AD Pedals Aerodynamic Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2015-05-18