Akai Deluxe Distortion

The Akai Deluxe Distortion is a distortion pedal made by Akai, reviewed by MusicRadar in 2011 as part of the company's Analog Custom Shop line. It works in an analog format with true bypass switching and an array of tone-shaping dials, and its distinguishing feature is an EQ mode switch that reshapes the distortion's voicing¹.

What it does

The pedal's core control is the EQ mode switch, your first choice being the EQ mode (Modern, Normal or Classic) before you get to the tone-shaping dials¹. MusicRadar described the span of those voicings: "From the brown vintage warmth of the Classic setting, to the mid-scooped mentalism of Modern"¹.

In other words, the Classic setting aims at a warmer, older-sounding distortion, while Modern scoops the mids for a heavier character, with Normal sitting between them. That range of voicings is what sets it apart from a single-voiced distortion pedal¹.

How it compares to the Drive3 Distortion

Akai also made a simpler Drive3 Distortion, and MusicRadar's review of that pedal pointed players at the Deluxe as the step-up option. Reviewer Trevor Curwen wrote: "if you don't mind the bigger footprint, the extra EQ options on the Deluxe look very tempting for just a tenner more"². The Deluxe costs £69 GBP against the Drive3's lower price, and trades a smaller enclosure for the three-position EQ mode switch².

What reviewers said

MusicRadar's 2011 review was strongly positive. The reviewer's verdict: "this is both the best and the most versatile pedal we've seen in a while"¹. The same review placed it in context of a crowded field, noting that "the distortion market has plenty of workhorses" and that Akai's Deluxe Distortion fancies itself as one of them¹.

Questions