The Anasounds Cerberus Custom Overdrive is a guitar effects pedal in the overdrive family, made by the French builder Anasounds1. Among its clipping choices is a soft clipped LED option, the first of the settings the maker describes for the pedal2.
The controls: three knobs and a clipping switch
The Cerberus keeps its main controls on the top panel:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Adds in saturation and crunch to your signal2 |
| Volume | Controls the pedal's overall output, capable of delivering up to +12dB in boost2 |
| Tone | Shapes the treble, with an internal switch that adjusts the range of frequency it uses2 |
| Clipping switch | Three-position clipping diode selection switch (see below)2 |
The clipping switch is the heart of the pedal, offering three diode arrangements2:
- A soft clipped LED setting
- Hard clipping with 4 or 5 small threshold voltage silicon diodes
- Hard clipping with 2 high threshold voltage silicon diodes2
Inside the pedal
Mike B's review points out that there are "FOUR, yes FOUR internal controls as well"2. Two of them are described in detail:
- Asymmetric switch: can add a fifth diode to the second selection on the clipping diode control, altering that hard clipping setting2
- Roll Off trimpot: either adds loudness to your overdriven signal, or can add boost and saturation, depending which way you turn it2
The internal controls mean two Cerberus pedals can be set up differently even with the knobs in the same positions. If you buy one used, it is worth checking how the internal switches and trimpot have been set.
Design and layout
The jacks are mounted on top of the enclosure, which saves space on a pedalboard by keeping plugs within the pedal's own footprint2. The carved wood top gives the pedal a distinctive look compared with the painted metal enclosures common on overdrives2.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the Cerberus on 30 April 20152. Mike B's verdict:
"The Cerberus is one nice overdrive, with a tone of tones and options as well, making it useful in any given musical situation."
Videos
Anasounds
Martial Allart
intheblues
Questions
What do the three clipping settings on the Cerberus sound like?
The clipping switch offers three choices: a soft clipped LED setting, a hard clipping option using 4 or 5 small threshold voltage silicon diodes, and a second hard clipping option using 2 high threshold voltage silicon diodes. The internal Asymmetric switch can add a fifth diode to the second hard clipping selection, changing the clipping character further.
How much boost can the Cerberus add?
The Volume knob controls the pedal's overall output and is capable of delivering up to +12dB in boost, according to Pedal of the Day's review. The internal Roll Off trimpot can also add loudness to the overdriven signal, or add boost and saturation depending on which way it is turned.
Where are the jacks on the Anasounds Cerberus?
The jacks are mounted on top of the pedal, which Pedal of the Day notes saves space on a pedalboard by keeping cables from extending past the pedal's footprint.
Is the Cerberus top made of wood?
Yes. The Cerberus has a carved wood top, which Pedal of the Day's reviewer Mike B called a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing design feature.
Sources (2)
- Anasounds Cerberus Custom Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2015-04-21
- Anasounds Cerberus Custom Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2015-04-30
