The Arion SDI-1 Stereo Distortion is an analog distortion pedal built around a stereo signal path. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes it as delivering "heavy distortion with excellent control over tone and intensity," and calls it "a low cost, very versatile effect"1. It sits in the same budget line as the Arion MDS-1 Heavy Distortion, a mono sibling for players who do not need the stereo outputs.
What it does
The SDI-1 is a distortion pedal with a stereo output path, so it can feed two amps or a stereo rig while keeping the distorted signal independent on each side. Arion's own description puts the emphasis on heavy distortion with fine control over tone and intensity, which is the pedal's stated strength1.
Power and practical notes
The pedal runs on 9V DC, center negative, and draws 8mA1. That is a light load by pedalboard standards, so it fits comfortably on any standard supply output.
The 8mA draw is low enough for a shared power output on most supplies, but the 9V DC center negative requirement should still be matched to the supply before daisy chaining.
Where it sits in the Arion line
Arion's pedals are known as low cost alternatives, and the SDI-1 is described by RockBoard's PedalPedia as exactly that: a low cost, very versatile effect1. Players comparing it with the mono Arion MDS-1 Heavy Distortion are choosing between the stereo path of the SDI-1 and the heavier, single output focus of the MDS-1.
Videos
The Tone King
Pedal Sessions
Mic Sustianevo
Questions
Is the Arion SDI-1 analog or digital?
The SDI-1 is an analog circuit. Arion built it as a straightforward distortion pedal rather than a digital modeler, which is typical of the company's low cost pedal line. Analog distortion works by clipping the guitar signal itself, and the SDI-1 is described as offering heavy distortion with excellent control over tone and intensity.
How much power does the Arion SDI-1 need?
The SDI-1 runs on 9V DC with center negative polarity and draws 8mA. That low current draw means it can share a standard pedalboard power supply output with other pedals without trouble, and it is in line with what most compact analog distortion pedals need.
Sources (1)
- SDI-1 Stereo Distortion by Arion, RockBoard (rockboard.de PedalPedia), 2026
