The Ashdown Nate Mendel NM2 Double Distortion is a professional dual distortion pedal designed from the ground up with Nate Mendel of the Foo Fighters, and built with bass players in mind. It carries two separate distortion circuits that can be used alone or bridged together, with two outputs that can feed one amp or two12.
Two distortions in one pedal
The NM2 gives you two distinct distortion voices. MusicRadar describes Distortion 1 as the subtler of the two, adding a layer of crunch to your sound, while Distortion 2 is bigger and nastier, with a +10dB boost switch to make it even more extreme if you like2. A bridge toggle switch gives the option to run both distortions together, and MusicRadar found that both in combination give you a massive distortion if you want it, although there is a smoothness to the sound23.
Because the pedal was designed for a bassist, low end was a central concern. Guitar World framed the challenge directly: "A big issue with bass effect pedals, especially distortion, is not losing low-end definition." MusicRadar's reviewer found the NM2 holds up on that count, reporting plenty of low end, crucially23.
The controls and outputs
The front panel is deliberately simple. Guitar World's reviewer called simplicity the standout feature: "It's basically two distortion pedals with only level and drive knobs."3
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Input | Sets how much of your signal enters the pedal, visible on the meter23 |
| Drive Mix 1 | Distortion level for channel 13 |
| Drive Mix 2 | Distortion level for channel 23 |
| Master 2 | Master volume for channel 23 |
| Output level | Dials in the balance between the effect and the true bypass level1 |
Three toggle switches sit alongside the knobs: a meter on/off switch, a 10dB boost for channel 2, and the bridge option that runs both distortions together3. A selector sends your signal to Distortion 1, shown by a green LED, or Distortion 2, shown by a red LED, or a combination of both, shown by a yellow LED2.
The two outputs are the other half of the design. You can send two differently distorted signals to separate amplifiers via the two outputs if you wish, or send a single signal to one amp2. Guitar World describes the pedal as offering two distortion tones that you can switch on and off through one or two amplifiers3.
The VU meter
Ashdown's trademark VU meter sits in the middle of the pedal, protected by two roll bars2. Guitar World's reviewer found it earns its place:
"The meter isn't just for show. Often, distortion sounds louder than it really is."
The meter lets you accurately compare your levels between all three channels: bypassed clean, Distortion 1 and Distortion 23. That matters when you are setting the Output level control against the true bypass level, so switching the pedal in and out does not shift your volume12.
Build and bypass
MusicRadar describes the NM2 as a solid chunk of metal, with the VU meter protected by two roll bars2. When the unit is bypassed, your tone remains completely dry2.
The NM2 is a solid chunk of metal, built to take the wear of a working pedalboard2. Ashdown lists it at £119, a price the reviewer at Guitar World called "a fairly hefty chunk of cash to part with"2.
For players weighing it against other dual-circuit designs, Ashdown has form in this territory: the brand also made the Ashdown John Myung Double Drive and the Ashdown FS-Drive Plus. The NM2 sits in the wider field of distortion pedals and bass pedals31.
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Questions
Can the Ashdown NM-2 run into two amps at once?
Yes. The pedal has two outputs, so you can send two differently distorted signals to separate amplifiers, or send a single signal to one amp. Guitar World describes it as offering two distortion tones that you can switch on and off through one or two amplifiers, and the bridge switch lets both distortions run together.
What do the green, red and yellow LEDs mean on the NM-2?
The selector sends your signal to Distortion 1, shown by a green LED, or Distortion 2, shown by a red LED, or to a combination of both circuits, shown by a yellow LED. The yellow setting bridges the two distortions for a bigger, combined distortion sound.
What does the boost switch do on the Nate Mendel pedal?
Distortion 2 has a +10dB boost switch that pushes that channel harder. MusicRadar describes it as a way to make Distortion 2 even more extreme if you like. A separate toggle switch turns the VU meter on and off.
Is the Ashdown NM-2 made for bass?
Yes. Ashdown describes it as a bass overdrive effect, and Guitar World reviewed it as a bass distortion pedal, noting that a big issue with bass distortion is not losing low-end definition. MusicRadar's reviewer found plenty of low end, crucially.
Does the NM-2 keep the dry tone when bypassed?
Yes. MusicRadar reports that when the unit is bypassed, your tone remains completely dry. The Output level control lets you dial in the balance between the effect and the true bypass level, and the VU meter lets you compare levels between the bypassed clean signal and both distortion channels.
Sources (3)
- NM2 - Nate Mendel Double Drive Pedal - Ashdown Engineering, Ashdown Engineering
- Ashdown Nate Mendel NM2 Double Distortion review, MusicRadar, 2018-02-10
- Review: Ashdown Engineering NM2 Double Distortion Pedal, Guitar World, 2013-09-06
