The Ashdown NM2 is a professional dual distortion pedal for bass, designed from the ground up for Nate Mendel of the Foo Fighters1. Its core idea is simple and unusual: instead of replacing your bass tone with distortion, the unaltered bass signal is fed from input to the output and the distortion effects are added to it, which Ashdown says gives a full and dynamic sound with rich overtones1. The pedal carries two separate distortions, a VU meter for level matching, and two outputs that let you run one amp or two12.
What it does to your sound
The NM2 splits internally to two outputs. Each output provides the original signal at input level plus its own individual mix of a separate distortion type1. The two channels are not identical: MusicRadar's review describes Distortion 1 as subtler, 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 extreme2. Used together, the reviewer found the combination could go further: "Both distortions in combination give you a massive distortion if you want it, although there's a smoothness to the sound"2.
Because the clean signal always runs underneath, the pedal is aimed at players who want distortion layered over their fundamental tone rather than replacing it, in the manner of other bass distortion and overdrive designs1.
Controls
Guitar World's review, by Billy Voight, lists the knob layout from left to right3:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Input | How much of your signal enters the pedal3 |
| Drive Mix 1 | Distortion level for channel 13 |
| Master 1 | Master volume for channel 13 |
| Drive Mix 2 | Distortion level for channel 23 |
| Output level | Dials in the balance between the effect and the true bypass level1 |
Toggle switches cover the rest3:
- Meter on/off switch
- 10dB boost for channel 2
- Option to bridge both distortions (the 1+2 function)
- Dedicated switch to compare input and output volumes on the meter2
The Input level knob works with the VU meter to find the sweet spot for active or passive basses, according to Ashdown1. The meter itself is Ashdown's trademark VU meter, protected by two roll bars2, and Guitar World's reviewer found it earns its place: "The meter isn't just for show. Often, distortion sounds louder than it really is." He added that it lets you accurately compare your levels between all three channels: bypassed clean, distortion 1 and distortion 23.
Running one amp or two
The two outputs are the pedal's routing trick. For a stereo rig, each output can be fed to a separate amplifier, with the individually adjustable bass overdrive effects switched in or out for Output 1, Output 2 or both together1. MusicRadar puts the same point in player terms: you can send two differently distorted signals to separate amps via the two outputs if you wish, or send a single signal to one amp2.
For single-amp players, the 1+2 switch routes both effects to Output 2, so nothing is lost by not running stereo1.
Build and background
Ashdown describes the pedal's construction as metal casings, premium controls and switches, recessed knobs and kickguards to protect screens and VU meters1. MusicRadar called it "a solid chunk of metal"2, and Guitar World's reviewer noted the chassis is made of durable aluminum, which should handle some casual abuse3.
The NM2 is a professional dual distortion pedal in the Ashdown range1. Its design splits the signal internally to two Outputs, each providing the original signal at input level plus its own individual mix of a separate distortion type, and an Output level control lets you dial in the balance between the effect and the true bypass level1.
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Questions
Is the Ashdown NM2 true bypass?
Yes. Ashdown says its pedals feature genuine true bypass switching, which means your input signal passes through uncoloured when the pedal is switched off. That matters on bass, where a pedal that loads or dulls the clean signal is easy to hear. When the NM2 is engaged, the clean signal is still fed from input to output, with the distortion effects added on top of it.
What does the 1+2 switch do on the Ashdown NM2?
The 1+2 switch is for playing through a single amp. With it engaged, both distortion effects are routed to Output 2, so you get the two channels combined down one output instead of split across the pedal's two outputs. Without it, the pedal is set up for a stereo rig, where each output feeds a separate amplifier.
Can you run the Ashdown NM2 into two amps?
Yes, that is what the two outputs are for. Each output can be fed to a separate amplifier in a stereo rig, with the individually adjustable bass overdrive effects switched in or out for Output 1, Output 2 or both together. MusicRadar notes you can send two differently distorted signals to separate amps, or send a single signal to one amp.
Who designed the Ashdown NM2?
The NM2 was designed from the ground up for Nate Mendel, the bassist of the Foo Fighters, and carries his name. Ashdown describes it as a professional dual distortion pedal built around the idea of keeping the unaltered bass signal intact while adding distortion to it.
Does the Ashdown NM2 work with active and passive basses?
Yes. Ashdown says the VU meter, used together with the Input level knob, lets you easily find the sweet spot for active or passive basses. You set the input level so the meter reads correctly for your instrument, then match the output level against your bypassed clean signal.
Where can I find the Ashdown NM2 manual?
Ashdown hosts the user manual as a PDF on its website, linked from the NM2 product page. The manual covers the pedal's instructions, and the product page itself documents the controls, the two-output routing and the true bypass switching.
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
