The DLS Effects Boost-Gain-Sustain Custom is an analog pedal that combines boost, distortion, overdrive and equalization in one unit, with two channels and a switchable bass and treble EQ1. It sits in the same family as boost pedals, overdrive pedals and distortion pedals, but its story is unusual: it was custom built for Alex Lifeson of Rush, and RockBoard's PedalPedia says he used it throughout the band's R40 tour1.
From the Reckless Driver to Alex Lifeson's rig
DLS's account of the pedal's origin is that Dave from DLS "ripped apart the Reckless Driver and spent 3 straight days designing a Boost with Gain, 2 channels, switchable EQ"1. The result is the Boost-Gain-Sustain Custom, a redesign of the company's Reckless Driver circuit rather than an entirely new design1.
The pedal was built as a custom unit for Alex Lifeson of Rush. DLS reports that "Alex loved it and used the BGS throughout the tour to wow audiences!!"1, making the R40 tour the pedal's documented service history.
Controls and circuit
The Boost-Gain-Sustain Custom offers two channels, so a player can set one gain or boost level and switch to a second, and a switchable EQ section with Bass and Treble controls that can be brought in or out as needed1. The circuit is analog throughout1.
Power requirements
The pedal runs on 12V DC, center negative, and draws 40mA1. It needs a supply with a 12V output rather than a standard pedal supply output, and the 40mA draw rules out daisy-chaining it from a low-current output.
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Questions
Who is the DLS Effects Boost-Gain-Sustain Custom built for?
The Boost-Gain-Sustain Custom was custom built for Alex Lifeson of Rush. According to DLS, Lifeson used the pedal throughout Rush's R40 tour. It is a one-off custom version of the company's boost and gain design rather than a standard catalog pedal, combining boost, distortion, overdrive and switchable EQ in one analog unit.
What circuit is the DLS Boost-Gain-Sustain Custom based on?
The pedal is based on the DLS Reckless Driver, redesigned by Dave from DLS. The maker's account is that he reworked the Reckless Driver circuit over three straight days to create a boost with gain, two channels and switchable bass and treble EQ, resulting in the Boost-Gain-Sustain Custom.
What power supply does the DLS Boost-Gain-Sustain Custom use?
The pedal runs on 12V DC, center negative, and draws 40mA. That voltage means a standard 9V pedal supply output will not run it, so it needs a supply with a 12V output, and the 40mA draw should be checked against the supply's available current.
Is the DLS Boost-Gain-Sustain Custom analog?
Yes. The circuit type is analog, per the maker's product listing.
Sources (1)
- Boost-Gain-Sustain, RockBoard (PedalPedia), 2026
