The Dophix David Over Distortion is an analog distortion pedal with three knobs: Gain, Gas (the tone control) and Volume. It was the first pedal from Dophix, a young Italian maker based in Florence, and each unit is handmade in the company's Florence factory1. Dophix says the dynamic gain control covers a wide range, from a slight crunch to a full-bodied distortion up to high gain1.
The name comes from Michelangelo's sculpture of David. Dophix says the distortion is represented by the David, "the Hero par excellence"1, and Pedal of the Day noted that the Michelangelo theme runs across the company's pedals2.
The controls: Gain, Gas and Volume
The David keeps its panel simple: three knobs and no toggles. Dophix describes the controls as adjusting the gain, the tone (Gas) and the volume1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Dophix says the dynamic gain control allows a wide range of distortions, from a slight crunch to a full-bodied distortion up to high gain1 |
| Gas | The tone control; works with Gain to shape the character of the drive2 |
| Volume | Sets the output level1 |
Pedal of the Day found that Gain and Gas work together to create "a bevy of boost/drive/distortion sounds, ranging from a clean-ish boost to all variations of the overdrive spectrum and finally ending up in wicked distortion territory"2. The same review noted the pedal's bare-bones presentation: minimal graphics, petite text and unusually small knobs, but concluded that "Thought the controls are simple, the tones are vast and the musical opportunities are plentiful"2.
A front LED indicates whether the effect is engaged1.
Power
The David runs on 9 volts DC, either through an internal battery or an external stabilized power supply1. Current draw is 19mA with the LED on and 500 microamps in standby1.
Battery replacement requires removing the four screws on the bottom cover1, so plan on a screwdriver if you run it on battery power.
Where it came from
Dophix says the strong sound and character of the David is what the name represents3. The pedal is built as an analog effect, and its presentation follows what the reviewer at Pedal of the Day called a bare-bones approach, with minimal graphics, petite text and unusually small-sized knobs2.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the David and described it as an overdrive plus distortion pedal with just three control knobs and zero toggles2. The reviewer found that, though the controls are simple, the tones are vast and the musical opportunities are plentiful2.
"Thought the controls are simple, the tones are vast and the musical opportunities are plentiful."
Videos
The GasTube
Mike Hermans
Iga Massardi
Questions
Does the Dophix David take a battery?
Yes. It runs on an internal 9V battery or an external stabilized 9V DC power supply. To replace the battery you remove the four screws on the bottom cover. Current draw is 19mA with the LED on and 500 microamps in standby.
Is the Dophix David true bypass?
Yes. Dophix lists a true bypass switch along with carbon resistors and high quality components as standard choices on the pedal, so your clean signal passes through untouched when the effect is off.
What does the Gas knob do on the Dophix David?
Gas is the tone control. Dophix describes the three knobs as gain, tone (Gas) and volume. Pedal of the Day found that Gas works together with Gain to create boost, drive and distortion sounds, from a clean-ish boost up to full distortion.
Why is it called the David?
It is named after Michelangelo's sculpture of David. Dophix says the distortion is represented by the David, the hero par excellence, and the Michelangelo theme runs across the company's pedals.
Where is the Dophix David made?
In Florence, Italy. Dophix says each pedal is unique and entirely handmade in its Florence factory. The David was the company's first pedal, introduced when Dophix was a young Italian maker.
Sources (3)
- DAVID over distortion, Dophix
- Dophix David Over Distortion, Pedal of the Day, 2020-04-30
- Dophix David Distortion, Delicious Audio, 2019-01-20
