The Dronechov Noise Machines Stepping Razor is an overdrive/distortion pedal derived from the Rat circuit, released in May 2026 as the maker's third pedal. Guitar Pedal X describes it as based on "a certain classic rodent-themed circuit, but with a twist": a parallel clean blend and switchable clipping set it apart from the circuit it came from1.
The controls
The Stepping Razor carries five controls1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of drive |
| Volume | Sets the output level |
| Clipping | Switches between symmetrical and asymmetrical clipping |
| Tone | Shapes the treble response |
| Parallel Clean Blend | Blends clean signal in alongside the distorted signal |
The Parallel Clean Blend is the feature Guitar Pedal X singles out. The publication says the pedal "was very much created with bass players in mind, especially its parallel clean blend section," while noting it works equally well on guitar1. Blending clean signal under distortion is a common approach for bass, where keeping the low end intact matters, and it is also useful on guitar for layering drive over an untouched core tone. For more on blending and low-end-friendly drive, see Bass Pedals.
Sound and circuit
Guitar Pedal X describes the Stepping Razor as having "a fuller low end profile, while delivering a crushing output," and says it can be used as an almost transparent overdrive, especially at lower settings1. On the circuit, the publication writes: "While derived from the Rat circuit, this is as different to that as the 1981 DRV is - they're both evolved from a similar" starting point1. In other words, players should expect an evolved take on the Rat rather than a clone. For context on the wider category, see Distortion Pedals and Overdrive Pedals.
Guitar Pedal X also compares the Stepping Razor to the EAE Greathammer, saying it "has similar sensibilities and delivers an extended range of tones"1.
Availability
The Stepping Razor is currently selling, priced at €140 ($165 / £121) on the DNM webstore as of May 20261. All Dronechov Noise Machines units are hand-built in Utrecht, the Netherlands1.
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Questions
Is the Dronechov Stepping Razor based on the Rat?
Yes. Guitar Pedal X describes the Stepping Razor as derived from the Rat circuit, but as different from it as the 1981 DRV is, both being evolved from a similar starting point. The pedal adds its own features on top of that foundation, including a parallel clean blend and a switchable symmetrical or asymmetrical clipping option.
What does the Parallel Clean Blend do on the Stepping Razor?
The Parallel Clean Blend control mixes clean, unaffected signal back in alongside the distorted signal. Guitar Pedal X notes that this section was a central reason the pedal was created with bass players in mind, since blending clean low end under distortion helps keep the bottom end intact. It works equally well on guitar.
Is the Stepping Razor made for bass players?
Guitar Pedal X says the Stepping Razor was very much created with bass players in mind, especially its parallel clean blend section. The publication also notes that it works equally well on guitar, so it is not a bass-only design. Its fuller low end profile also suits bass use.
What does the Clipping switch do on the Stepping Razor?
The Clipping switch selects between symmetrical and asymmetrical clipping. Symmetrical clipping shapes the waveform evenly on both halves of the signal, while asymmetrical clipping clips one side differently, which changes the character of the distortion. It is one of the pedal's five controls, alongside Gain, Volume, Tone and the Parallel Clean Blend.
Where is the Dronechov Stepping Razor made?
All Dronechov Noise Machines units are hand-built in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The Stepping Razor is the maker's third release and was announced in May 2026.
How much does the Dronechov Stepping Razor cost?
As of May 2026, Guitar Pedal X reported the Stepping Razor selling at €140 ($165 / £121) on the Dronechov Noise Machines webstore.
Sources (1)
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2026-05-05
