The DVK Technologies Hairball is a dual-function stompbox that puts an overdrive and a boost in one enclosure. Vintage Guitar magazine described it at launch as a "Combo 808-style overdrive and selectable full-range/treble booster," meaning it pairs an overdrive circuit modeled on the Ibanez TS-808 with a boost that can be set for full-range or treble-only operation12. Premier Guitar's review put it the same way: "DVK's Hairball brings together interpretations of both circuits with a ton of additional functionality"2.
Controls and layout
The pedal is split into two sections, each with its own footswitch and indicator LED, so the overdrive and boost can be used separately or together2.
The Timbre control shapes the overdrive's character: "Timbre adds gain to the circuit with an emphasis on high-mid and high frequencies," according to Premier Guitar's review2. The boost section's toggle selects between full-range and treble booster operation21.
Where it came from
The Hairball is built on two well-known circuit designs. Premier Guitar describes it as bringing together interpretations of the Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer and the Dallas Rangemaster treble booster circuits2. Vintage Guitar's launch news from February 2011 likewise billed it as an 808-style overdrive combined with a selectable full-range/treble booster1.
Of the overdrive side, Premier Guitar's reviewer wrote: "The Overdrive circuit, which nails the best sonic aspects of the legendary Tube Screamer, makes dialing in a delicious o..."2
How much boost, and how it is built
At its maximum setting, the boost circuit produces +28 dB, which the reviewer described as "overwhelming" for blasting an amp's preamp tubes2. That is enough headroom to use the boost as a lead lift into a driven amp rather than only as a clean volume bump.
On build quality, Premier Guitar's reviewer found the pedal physically robust: "The pots, switches, toggle, jacks, LEDs, and knobs all feel smooth and secure, and overall, the pedal feels physically r..."2. The enclosure is relatively compact, with polyurethane-coated dome label cartoon graphics2.
There is no battery compartment. All DVK pedals require a 9VDC adapter, so the Hairball will not run on a battery and needs a power supply spot on your board2.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's 2021 review is the main published verdict on the Hairball. The reviewer found the overdrive captured the best sonic aspects of the Tube Screamer while the boost added versatility, praised the build quality, and noted the two-section true bypass layout as a practical feature for players who want to switch each effect independently2.
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Questions
Does the DVK Hairball take a battery?
No. According to Premier Guitar's review, there is no battery compartment, and all DVK pedals require a 9VDC adapter to run. Plan for a power supply spot on your pedalboard rather than relying on a battery.
Can the Hairball overdrive and boost be used separately?
Yes. The pedal is essentially divided into two true-bypass, discreet sections, with a separate footswitch and indicator LED for the overdrive and for the boost, so each can be switched in or out on its own.
How much boost does the DVK Hairball give?
At its maximum setting, the boost circuit produces +28 dB, which Premier Guitar described as overwhelming for blasting your amp's preamp tubes. The boost can also be set to full-range or treble-only operation.
Is the DVK Hairball true bypass?
Yes. Premier Guitar reports that the pedal is essentially divided into two true-bypass, discreet sections, one for the overdrive and one for the boost.
How much does the DVK Hairball cost?
Premier Guitar listed the street price at $289 as of its August 2021 review.
Sources (2)
- DVK Launching Four Effects Pedals, Vintage Guitar magazine, 2011-02-22
- DVK Technologies The Hair Ball Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2011-06-14