The Echopark NARB Post Master Overdrive is an overdrive preamp pedal: a 2-channel overdrive and preamp that uses a master volume in the post section. Pedal of the Day describes it as a true amplifier in a box, transporting your sound to decades long past, while retaining modern innovation to keep a clean and sparkling tone regardless of the settings1. Its circuit emulates the classic sounds of the JMP era Marshall amplifiers, which were produced from 1967 to 19801.
The controls: Post switch, Gain section and two channels
The NARB's layout splits its work between a Gain section and a post master section1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain section | Works on its own to create ferocious drive sounds1 |
| Post switch | Activates the post master section, driving any amp at low volumes if needed, working together with the Master volume1 |
| Two channels | Can be used simultaneously for a wide spectrum of tonal options to choose from and experiment with1 |
The Post switch is the feature that gives the pedal its name. With it engaged, the master volume in the post section lets the NARB push any amplifier hard while keeping the overall level down, which is useful on stages or in rooms where you cannot crank the amp itself1. If you are weighing the NARB against simpler single-channel drives, it sits closer to the preamp pedal family than to a straightforward overdrive pedal, since it is designed to act as an amplifier-style front end in its own right.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the NARB in April 2019 and came away convinced of its amp-like character1:
"Can it send your amplifier into early 70s overdriven bliss? Without a doubt."
The same review ran a demo of the pedal through a Mesa/Boogie amp and an old 1954A 4x10 cabinet, which the reviewer used to try to show off some of the amazing sounds the pedal can produce1.
Videos
Pedal of the Day
Questions
What does the Post switch do on the Echopark NARB?
The Post switch activates the post master section of the pedal. Working together with the Master volume, it lets the NARB drive any amp at low volumes if needed, so you can get the pedal's overdrive character without pushing your amplifier hard.
Can both channels of the NARB Post Master Overdrive run at the same time?
Yes. According to Pedal of the Day's review, both channels can be used simultaneously, which the reviewer describes as offering a wide spectrum of tonal options to choose from and experiment with.
Which Marshall amps does the NARB Post Master Overdrive emulate?
The NARB emulates the classic sounds of the JMP era Marshall amplifiers, which were produced from 1967 to 1980. Pedal of the Day describes the result as a true amplifier in a box, transporting your sound to decades long past.
Is the Echopark NARB an overdrive or a preamp?
It is both. Pedal of the Day calls the NARB an overdrive preamp pedal, giving you a 2-channel overdrive and preamp that uses a master volume in the post section. It sits in the same family as dedicated preamp pedals, but with two drive channels of its own.
What amp and cabinet were used in the NARB demo video?
In the demo video accompanying Pedal of the Day's review, the NARB was run through a Mesa/Boogie amp and an old 1954A 4x10 cabinet, which the reviewer used to show off the pedal's range of sounds.
Sources (1)
- Echopark NARB Post Master Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2019-04-24