The Erica Synths Plasma Drive is a high-voltage distortion pedal: Erica Synths describes it simply as "High-voltage distortion"1. It belongs to a small family of plasma-based distortion designs, in which the guitar signal is clipped not by diodes or transistors but by electrical discharges inside a gas-filled tube.
How plasma distortion works
The plasma approach to distortion was introduced by Gamechanger Audio, whose Plasma Pedal appeared at NAMM 2018 as a "High Voltage Distortion"2. Gamechanger Audio describes high-voltage distortion as "a new and previously unexplored method of achieving signal clipping"3. Instead of the solid-state clipping found in most distortion pedals, the circuit "employs a series of continuous high-voltage discharges within a xenon" filled tube to shape the signal, as Paolo De Gregorio of Delicious Audio described the Plasma Distortion design4. gearnews.com grouped the resulting character with overdrive and distortion, noting that "This new overdrive and distortion are hot with a high voltage"2.
Erica Synths, which also builds the Erica Synths Xenodrive desktop distortion unit, applies this high-voltage concept in the Plasma Drive1.
Buying from Erica Synths
Erica Synths sells the Plasma Drive directly from its own web shop, and the page carries the practical details a buyer needs1:
- Price: €310, with VAT not included1
- Payment: Credit Card or PayPal1
- Shipping: worldwide delivery with UPS and FedEx1
- Taxes: EU customers without an EU VAT registration number pay VAT plus shipping; outside the EU, local taxation (VAT, trade tax, or import duties) applies in the country of delivery, plus shipping1
Taxation depends on where the pedal is going. For EU customers without an EU VAT registration number, VAT and shipping are added to the listed price. For deliveries outside the EU, local taxation, whether VAT, trade tax or import duties, applies in the country of delivery, plus shipping1.
EU customers without an EU VAT registration number pay VAT on top of the listed price, plus shipping, and outside the EU local taxation (VAT, trade tax, or import duties) applies in the country of delivery, plus shipping1.
Warranty, returns and repairs
Erica Synths backs the Plasma Drive with a 24 month warranty, described as a two-year cover of manufacturing faults from the date of receipt1. The warranty does not cover everything:
- Defects resulting from incorrect handling or improper setup, for example reverse polarity power, static damage or liquid damage1
- Second-hand units1
If you buy directly from the Erica Synths web shop, you are entitled to a full refund, excluding shipping costs, if you return the product within 14 days of the date on the receipt, and a support ticket must be created first for return authorization1. Out-of-warranty repairs are subject to a repair fee, a minimum of 50 EUR per hour plus parts and shipping, with a quote agreed before any repair work is done1.
A related DIY route
For players who build their own pedals, Aion FX offers the Plasma Vintage Drive as a project, with the PCB priced at $12.505.
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Questions
How much does the Erica Synths Plasma Drive cost?
Erica Synths lists the Plasma Drive at €310, with VAT not included. For EU customers without an EU VAT registration number, VAT and shipping are added. For deliveries outside the EU, local taxation such as VAT, trade tax or import duties applies in the country of delivery, plus shipping.
What warranty does the Plasma Drive come with?
Erica Synths gives the Plasma Drive a 24 month warranty, a two-year cover of manufacturing faults from the date of receipt. Defects from incorrect handling or improper setup, such as reverse polarity power, static damage or liquid damage, are not covered, and neither are second-hand units.
Does Erica Synths ship the Plasma Drive to the United States?
Yes. Erica Synths offers worldwide delivery with UPS and FedEx, which covers the United States. Orders from outside the EU are subject to local taxation, such as VAT, trade tax or import duties, in the country of delivery, plus shipping.
What is the return policy for the Plasma Drive?
If you buy directly from the Erica Synths web shop, you are entitled to a full refund, excluding shipping costs, if you return the product within 14 days of the date on the receipt. A support ticket must be created first for return authorization.
Who makes the Plasma Drive?
The Plasma Drive is made by Erica Synths, the Latvian maker listed as the manufacturer on the product page. Erica Synths also builds related gear such as the Xenodrive desktop distortion unit.
Sources (5)
- Plasma Drive, Erica Synths
- NAMM 2018: Plasma Pedal, gearnews.com, 2018-01-25
- PLASMA PEDAL, Gamechanger Audio, 2026-09-23
- Gamechanger Audio Plasma Coil (with Third Man Records), Delicious Audio, 2022-06-03
- Plasma Vintage Drive / Colorsound Overdriver, Aion FX, 2020-07-03
