The GUPtech 1982 DD Special Edition is a distortion pedal built as the maker's tribute to the RAT and the DRV1. GUPtech says it sounds very similar to a RAT, with a Cut control that acts like the Filter of the RAT, and that you can get a creamy tone with the drive set at about 6 to 81. The Special Edition is a limited run: GUPtech made it for Emilie's 44th birthday, named it after designer Emilie's birth year, 1982, and finished it in a White Sanded enclosure with what the maker calls a very 80's design1.
Power and setup
The pedal runs from a 9V DC, center negative supply, and GUPtech is explicit that it takes 9V only: "Anything higher will blow some stuffs"1. It draws 16mA1. Inside, a charge pump converts the external 9V into 18Vdc, which raises the internal supply the circuit works from without needing a higher-voltage adapter on your board1.
Use a 9V center negative supply only. GUPtech warns that anything higher will damage the pedal1.
Controls and sound
The control the maker describes in detail is Cut, which acts like the Filter of the RAT1. Paired with drive settings of about 6 to 8, GUPtech says it produces a creamy tone1. The pedal's character is deliberately close to the RAT: the maker calls the 1982 DD "our tribute of the RAT and DRV"1.
"It sounds very similar to a RAT. Cut act like the Filter of the RAT and you can get a creamy tone with drive"
Background and availability
The Special Edition is GUPtech's take on two classic distortion circuits: the maker describes it as "our tribute of the RAT and DRV"1. It is sold directly by the maker at £77.00 GBP1.
All GUPtech pedals are made by the company in Saguenay, Québec, Canada1. The 1982 DD Special Edition is listed as sold out on the maker's product page as of 26 October 20261.
Questions
What power supply does the GUPtech 1982 DD Special Edition need?
It needs a 9V DC, center negative supply, and GUPtech says nothing higher, because anything above 9V will damage the pedal. It draws 16mA. Inside, a charge pump converts the external 9V into 18Vdc for the circuit, so a standard 9V pedal supply is all that is required.
Does the GUPtech 1982 DD sound like a RAT?
GUPtech says it sounds very similar to a RAT, and describes the pedal as a tribute to the RAT and the DRV. According to the maker, you can get a creamy tone with the drive set at about 6 to 8. The Cut control works like the Filter knob on a RAT.
What does the Cut control do on the 1982 DD?
The Cut control acts like the Filter control of the RAT, the pedal it is modeled on. GUPtech suggests using it alongside drive settings of about 6 to 8 to reach a creamy tone.
Where is the GUPtech 1982 DD Special Edition made?
GUPtech makes all of its pedals by hand in Saguenay, Québec, Canada, and the 1982 DD Special Edition is built there as well.
Is the GUPtech 1982 DD Special Edition still available?
No. As of 26 October 2026 the pedal is listed as sold out on GUPtech's own product page. It was a limited Special Edition made for Emilie's 44th birthday, so availability depends on whether GUPtech runs further editions.
Sources (1)
- 1982 RAT pedal, GUPtech (guptech.ca)
