The Idiotbox Redrum V2 is a distortion pedal from Idiotbox Effects built on an unusual pairing: a RAT style distortion circuit feeding a maxed out HM-2 style tone stack, the same approach as the original Redrum. Idiotbox describes the V2 as a revamped version of that pedal, with much more control up top and internally than the one-knob original1. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio reviewed it as "a loud and punchy distortion that can deliver useable tones also at lower gain settings, but definitely shines" when maxed out2.
What it is and how it sounds
The circuit concept comes straight from two familiar designs. A distortion stage in the RAT style sets the gain, and it runs into a tone stack in the style of Boss's HM-2 Heavy Metal, turned all the way up. That HM-2 style stack is the part that gives the pedal its character at high settings, and it is the reason the pedal rewards being maxed out in De Gregorio's review12.
For players curious about the tone stack itself, the Guitar FX Layouts technical writeup of the HM-2 circuit notes that "Actually I bet the stack could be pretty easily modded for a mid control," pointing at the kind of modification the Redrum's design draws on3.
Controls
The original Redrum was deliberately minimal: one knob for distortion control, the DRIVE knob, and an internal volume control. The V2 keeps the original DRIVE knob and adds more control both on the top panel and inside1.
- DRIVE: the distortion control carried over from the original Redrum1
- Internal controls: the V2 adds control internally compared with the original's single internal volume control1
V2 versus the original Redrum
The original Redrum gave players a single DRIVE knob on the outside and a volume control inside the enclosure. The V2 is a revamped version of that pedal: Idiotbox says it has "much more control up top and internally"1. De Gregorio's review frames the change the same way, writing that the original "was recently updated to V2, which provides more control without losing any of the original murderous tone"2.
Power and enclosure
The Redrum V2 runs on a common 9 to 18V DC supply through a 2.1mm BOSS style power input with center negative polarity. Idiotbox notes that a power supply is not included, so plan on your own adapter or a pedalboard power output. The pedal uses true bypass switching and sits in a 125B sized enclosure measuring 4.7" x 2.6" x 1.5"1.
Idiotbox lists the current draw of the Redrum V2 as unknown on its product page, so check your power supply's headroom against the rest of your board1.
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Questions
What is the power polarity of the Idiotbox Redrum V2?
The Redrum V2 uses a center negative power connection on a 2.1mm BOSS style power input, running on a common 9 to 18V DC supply. Idiotbox Effects notes that a power supply is not included, so you will need to provide your own center negative adapter or pedalboard power output.
Does the Redrum V2 come with a power supply?
No. Idiotbox Effects states on the product page that a power supply is not included with the Redrum V2. The pedal takes a common 9 to 18V DC, center negative supply through a 2.1mm BOSS style input.
Is the Redrum V2 true bypass?
Yes. Idiotbox Effects specifies true bypass switching on the Redrum V2, so the pedal's circuit is removed from your signal path when it is switched off.
How much does the Idiotbox Redrum V2 cost?
Idiotbox Effects lists the Redrum V2 at $139.00 USD on its product page, as of October 2026.
What size enclosure does the Redrum V2 use?
The Redrum V2 is built in a 125B sized enclosure measuring 4.7 x 2.6 x 1.5 inches, according to Idiotbox Effects.
How is the Redrum V2 different from the original Redrum?
The original Redrum was a one-knob pedal with a single DRIVE control and an internal volume control. Idiotbox describes the V2 as a revamped version with much more control up top and internally. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio wrote that the V2 update provides more control without losing any of the original murderous tone.
Sources (3)
- REDRUM V2, IdiotBox Effects
- Idiotbox Redrum V2 Distortion, Delicious Audio, 2023-12-28
- Guitar FX Layouts: Boss HM-2 Heavy Metal Lite, tagboardeffects.blogspot.com (Guitar FX Layouts), 2014-05-02