The Magnetic Effects Dual Drive is a limited-edition dual overdrive pedal that puts two drives in one box: one in the style of a Rat, one in the style of a Tube Screamer1. Announced on January 28, 2020, it comes from Magnetic Effects, a small builder based in London, UK, whose earlier limited runs included the Rat-inspired Lonely Robot2. The Tube Screamer side has been modded for asymmetrical clipping, which Magnetic Effects says gives more even order harmonics and a touch less compression1.
Two classic circuits in one box
The Dual Drive pairs two of the most widely copied drive circuits in one pedal: a Tube Screamer-style overdrive and a Rat-style distortion1. Neither side is a straight clone. Magnetic Effects modified both circuits for this pedal.
Tube Screamer-style side:
- Modified for asymmetrical clipping, which the builder says produces more even-order harmonics and a touch less compression than the stock circuit1
- Signal path kept simple for a bit more clarity12
Rat-style side:
- A standard Rat-style circuit with a couple of mods2
- Clipping changed to asymmetrical clipping for more even-order harmonics and a touch less compression1
- Tone control works in the conventional direction, clockwise to brighten, unlike the original Rat's reversed filter control132
Asymmetrical clipping is the notable shared change: both sides depart from the symmetric clipping of the original designs, aiming for more even-order harmonics and less of the compressed feel that symmetric clipping produces12.
The controls
Each drive has its own Volume, Tone and Gain controls1. That gives six knobs in total, three per side, so each half of the pedal can be dialed in as its own complete drive.
| Control | Side | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Both drives | Sets the output level of that drive1 |
| Tone | Both drives | Shapes the brightness of that drive; the Rat side works clockwise to brighten13 |
| Gain | Both drives | Sets the amount of drive or distortion for that side1 |
The Rat side's Tone control deserves a note for anyone who has used an original Pro Co Rat. On the original pedal, the filter control worked in the opposite direction, rolling off highs as you turned it up. On the Dual Drive, the control works clockwise in the conventional direction, so turning it right brightens the tone132.
If you are used to an original Rat, the Tone control on the Dual Drive's Rat side will feel reversed compared with what you expect: clockwise brightens rather than darkens12.
Using both drives at once
Each effect can be used independently, or both can be used at the same time1. Guitar.com's coverage described the combined setting as producing "a raunchier tone"3. Stacking the Tube Screamer-style side into the Rat-style side is the main draw of the two-in-one format: the midrange push of the Tube Screamer circuit feeding a Rat-style distortion is a classic pairing that many players previously built from two separate pedals.
This either/or/both approach is common among dual drive pedals. The T-Rex Dual Drive offers an A/B switch between its two channels with individually tuned tone controls4, and BMF Effects' Godfather II Dual Overdrive uses a toggle switch to run its two drives as A/B or A+B5. The Dual Drive's take is the same idea applied to two specific classic circuits.
Power: 9 to 18V DC
The Dual Drive runs on 9 to 18V DC via an adapter1. The higher voltage is not just a tolerance figure. Magnetic Effects says 18V gives more headroom to the sound and a slightly punchier feel to the tone1. For players who find 9V drive pedals compress too much when pushed, the extra headroom at 18V is the practical difference.
The Dual Drive is powered via an adapter only, so it is not a battery pedal. Any supply in the 9 to 18V DC range works, with 18V giving the added headroom described above1.
Where it came from and what reviewers said
Magnetic Effects announced the Dual Drive on January 28, 2020, as a limited edition priced at £135 plus shipping1. Gearnews reported the same GBP 135 RRP2. Gearnews' reviewer found the pedal, in their words, "sounds pretty decent and very useable, so well worth checking out"2.
Gearnews' reviewer was positive about the result:
"This new variation on these two classic drive pedals sounds pretty decent and very useable, so well worth checking out2."
gearnews.com2
Videos
Alberto Barrero
Southwood Designs
Questions
Can you use both drives on the Magnetic Effects Dual Drive at once?
Yes. Each effect can be used independently, or both can be engaged at the same time for a combined tone that press coverage described as raunchier. Running the Tube Screamer-style side into the Rat-style side stacks the two classic circuits in one enclosure.
Is the Magnetic Effects Dual Drive true bypass?
Yes. The Dual Drive uses true bypass switching, so when both drives are disengaged the guitar signal passes through the pedal without the circuit coloring it.
Does the Dual Drive's Rat tone control work backwards?
No. The Tone control on the Rat-style side works in the conventional direction, turning clockwise to brighten the tone. This differs from the original Pro Co Rat, whose filter control worked in the opposite direction.
What power supply does the Dual Drive need?
It runs on 9 to 18V DC via an adapter. Magnetic Effects says 18V gives more headroom to the sound and a slightly punchier feel to the tone, so a higher-voltage supply is an option for players who want extra clarity at higher volumes.
Where is the Magnetic Effects Dual Drive made?
It is designed and built in London, UK, by Magnetic Effects, a small builder whose earlier limited-edition releases include the Black Moon fuzz and the Rat-inspired Lonely Robot overdrive/distortion.
Sources (5)
- Magnetic Effects Introduces the Dual Drive, Premier Guitar, 2020-01-28
- Magnetic Effects Dual Drive puts two legendary drive tones in one boutique pedal, gearnews.com, 2020-01-28
- Magnetic Effects unveils the limited-edition Dual Drive, Guitar.com, 2020-01-29
- → T-REX EFFECTS ← Pedals for guitar and bass players!, T-Rex Effects
- The Godfather II Dual Overdrive, BMF Effects
