The Master Effects SLOverdrive is an overdrive pedal built around the preamp circuit of the Soldano Super Lead Overdrive (SLO) amplifier, also known from the x88r rack mount preamp. It is an amp-in-a-box style pedal: rather than pushing your amp harder, it aims to put the character of a high-gain tube preamp on your board, with a full three-band EQ to shape it. Master Effects describes the result as "high quality pedals that sound amazing, are consistent from pedal-to-pedal"1.
The pedal is an evolution of Master Effects' previous x88r pedal. For this version the maker added soft-touch relay bypass, tweaked the circuit for what it calls a more organic, amp-like sound, moved to modern PCB assembly and fabrication, and made the enclosure pink1.
Controls
The SLOverdrive carries five controls, giving it a fuller EQ section than most overdrives, which typically offer only volume, drive and tone1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Sets the pedal's output level |
| Drive | Sets the amount of overdrive |
| Bass | Cuts or boosts low frequencies |
| Middle | Cuts or boosts midrange frequencies |
| Treble | Cuts or boosts high frequencies |
The three-band EQ is the practical difference from simpler overdrive designs: a player can dial in a scooped, mid-forward or flat voicing without relying on the amp's EQ. For context on how this compares with other drive types, see Overdrive Pedals, Distortion Pedals and Preamp Pedals.
Power and setup
The pedal accepts 9 to 18 volts from a standard boss-style supply. Master Effects does not list a current draw figure, so check your supply's budget against the maker's page before adding it to a daisy chain.
The Lumberg power connector is the standard barrel fitting used across most pedalboard power supplies, so no adapter is needed1.
Buying from Canada
Master Effects sells the SLOverdrive direct at $199US plus shipping. Shipping within Canada and the US is $20US, and the maker states that US customers will not have to pay any import duties or tariffs. Customers outside North America are responsible for any customs, import or VAT charges their country levies1.
The maker's page gives shipping as $20US within Canada and the US, and elsewhere refers to a figure of approximately $60US. The two figures are not reconciled on the page, so confirm the shipping cost for your order before buying.
Each pedal carries a 1 year warranty on parts and labor, which does not cover damage from an improper power supply or other misuse1.
Videos
Master Effects Pedals
Shred Ain't Dead
Questions
Can the SLOverdrive run at 18 volts?
Yes. Master Effects specifies a standard boss-style 9-18V power supply, so the pedal accepts anything in that range. Running it at 18 volts is within the maker's stated specification, using a boss-style supply set to 18V. The pedal uses a Lumberg power connector, the standard center-negative barrel fitting found on most pedalboard power supplies.
Is the Master Effects SLOverdrive true bypass?
Yes. The SLOverdrive uses soft-touch relay true bypass, which Master Effects describes as an improvement for reliability. A relay bypass uses an electronic switch rather than a mechanical footswitch, and the soft-touch operation means no clicking when you engage the pedal.
Where is the Master Effects SLOverdrive made?
Each SLOverdrive uses a professionally assembled PCB and is assembled by hand in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Master Effects states the result is high quality pedals that sound amazing and are consistent from pedal to pedal.
Do US buyers pay import duties on the SLOverdrive?
No. Master Effects states that US customers will not have to pay any import duties or tariffs. Shipping within Canada and the US is $20US. Buyers outside North America are responsible for any customs, import or VAT charges their country levies.
Sources (1)
- SLOverdrive, Master Effects