The MI Audio FET Overdrive is an overdrive pedal from MI Audio that exists, so far, as a first prototype. Designer Michael I. describes it as FET based rather than op-amp based, with the initial idea coming from his experiments "with relative success" at capturing the tone and response of the Megalith amps in a FET-based pedal format1. MI Audio had been undecided on putting it into production, but positive feedback led to work continuing toward a production version1.
What it does
Michael I. sets out what he was shooting for with the design: "A very natural response, both in terms of tonal balance and overdrive feel," along with touch response and high gain sounds with a big footprint but a vintage vibe1. A key part of the FET approach is how it reacts to the guitar's volume control: "Unlike opamp based pedals, I wanted something that when you roll back on the volume, the sound is virtually clean"1.
At its lowest gain, the pedal works as a boost/enhancer, adding extra sparkle to the guitar tone1. That makes it a candidate for players looking at the cleaner end of overdrive pedals and boost pedals, though on the prototype the gain sweep needs refinement before that lowest range is fully clean (see below).
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the drive amount; on the first prototype the sweep runs from 9 o'clock to 2 o'clock and needs fine-tuning so minimum settings are clean2 |
| Tone | The standard MI mixing tone control, added so the top end can be adjusted as gain goes up21 |
The first prototype's gain sweep is compressed: Michael I. notes that "At the moment, all of the sweep is from 9 o'clock to 2 o'clock," and that it needs fine-tuning so the minimum settings are clean2. A production version would differ.
Planned changes for a production version
Michael I. is experimenting with taming the top end using a three-position toggle, as in the Neo Fuzz/GI Fuzz, so the top end can be matched to different setups21. This toggle is planned for the production version and is not on the demoed prototype.
Demos with the Iron Duke
Two demos pair the FET Overdrive with an MI Amplification Iron Duke amp21:
- A Les Paul into the FET Overdrive into the Iron Duke, the first demo, made in 20111
- Two Strats into the FET Overdrive into the Iron Duke, the second demo2
Videos
MI Audio
MI Audio
Questions
Is the MI Audio FET Overdrive released yet?
No. As of the most recent information from MI Audio, the FET Overdrive exists as a first prototype. Michael I. wrote that MI Audio had been undecided on whether to put it into production, but positive feedback led to work continuing toward a production version. Features such as a three-position toggle for taming the top end are described as experiments for that production version, so the pedal as demoed is not the final form.
Is the MI Audio FET Overdrive op-amp based?
No. Michael I. describes the FET Overdrive as FET based rather than op-amp based. He explains that, unlike op-amp based pedals, he wanted a design where rolling back the guitar's volume control gives a virtually clean sound. The initial idea came from his experiments with capturing the tone and response of the Megalith amps in a FET-based pedal format.
Can the FET Overdrive be used as a clean boost?
Yes, at its lowest gain setting. Michael I. describes the pedal at minimum gain as a boost/enhancer that adds some extra sparkle to your guitar tone. Note that on the first prototype the gain control sweep runs from 9 o'clock to 2 o'clock, and he has said it needs fine-tuning so that the minimum settings are fully clean.
Who designed the MI Audio FET Overdrive?
The FET Overdrive was designed by Michael I. of MI Audio. He has written about the pedal's development on the MI Audio site, explaining that the initial idea came from experiments capturing the tone and response of the Megalith amps in a FET-based pedal format, and that he wanted a design that cleans up naturally when the guitar's volume is rolled back.
Sources (2)
- FET OVERDRIVE, MI Audio, 2011-10-05
- FET Overdrive, MI Audio