The MTL Assembly Too Positive is a stereo overdrive pedal from MTL Assembly, a Quebec-based maker. It carries two independent drive circuits, identical on both sides, that deliver sounds ranging from a colored boost to a full overdrive. Because the circuits are separate, the pedal can process a stereo signal with different settings on each channel, or act as two channel drives with two mono outputs1.
Three footswitch configurations
The Too Positive's defining feature is how its two footswitches can be set up. There are three configurations1:
- Stereo Separate Configuration: Each channel is toggled separately through its own footswitch. This is also stereo, but the channels operate independently, one feeding the other.
- Stereo Synch Configuration: Both channels switch in sync, turning on and off at once, with the left footswitch working as a momentary switch and the right footswitch latching.
- Mono Stacked Configuration: The footswitches select which drive circuit is used, emulating a two-channel setup on a mono signal. Each channel has its own input and output.
Mono and stereo use
Through the Mono In/Out toggle switch on the right of the pedal, the Too Positive can sum two stereo inputs to two mono outputs, so it works in a mono rig as well as a stereo one1. The jacks are stereo 1/4" in and out, and accept both TS and TRS plugs for input and output signals1.
Tone controls and power
Each channel has a Tone toggle that provides a mid-scooped option and a high passed filter option, so the two sides of the pedal can be voiced differently from each other1. The pedal requires a 9V DC power supply and consumes 80mA of current1.
At 80mA, the Too Positive draws more current than many single overdrives, which matters when budgeting a pedalboard power supply.
How it compares
Writing about stereo gain pedals, Guitar Pedal X placed the Too Positive in that company, with Stefan Karlsson describing it as "the Montreal Assembly Too Positive (dual Hotcakes)", an analog stereo gain pedal2. Players comparing it with single-channel drives such as those covered in Boss SD-1 vs Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer should note that the Too Positive's two circuits can run stacked, separate, or in sync depending on the footswitch configuration1.
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Questions
Can the MTL Assembly Too Positive be used with a mono signal?
Yes. Through the Mono In/Out toggle switch on the right side of the pedal, it can sum two stereo inputs to two mono outputs, so a player with a mono rig can still use both drive circuits. In the Mono Stacked Configuration the footswitches select which drive circuit is used, emulating a two-channel setup on a mono signal, and each channel has its own input and output.
What does the Tone toggle do on the Too Positive?
Each channel has a Tone toggle that provides two filter options: a mid-scooped setting and a high passed setting. Since the pedal carries two identical overdrive circuits, each side can be set independently, so one channel can be voiced differently from the other.
Does the Too Positive accept TRS cables?
Yes. The pedal uses stereo 1/4 inch in and out jacks and accepts both 1/4 inch TS and TRS plugs for input and output signals, which is what allows it to carry stereo audio over a single jack.
What power supply does the MTL Assembly Too Positive need?
It requires a 9V DC power supply and consumes 80mA of current. That draw is worth keeping in mind when planning a pedalboard power supply, since it is more than many single overdrives use.
Can the Too Positive run as two separate overdrive pedals?
Yes. It carries two independent drive circuits that can process stereo signals with different settings for each channel, or be used as two separate channel drives with two mono outputs. In the Stereo Separate Configuration each channel is toggled through its own footswitch and the channels operate independently, one feeding the other. Guitar Pedal X has described it as dual Hotcakes.
Sources (2)
- New Pedal: MTL Assembly Too Positive Stereo Drive, Delicious Audio, 2022-06-17
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2025-09-18