The Nanolog Classic Overdrive is a multi-mode overdrive pedal made in Canada by Nanolog Audio, launched under the Nanolog name in January 2019. Its defining feature is a four-way clipping switch that selects between germanium, silicon, 4nm carbon and 6nm carbon, letting one pedal cover a range of drive characters. Guitar.com reviewed it at launch and rated it 9/10 overall1.
Controls and clipping options
The pedal carries five controls, each with a distinct job:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Sets output level1 |
| Gain | Sets the amount of drive1 |
| Treble cut | High trim, shaping the top end1 |
| Bass cut | Low trim, shaping the bottom end1 |
| Clipping switch | Four-way: germanium, silicon, 4nm carbon, 6nm carbon1 |
The clipping switch is the heart of the design. Germanium and silicon are the familiar diode choices players know from decades of overdrive pedals, while the two carbon settings use Nanolog's molecular junction technology1:
- Germanium: the classic soft-clipping diode flavor1
- Silicon: the harder-edged, more common diode option1
- 4nm carbon: Nanolog's carbon molecular junction clipping1
- 6nm carbon: a second carbon molecular junction voicing1
The same approach appeared in the Nanolog WaveFunction, an overdrive with switchable diode options based on carbon molecular junction technology that the company introduced before the Classic Overdrive1.
The treble cut and bass cut controls work as separate high and low trims, which gives more shaping options than the single tone control found on most overdrives1.
Bypass and power
Bypass is switchable between true bypass and buffered bypass, so the pedal can sit at the front of a chain in true bypass mode or act as a buffer further down the board1. Power comes from a 9V mains supply, which is not included with the pedal1.
The 9V supply is not supplied with the pedal, so plan for a 9V adapter or a slot on your pedalboard power supply1.
The circuit, and building it yourself
The circuit behind the Classic Overdrive is available to DIY builders as the Aion FX Naos Classic Overdrive project. Aion FX describes it as "a simple yet effective drive circuit that combines a Tube Screamer-style clipping section with a Big Muff-style tone control," and says it is "more transparent than a Tube Screamer with less of a midrange emphasis"2.
"a simple yet effective drive circuit that combines a Tube Screamer-style clipping section with a Big Muff-style tone control"
Aion FX also notes that in their version "the flip-flop bypass has been replaced with standard true bypass"2.
For players who would rather solder than shop, Aion FX's related Stratus Classic Overdrive complete kit is listed at $87.003.
What reviewers said
Guitar.com's Richard Purvis reviewed the Classic Overdrive at its January 2019 launch and gave it 9/10 overall1. The review notes the pedals "are built using sturdy aluminium enclosures," with the Classic Overdrive measuring 123 x 94 x 50mm1.
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Questions
Does the Nanolog Classic Overdrive have true bypass?
Yes. The pedal offers switchable true or buffered bypass, so you can set it to true bypass or use its buffer depending on the rest of your board. For comparison, the Aion FX Naos DIY project based on this circuit replaces the original flip-flop bypass arrangement with standard true bypass.
Does the Nanolog Classic Overdrive come with a power supply?
No. The pedal runs on a 9V mains supply, but Guitar.com's review notes the power supply is not included, so you will need to provide your own 9V adapter or a supply from your pedalboard power brick.
What are the clipping options on the Nanolog Classic Overdrive?
A four-way clipping switch selects between germanium, silicon, 4nm carbon and 6nm carbon clipping. The carbon options use Nanolog's molecular junction technology, which the company also used in the WaveFunction overdrive.
Where is the Nanolog Classic Overdrive made?
The Nanolog Classic Overdrive is made in Canada, according to Guitar.com's review of the pedal.
How much does the Nanolog Classic Overdrive cost?
Guitar.com listed the price at $235 US in its January 2019 review. DIY builders can get at the same circuit through the Aion FX Naos project, and Aion FX's related Stratus Classic Overdrive complete kit is listed at $87.00.
Sources (3)
- Review: Nanolog Audio Classic Overdrive & Orbital Fuzz, Guitar.com, 2019-01-09
- Naos Classic Overdrive / Yamaha® OD-10MII, Aion FX, 2021-02-19
- Stratus Classic Overdrive / Ibanez® Tube Screamer, Aion FX, 2018-09-22
