The NativeAudio Makoyii is an analog overdrive and distortion pedal with adaptable compression built into the gain circuit. NativeAudio describes it as amp-like, able to deliver sustained cleans, tight crunch, and woolly distortion depending on where the gain is set1. It is a compact pedal from a small builder: Mike Trombley, founder of NativeAudio, designed it, and Delicious Audio notes that Trombley is a member of the Blackfeet nation and that the pedal's artwork draws on that heritage2.
What it does
The Makoyii's defining feature is the way compression is built into the gain stage rather than added as a separate block. NativeAudio says the integrated compression and gain circuitry expands the pedal's tonal range, and the maker's own description covers everything from cleans that hold their sustain to crunch and full distortion1. Delicious Audio's write-up goes a step further, describing a gain structure that reaches into fuzz territory: "Unique gain structure providing compression, overdrive, distortion, and fuzz"2.
The clipping is asymmetrical, which NativeAudio says is tuned to give a dynamic, tube-like response1. In practice, that is the kind of clipping arrangement common in amp-style drive circuits, where the pedal cleans up and opens up with picking strength. If you are weighing this against other drives, it sits in the overlap between overdrive pedals and distortion pedals, with the compression doing some of the work a separate compressor pedal would otherwise handle.
Controls and switching
The interface is deliberately simple, with three knobs:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Controls the overall volume of the signal1 |
| Gain | Sets the amount of drive, from sustained cleans through crunch, distortion, and fuzz2 |
| Tone | Shapes the treble response across the pedal's range2 |
The footswitch can work in momentary or latching mode1, so you can either tap the pedal on and off like a standard drive or hold it down for gain only while pressed, which suits players who kick on a boost for a single phrase.
Power, bypass, and connections
The Makoyii runs on 9 to 18VDC through a 2.1mm center-negative connector and draws 22mA1. That range means it works with standard pedalboard supplies, and the higher voltage headroom is there if your supply offers it. The output is mono1.
Bypass is buffered rather than true bypass. NativeAudio's reasoning, echoed by Delicious Audio, is that the buffer optimizes signal integrity with any instrument cable length2. On a large board or with long cable runs, a good buffer can preserve top end that would otherwise dull; players who prefer a completely untouched signal path when the pedal is off should keep that in mind.
Both the instrument and power jacks are top-mounted, which Delicious Audio notes is done to save pedalboard space2. Combined with the 2.6" x 4.77" footprint12, the pedal fits tightly packed boards without the plugs fighting neighboring pedals.
Delicious Audio reviewed this pedal in 2022 under the name Makoyii Drive; NativeAudio's current product page lists it simply as the Makoyii, version 1.012. The specifications match across both.
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Questions
Is the NativeAudio Makoyii analog?
Yes. NativeAudio lists the Makoyii's circuit design as analog on its product page. The pedal is an overdrive and distortion circuit with integrated compression, using asymmetrical clipping that the maker says is tuned for a dynamic, tube-like response.
Is the Makoyii true bypass?
No. The Makoyii uses buffered bypass. NativeAudio describes the buffered design as a way to optimize signal integrity with any instrument cable length, which matters on larger boards or long cable runs where a buffer can help preserve high frequencies.
What power supply does the Makoyii need?
The Makoyii runs on 9 to 18VDC through a 2.1mm center-negative connector and draws 22mA. It has no battery option mentioned, so use a standard pedal power supply or a daisy-chain output rated for the draw.
Who designed the NativeAudio Makoyii?
The Makoyii was designed by Mike Trombley, founder of NativeAudio. Delicious Audio notes that Trombley is a member of the Blackfeet nation and that the pedal's artwork is inspired by that heritage.
How big is the Makoyii pedal?
NativeAudio lists the Makoyii's dimensions as 2.6 inches wide by 4.77 inches long, with top-mounted instrument and power jacks to save pedalboard space.
Sources (2)
- NativeAudio: Native-owned effect pedal company, NativeAudio
- NativeAudio Makoyii Drive, Delicious Audio, 2022-10-12
