The NativeAudio Makoyii is an overdrive and distortion pedal from NativeAudio. NativeAudio describes its design as a unique gain structure providing compression, overdrive, distortion, and fuzz, so a single pedal covers ground that players often spread across separate overdrive, distortion, and fuzz boxes1. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio, reviewing it in October 2022, called it an amp-like overdrive/distortion with adaptable compression2.
What it does to your sound
The core idea is that compression and gain are built into the same circuit rather than added as a separate compressor pedal. Delicious Audio describes integrated compression and gain circuitry for expanded tonal capabilities, with asymmetrical clipping tuned to provide a dynamic tube-like response2. NativeAudio's own framing is the same from the maker's side: one gain structure that moves through compression, overdrive, distortion, and fuzz as you push it1.
De Gregorio's review adds a note for players who like to run higher supply voltages: the design offers high-headroom amp-like tones, in particular when powered at 18V2. That matters because the Makoyii accepts a 9 to 18VDC supply, so the same pedal behaves differently depending on where you power it12.
Controls and switching
The interface is deliberately small. Delicious Audio describes a streamlined set of volume, gain, and tone controls for maximum versatility in any overdrive/distortion application2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Volume | Sets the pedal's output level |
| Gain | Sets how hard the gain structure is pushed, from compression through overdrive, distortion, and fuzz1 |
| Tone | Shapes the treble response |
The bypass switch turns the effect on and off1. NativeAudio lists both momentary and latching switching methods, and Delicious Audio describes a smart switching system that provides standard on/off latching and momentary operation12. Latching is the familiar stompbox behavior; momentary holds the effect on only while your foot stays on the switch, which is useful for kicking into a solo sound for a bar or two.
The Makoyii uses buffered bypass, not true bypass. NativeAudio specifies buffered bypass switching, and Delicious Audio describes it as a buffered-bypass design to optimize signal integrity with any instrument cable length12. If your board is built entirely around true bypass, this pedal will leave a buffer in the signal path when it is off.
Power and connections
NativeAudio's product page gives the electrical basics: 9-18VDC, 22mA current draw, and a 2.1mm center negative connector1. Delicious Audio's review lists the same figures2. The output is mono1.
At 22mA the Makoyii draws more current than many simple overdrives, so a low-output daisy-chain supply may not be comfortable running it alongside several other pedals. It also has no battery option mentioned on the maker's page, so plan for a supply.
Delicious Audio also notes top-mounted instrument and power jacks to save pedal board space, which makes the pedal easier to fit on tight boards2.
Who makes it
NativeAudio is run by Mike Trombley, listed as Founder on the maker's product page1. Delicious Audio adds that Trombley is the native Blackfeet nation owner of NativeAudio, and that the pedal's art is inspired by the Blackfeet nation he is part of2.
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Questions
Is the NativeAudio Makoyii Drive true bypass?
No. NativeAudio specifies buffered bypass for the Makoyii, and Delicious Audio's review describes it as a buffered-bypass design intended to optimize signal integrity with any instrument cable length. A buffer left on when the pedal is bypassed drives long cable runs consistently, which is different from a true bypass pedal that connects the input straight to the output when off.
What power supply does the Makoyii Drive need?
The Makoyii runs on 9 to 18VDC through a 2.1mm center negative connector and draws 22mA, according to NativeAudio's product page. Running it at 18V is where Delicious Audio's reviewer found the high-headroom amp-like tones most pronounced. A standard 9V center negative supply works, but check that your supply can deliver the 22mA current draw.
Can the Makoyii Drive be used in momentary mode?
Yes. NativeAudio lists both momentary and latching switching methods for the Makoyii, and Delicious Audio describes a smart switching system that provides standard on/off latching and momentary operation. Latching is the usual stompbox behavior where the effect stays on until you stomp again, while momentary keeps the effect engaged only while the switch is held down.
Who makes the NativeAudio Makoyii Drive?
The Makoyii is made by NativeAudio, a pedal company founded and owned by Mike Trombley, who is a member of the native Blackfeet nation. Delicious Audio notes that the pedal's artwork is inspired by the Blackfeet nation Trombley is part of.
Sources (2)
- NativeAudio: Native-owned effect pedal company, NativeAudio
- NativeAudio Makoyii Drive, Delicious Audio, 2022-10-12
