The Nordvang Gravity Drive V2 is a dual overdrive pedal from Danish maker Nordvang Custom, released in January 2022. It puts two much-copied circuits in one enclosure: side A is a replica of the TS10 audio circuit, including the three transistor buffer circuit, and side B is a replica of the K-circuit1. Nordvang describes it as "a new dual overdrive specializing in mid push, Gravity will give you the ability to cut through the mix in any situation"2.
The design idea comes from gain stacking. Nordvang says the TS10 is often used as the main lead tone with the K-overdrive added as a second cascading gain stage, either as a pre drive into the TS10 or as a post drive after it1. Both sides can be used separately or stacked2.
Why a TS10 and a K-circuit together
The pairing is deliberate. Nordvang's inspiration is in the pedal's name: the later live lead tones of John Mayer, in particular the outro solo tone in his song "Gravity" and the intro in "Belief", where he stacks these two pedals for a thick wall of mids4. Nordvang puts it directly:
The Gravity Drive V2 is a dual overdrive pedal, built as what Nordvang describes as "a new dual overdrive specializing in mid push," with both sides in one enclosure21. Side A runs an RC4558 operational amplifier, while side B clips through either NOS original Russian D9B germanium diodes or a pair of Schottky clipping diodes2. The two 1/4" jacks, used for signal in and out in serial mode, serve as IN+OUT for each side in split mode via a TRS to 2 x TS 1/4" jack cable2.
Nordvang Custom3
Side A follows the original TS10 JP closely, using original Toshiba 1s1588 silicon clipping diodes and an RC4558 operational amplifier2. Side B's clipping options use NOS original Russian D9B germanium diodes or a pair of Schottky clipping diodes2.
The controls on each side
Each side has its own control set, separated by the ORDER toggle in the middle21.
| Side | Circuit | Knobs | Toggle switches |
|---|---|---|---|
| A (left) | TS10 replica | DRIVE, TONE, LEVEL | LOWS, three position, changes the bass response of the circuit |
| B (right) | K-circuit replica | GAIN, TREBLE, OUTPUT | CLIPPING, two position, germanium or Schottky clipping diodes |
The LOWS switch on side A changes the bass response of the circuit, and the CLIPPING switch on side B toggles between a pair of germanium or Schottky clipping diodes2.
Internal dip switches
Inside the pedal, side A carries three internal dip switches for clipping, clarity and brightness, which Nordvang says enable extended tone tweaking2. The V2 also uses internal dip switches to activate the TRS split function on side A, via switches #1, #5 and #62.
To make room for the dip switches for the TRS split functionality, Nordvang reduced the number of switching options on the TS side compared to the v12. Players comparing a used V1 against a V2 should expect fewer side A switching options on the newer version.
TRS split mode for loop switchers
By popular demand, the V2 adds a TRS split function for use with pedal looper systems like the GigRig2. Besides running the two sides in serial mode, either A->B or A<-B, the pedal can split sides A and B into separate effects, each with its own IN+OUT jack, using a TRS to 2 x TS 1/4" jack cable42.
In split mode:
- The right side "IN" jack is IN+OUT for side B (tip = in, ring = out)2
- The left side "OUT" jack is IN+OUT for side A (tip = out, ring = in)2
Changing the order of the two sides
The external ORDER toggle switch in the middle of the pedal flips the internal order of the effects, and with it the signal path from guitar to amp2. That means a player can run the TS10 into the K-circuit for one stacked character, or the K-circuit into the TS10 for another, without rewiring anything. In split mode the toggle is fixed in the A <- B position1.
History and versions
The line has since moved forward. The current version is the Nordvang Custom Gravity v2.5, which adds a dip switch for boosting the output of the TS side4. There is also the Nordvang Custom Gravity Deluxe, based on the standard Gravity v2.5 model but with an enhanced audiophile component selection1. Nordvang applies the same dual-circuit thinking elsewhere in its range, for example the Nordvang Custom '83 Drive v2.5, which pairs a BB-style circuit with a TS10-style side3.
Powering it
The Gravity requires a regulated 9-volt DC power supply with a standard 2.1mm jack and tip negative polarity, and it does not support battery operation42. Maximum power consumption is 100mA at +9VDC42.
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Questions
Can the Nordvang Gravity Drive V2 run on a battery?
No. Nordvang states plainly that the Gravity does not support battery operation. It requires a regulated 9-volt DC power supply with a standard 2.1mm jack and tip negative polarity, so it needs a spot on a pedalboard power supply rather than a battery door.
What is the difference between the Gravity Drive V1 and V2?
The V2, released in January 2022, adds a TRS split function for pedal looper systems such as the GigRig, activated by internal dip switches. To make room for those dip switches, Nordvang reduced the number of switching options on the TS side compared to the v1, and the enclosures moved to a fine texture powder coat finish.
Which John Mayer tones inspired the Gravity Drive?
Nordvang says the inspiration lies in the pedal's name and in John Mayer's later live lead tones, in particular the outro solo tone in the song Gravity and the intro in Belief, where he stacks the two source pedals for a thick wall of mids. The design reproduces that gain stacking in one enclosure.
Can I change the order of the two sides?
Yes. An external ORDER toggle switch in the middle of the pedal flips the internal order of the two effects, so the signal path runs either TS10 into K-circuit or K-circuit into TS10. In split mode the toggle must be in the up position, A <- B.
How much current does the Gravity Drive V2 draw?
Nordvang lists the maximum power consumption as 100mA at +9VDC. That is modest by modern standards but higher than a simple analog overdrive, so it is worth accounting for on a small isolated power supply.
Sources (4)
- Gravity Deluxe, Nordvang Custom
- Nordvang Gravity Drive V2, Delicious Audio, 2022-01-13
- '83 Drive v2.5, Nordvang Custom
- Gravity v2.5, Nordvang Custom
