The PastFX distortiion is a compact distortion pedal from PastFX, an Australian maker known for reviving classic circuits. PastFX states that it is based on the vintage mains powered MXR Distortion II, and Guitar Pedal X's review frames it as a revival of that circuit with added features in a smaller enclosure12.
Controls
The pedal carries over the spirit of the original's control set while adding features PastFX says were not on the vintage unit. Each control and switch does the following1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Extra gain available compared to the original |
| Filter (Highs) | Filter control, as listed in Guitar Pedal X's review2 |
| Resonance | Adds a peaked low bass boost to the signal; as it is turned clockwise, two different types of clipping can be mixed in parallel |
| Low frequency toggle (3-way) | Provides a frequency hump that becomes prominent the more the Resonance control is turned up; PastFX calls it perfect for matching specific speaker cabinets in a recording situation, with a stock setting of 55Hz |
| "Q" pushbutton | Smooths out the peaks of the frequency hump selected on the 3-way toggle; a subtle feature that becomes noticeable the more Resonance is turned clockwise |
| Clipping pushbutton | Symmetrical / asymmetrical clipping selection |
Guitar Pedal X lists the resonant frequency hump center frequencies as 55Hz, 120Hz and 78Hz on the Resonance center frequency switch2.
Power and noise
The distortiion operates off 18VDC with a 2.1mm center tip connector and draws 55 mA1. PastFX notes that it does not have any internal voltage doubler circuit, which the maker says helps keep floor noise to a minimum1.
PastFX states the DISTORTiiON does not have any internal voltage doubler circuit, which they say helps keep floor noise to a minimum1.
Price and availability
As of Guitar Pedal X's review on 15 July 2024, the pedal was available to order from the PastFX Reverb.com store and the PastFX Webstore, where it goes for $239 AUD, or $176 and equivalent on Reverb2.
What reviewers said
Stefan Karlsson's review at Guitar Pedal X covers the pedal's controls, power needs and dial-in behavior against the discontinued MXR Distortion II, and reaches this verdict2:
"The Distortion II / 'distortiion' is generally much better as a combination pedal than a solo pedal on its own2."
Stefan Karlsson, Guitar Pedal X2
The same review describes it as beefing up the amp front end and stacking well with overdrives and fuzzes in overall use2.
PastFX's other revivals
The distortiion sits in a wider PastFX catalog of revived and expanded classic circuits. The maker's other compact pedals include the PastFX Mischief, a Rat-style multi-clipping distortion, the PastFX BLD, a compact take on the TC Electronic Booster/Line Driver/Distortion, and the PastFX OG-2, an expanded take on the Boss DS-1 circuit2.
Videos
Leon Todd
Questions
What pedal is the PastFX distortiion based on?
PastFX states that the DISTORTiiON is based upon the vintage mains powered MXR Distortion II. Guitar Pedal X's review describes it as a revival of that circuit in a compact, added-features pedal, and covers its dial-in behaviour against the original.
Is the PastFX distortiion true bypass?
Yes. PastFX lists the DISTORTiiON as true bypass on its product page.
What power supply does the PastFX distortiion need?
PastFX specifies 18V DC with a 2.1mm centre tip connector and a current draw of 55 mA. The pedal has no internal voltage doubler circuit, which PastFX says helps keep floor noise to a minimum, so it needs an 18V supply rather than a standard 9V one.
Does the PastFX distortiion have a voltage doubler?
No. PastFX states the pedal does not have any internal voltage doubler circuit, and says this helps keep floor noise to a minimum. You will need an 18V DC output on your power supply.
What does the Resonance control do?
PastFX says the Resonance control adds a peaked low bass boost to the signal, and as it is turned clockwise two different types of clipping can be mixed in parallel. Guitar Pedal X lists the selectable centre frequencies as 55Hz, 120Hz and 78Hz.
What do the three settings on the low frequency switch do?
The 3-way low frequency toggle selector provides a frequency hump that becomes more prominent as the Resonance control is turned up. PastFX describes it as perfect for matching specific speaker cabinets in a recording situation, with a stock setting of 55Hz.
How much does the PastFX distortiion cost?
Guitar Pedal X's July 2024 review listed it at $239 AUD from the PastFX Webstore, or $176 and equivalent from the PastFX Reverb.com store.
Sources (2)
- DISTORTiiON, pastfx.com, 2026
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2024-07-15
