The PastFx TD-Y Overdrive is a compact pedal from PastFx that works as a low to medium gain overdrive, a boost and an equalizer in one box. PastFx describes it as a faithful reproduction of the now discontinued Buffalo FX TD-X Equalizer and Gain Booster pedal, with new switching added on top. The maker says it can go from "beautiful, blooming low gain creaminess all the way up to medium gain distortion and early British amp characteristics", with rich, complex tone-sculpting from its five controls1.
What the TD-Y does
PastFx positions the TD-Y as a versatile tone-shaping pedal: the gain stage covers low to medium gain, and the Bass, Mids and Treble controls act as an equalizer on top of it. It has been produced in a smaller, pedalboard-friendly enclosure, and players looking at similar circuits may also want to compare it with other boost pedals1.
Controls and switches
The v2 TD-Y carries five knobs and two switches. PastFx lists the controls as "Gain, Level, Bass, Mids and Treble to shape the sonic character of the effect"1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of overdrive |
| Level | Sets the output volume |
| Bass | Low equalization |
| Mids | Middle equalization (removable via the push button) |
| Treble | High equalization |
Two switches change the circuit itself:
- Clipping toggle (external, 3-way): selects symmetrical V1 clipping, which is the factory default, or the new V2 clipping option. The middle position removes diode clipping, which PastFx says results in less compression and a slight volume boost1.
- Push button switch: when depressed, the mids control is removed from the pedal and the circuit returns to the original V1 four-knob design1.
The v2 changes are what set the TD-Y apart from the TD-X it reproduces: the three-way diode clipping switch, the mids control and the push button that reverts the pedal to the original four-knob circuit are all new1.
Power, size and practical details
The TD-Y requires a 9vDC center negative tip power supply and draws only 5.5 mA, so it fits easily on a standard pedalboard supply. The original Buffalo FX TD-X was likewise specified at 9V DC, center negative12. The pedal has been produced in a smaller, pedalboard-friendly enclosure measuring 112 x 60 x 31 mm (4.4" x 2.36" x 1.22"), enclosure only, with a 1 MΩ input impedance1. The LED is dimmable and adjustable internally, so its brightness can be turned down if it is too bright on a dark stage1.
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Questions
What is the PastFx TD-Y based on?
PastFx describes the TD-Y as a faithful reproduction of the Buffalo FX TD-X Equaliser and Gain Booster pedal, which is now discontinued. The TD-Y keeps the original circuit but adds a three-way diode clipping switch, a mids control and a push button switch that removes the mids control and returns the pedal to the original four-knob design.
Is the PastFx TD-Y true bypass?
Yes. PastFx lists the TD-Y as having true bypass operation, so the pedal passes your guitar's signal straight through when it is switched off.
What does the middle position of the clipping switch do?
The external three-way toggle switch selects symmetrical V1 clipping (the factory default) or the new V2 clipping option. The middle position removes diode clipping altogether, which PastFx says results in less compression and a slight volume boost.
How do I go back to the original four-knob circuit?
Depress the push button switch. When it is pressed, the mids control is removed from the pedal and the circuit returns to the original V1 four-knob design of the TD-X.
What power supply does the TD-Y need?
The TD-Y requires a 9vDC centre negative tip power supply and draws only 5.5 mA, so a standard pedalboard supply or daisy chain output can run it.
Can the LED brightness be changed?
Yes. The TD-Y has a dimmable LED that is adjustable internally, so the indicator brightness can be set to suit your board and stage lighting.
Sources (2)
- TD-Y Overdrive, PastFx, 2026
- TD-X by Buffalo FX, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
