The Pedaltrain Nightlight Distortion is a three-knob distortion pedal, and one of the two debut stompboxes with which Pedaltrain, long known as a pedalboard maker, entered the effects market in 20241. Pedaltrain describes it as an asymmetrical, full-bodied overdrive/distortion with a detailed and complex gain structure that does not compress at high gain settings2. It was designed, built and tested in Nashville, Tennessee, and lists for $199.992.
The pedal was announced alongside its companion, the Daylight Overdrive, as one of two brand-new, all-original circuits rather than a clone of an existing design2. Delicious Audio reported that both effects went through a whole year of testing by renowned Nashville session players across various guitar and amp combinations1.
What it does to your sound
Pedaltrain's own description positions the Nightlight as the higher-gain half of the pair: an asymmetrical, full-bodied overdrive/distortion whose gain structure stays detailed and complex rather than compressing when the Drive control is pushed2. The maker also says both debut pedals are very dynamic, touch sensitive, and clean up beautifully, meaning the distortion responds to your picking attack and your guitar's volume knob3.
Asymmetrical clipping, in general terms, means the waveform's top and bottom halves are shaped differently, which tends to add even-order harmonic content compared with symmetrical clipping. Pedaltrain does not detail the clipping stage beyond calling the circuit asymmetrical and all-original2.
The controls
The Nightlight keeps to three knobs, matching the simplicity Delicious Audio noted as a priority for both pedals1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Controls the amount of overdrive/distortion2 |
| Tone | Controls the darkness or brightness of the tone2 |
| Level | Controls the volume of the output2 |
That is the whole control set: no extra switches, toggles or internal trimmers appear in the maker's description2.
Power and connections
The Nightlight runs on 9V DC only, through a 2.1mm center-negative barrel connector, and draws less than 10 mA2. That current draw is low enough that the pedal is easy on a multi-output power supply shared with the rest of a board.
There is no battery clip inside, and the power supply is not included, so you need an external 9V supply from day one2.
The pedal uses Switchcraft jacks for its input and output2. It is true bypass, with standard mechanical true-bypass switching, and Pedaltrain states that audio passes through when the pedal is off or unpowered2.
Where it came from
Pedaltrain built its reputation on pedalboards, and the Nightlight Distortion and Daylight Overdrive are its first effects pedals1. Both circuits were designed and built in Nashville, where the company is based1. The two pedals were also released as a First Edition matched set, finished in Rainbow's End sparkle black powder coating, with the interior lid signed by Pedaltrain's President, the pedal designer, and the enclosure painter4.
Warranty and returns
In the USA, the Nightlight carries a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, for the original purchaser only, and it is not transferable2.
Pedaltrain's policy is that guitar effects pedals and electronic devices are not eligible for returns: all sales are final2.
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Questions
Does the Pedaltrain Nightlight Distortion take a battery?
No. The pedal runs on 9V only from an external power supply, and there is no battery clip inside. It uses a standard 2.1mm center-negative barrel connector, and the power supply is not included, so you need to supply your own.
Is the Nightlight Distortion true bypass?
Yes. It uses standard mechanical true-bypass switching, and Pedaltrain states that audio passes through the pedal when it is switched off or unpowered, so it will not cut your signal in either state.
Where is the Nightlight Distortion made?
It is designed, built and tested in Nashville, Tennessee, in the USA. Pedaltrain is a Nashville-based company, and the circuits for both of its debut pedals were designed and built there.
Is the Nightlight Distortion based on an existing circuit?
No. Pedaltrain describes the Nightlight Distortion and its companion Daylight Overdrive as two brand-new, all-original circuits, not clones or modifications of existing designs.
What is the warranty on the Nightlight Distortion?
In the USA it carries a one-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, for the original purchaser only, and the warranty is not transferable.
Can the Nightlight Distortion be returned?
No. Pedaltrain's policy states that guitar effects pedals and electronic devices are not eligible for returns, and all sales are final, so a purchase cannot be sent back.
Sources (4)
- New Pedal: Pedaltrain Daylight Overdrive, Delicious Audio, 2024-08-05
- Pedaltrain Nightlight Distortion, Pedaltrain
- Pedaltrain Daylight Overdrive, Pedaltrain
- Daylight Overdrive & Nightlight Distortion, Pedaltrain
