The RAD Custom Shop Duality is a 100% analog dual-channel stereo pre-amp pedal. Each of its two channels is modeled after a classic valve amplifier circuit: one side is a '59 Bassman style circuit, and the other is a Vox/AC30 style circuit. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes it as designed for high dynamics and rich response from guitar or any instrument, and it is listed under overdrive as well as preamp, so it can sit in the front of a rig as a tone-shaping drive or act as a preamp into a power amp or interface.1
The two channels
The Duality's whole idea is two classic amp preamps in one box. The channels are not generic gain stages: the maker specifies one channel after the '59 Bassman, the Fender circuit that shaped much of the electric guitar sound, and the other after the Vox AC30, the amp Vox introduced in 1959 and has been known for since.12
Because the pedal has stereo out, the two channels can be run apart from each other. A common use for a dual preamp like this is sending one channel to one amp and the other to a second amp, or recording the two sides as separate tracks. The maker also notes the design responds to the instrument itself, aiming for high dynamics and rich response from guitar or any instrument, so it is not limited to guitar.1
If you are weighing it against single-channel drives, it sits closer to the preamp pedal camp than to a straightforward overdrive pedal, though it is listed under both1.
Power and practicalities
The Duality runs on 9V DC, center negative, and draws 60mA.1
At 60mA, the Duality draws more than many compact drives. Check the current rating on the output of your supply or daisy chain before adding it to a board.
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Questions
Is the RAD Custom Shop Duality analog or digital?
It is analog. RAD Custom Shop describes the Duality as a 100% analog dual-channel stereo pre-amp pedal with a full analog signal path. There is no digital modeling involved: the two channels are built as analog circuits styled after classic valve amplifiers, one after a '59 Bassman and the other after a Vox AC30.
Does the Duality have stereo outputs?
Yes. The Duality offers stereo out, so each channel can be sent on its own path, for example to two separate amplifiers or two channels of an audio interface. Combined with its full analog signal path, that makes it usable as a two-amp preamp in front of a stereo rig.
What power supply does the Duality need?
The Duality runs on 9V DC with a center-negative plug and draws 60mA. A standard center-negative pedal supply will run it, but because it draws 60mA it is worth checking the current rating of the output you use on a daisy-chain or multi-output supply.
Which amps are the Duality's two channels modeled on?
Each channel is modeled after a classic valve amplifier circuit. One side is a '59 Fender Bassman style circuit and the other is a Vox AC30 style circuit. The Bassman channel gives you the Fender preamp voicing, while the AC30 channel covers the Vox top-boost style sound.
Sources (2)
- Duality by RAD Custom Shop, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- NAMM 2020: Vox announces a quartet of Nutube-equipped pedals, Guitar.com, 2020-01-10