The Retro-Sonic Distortion is a distortion pedal from Retro-Sonic based on the classic RAT design, built around an LM308 op-amp. Its distinguishing feature is a three-position mini toggle that selects between symmetrical-diode, asymmetrical-diode or LED clipping, which the maker says provides many tonal possibilities from subtly distorted blues tones through classic rock and metal1. Pedal of the Day reviewed it in July 2019 and found plenty to like:
"it conjures up incredible distorted tones, overdriven bliss and a vast spectrum of sounds that are useful in a ton"
Controls and the clipping selector
The pedal keeps the control layout simple: Level, Dist and Tone knobs, plus the clipping selector2. The clipping selector is a three-position mini toggle switch that selects symmetrical-diode, asymmetrical-diode or LED clipping3, and Pedal of the Day describes the same three choices as giving you the option between asymmetrical-diode, LED or symmetrical-diode clipping1. In practice, that means one pedal can cover a range of clipping characters without changing any other setting, which is where much of its flexibility comes from.
A footswitch toggles between Normal and Effect2, and the pedal features true bypass, so the circuit is out of the signal path when off3.
Power and hardware
The Retro-Sonic Distortion runs on a battery or a 9VDC adapter, and the adapter is not included, so you will need your own supply if you do not want to rely on a battery23. One battery-related detail worth knowing: the LED will also turn off when the battery voltage is below 5v, a built-in sign that the battery is running down3.
No power adapter comes in the box. If your pedalboard runs on a daisy-chain supply, budget for a 9VDC adapter or a spare output for this pedal.
The pedal sits in a sturdy cast aluminum housing3, with a ¼-inch standard phone jack for both input and output2.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's July 2019 review framed the pedal as delivering on what its name promises, calling it "the aptly-named Distortion pedal from Retro-Sonic" and praising its "simple but snazzy control section" built on the LM308 op-amp design1. The review's overall verdict was that it "conjures up incredible distorted tones, overdriven bliss and a vast spectrum of sounds that are useful in a ton of di"1.
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Questions
What circuit is the Retro-Sonic Distortion based on?
Retro-Sonic says the pedal is based on the classic RAT design, and Pedal of the Day's 2019 review describes it as an LM308 op-amp design. That circuit is the reason the pedal covers everything from subtly distorted blues tones through classic rock and metal, according to the maker.
Is the Retro-Sonic Distortion true bypass?
Yes. Retro-Sonic's product page states the pedal features true bypass, so when it is switched off your guitar's signal passes through without the pedal's circuitry in the way. Switching between normal and effect is done with the footswitch.
Does the Retro-Sonic Distortion take a battery?
Yes. The pedal can be powered by a battery or a 9VDC adapter, but the adapter is not included, so you will need to supply your own if you do not want to run it on a battery. The LED turns off when the battery voltage drops below 5v, a sign that the battery needs replacing.
What clipping modes does the Retro-Sonic Distortion have?
A three-position mini toggle switch selects between symmetrical-diode, asymmetrical-diode or LED clipping. Pedal of the Day's review highlights the same three choices, which give the pedal its range of distorted tones.
Does it come with a power adapter?
No. Retro-Sonic lists the pedal as powered by battery or 9VDC adapter, and notes that the AC adapter is not included. Plan to use your own 9VDC supply or run it on a battery.
Sources (3)
- Retro-Sonic Distortion Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2019-07-08
- Distortion, retro-sonic.com
- DISTORTION, retro-sonic.com