The Shnobel Tone DISTORTION is a distortion pedal and, in the maker's words, "the highest gain pedal in the line up"1. Shnobel Tone describes it as having a very amp-like character: smooth and thick at low gain, with rich harmonics as the gain rises and what the maker calls a blistering sound at full gain1. It sits alongside the company's other drives such as the Shnobel Tone Ratatouille Distortion, a RAT-style circuit covered by Delicious Audio and Pedal of the Day23.
Sound and character
Shnobel Tone's product page describes the DISTORTION as "a very versatile pedal that has a very amp like character, starting with low gain it has a very smooth" sound, thickening as the gain comes up and reaching full-gain territory the maker calls blistering1. In practical terms, that positions it above an overdrive pedal in gain range and among the higher-gain end of distortion pedals, rather than the looser, more open clipping of a fuzz.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power requirement | 9V1 |
| Current draw | 70mA1 |
| Input impedance | 1M Ohms1 |
| Output impedance | 100 Ohms1 |
| Bypass | True bypass foot switch1 |
| Size | 3.7 x 4.7 x 1.7 inches1 |
At 70mA, the DISTORTION draws more current than many compact pedals. A supply or daisy chain output needs headroom for that draw, and the maker lists 9V as the requirement1.
Buying one
The pedal is not stocked off the shelf: Shnobel Tone builds each one to order and estimates shipping 3 to 4 business days after the order is placed1. The list price is $249.00 USD1. The pedal comes with a 30 day money back return policy, which the maker frames as a chance to try the pedal out for yourself to see if it works for you1. For international buyers, Shnobel Tone states that customers outside the US are responsible for paying customs duties and import taxes1.
Questions
Is the Shnobel Tone DISTORTION true bypass?
Yes. The pedal uses a true bypass foot switch, so when it is off, the signal passes through without the circuit loading it. The pedal also has a 1M Ohm input impedance and a 100 Ohm output impedance, which the maker lists among its specifications.
What power supply does the Shnobel Tone DISTORTION need?
The maker lists 9V as the power requirement. With a 70mA current draw, use a supply rated to deliver at least that much on its own, and check the rating before sharing a daisy chain with other pedals.
How much current does the Shnobel Tone DISTORTION draw?
Shnobel Tone lists the current draw at 70mA on the pedal's product page.
Is the Shnobel Tone DISTORTION built to order?
Yes. Shnobel Tone states the pedal is currently built to order and estimates it will ship 3 to 4 business days after the order is placed.
What is the return policy on the Shnobel Tone DISTORTION?
The pedal comes with a 30 day money back return policy, which the maker describes as a chance to try the pedal out to see if it works for you.
Do international buyers pay customs duties on the Shnobel Tone DISTORTION?
Yes. Shnobel Tone states that international customers are responsible for paying customs duties and import taxes on the pedal.
Sources (3)
- DISTORTION, Shnobel Tone
- Shnobel Tone Ratatouille Distortion, Delicious Audio, 2022-03-21
- Shnobel Tone Ratatouille Distortion, Pedal of the Day, 2024-05-26
