The SoundBrut DrVa is a two-in-one overdrive and boost pedal, the first effects unit from Stockholm-based maker SoundBrut. It packs two serial effects into one small enclosure: Dr, a hard-clipping overdrive built around a NE5534 op-amp, and Va, a MOSFET clean boost seasoned with a custom tone circuit modeled on the notorious Varitone circuit from 60s Gibson guitars1. Both circuits can be run individually or together, and with both engaged the boost feeds the drive, taking the pedal from subtle harmonic boost to full-on fuzzy overdrive12.
The original DrVa launched in February 2017 at a $165 retail price1. A revamped Mk.II followed in 2018, adding a treble-cut control to the drive side and refining the tone switching32.
The Dr side: hard-clipping overdrive
The Dr (drive) section is a hard-clipping overdrive fueled by a NE5534 op-amp. On the original DrVa it is controlled by volume and gain knobs1; the Mk.II adds a treble-cut knob, giving it volume, gain and treble-cut controls32. That treble-cut pot was added specifically so the pedal could be used in very high-gain settings without harsh trebles, and it is passive, acting almost like the tone knob on your guitar2.
SoundBrut's own description of the drive side:
"It celebrates the natural structure of your sound while maintaining an airy open tone. Even at high gain settings, this pedal creates well defined and rich tones."
The original press release put the character of the tone circuit in similar terms: it doesn't make your sound dark, it makes it a tad beefier; it doesn't make it trebly, it makes it punchier and easier to cut through1.
The Va side: boost, 6-way tone selector and Q switch
The Va (Varitone boost) section is a MOSFET clean boost with a custom tone stack, specifically designed to be used anywhere in your signal chain2. It is controlled by a boost knob, a 6-way tone selector and a 2-way Q switch that acts as a master EQ-depth selector32. The boost offers up to +25 dB of gain3.
The tone circuit is a custom built and tuned take on the Varitone circuit from 60s Gibson guitars1. On the original DrVa, the tone circuit selector and Q switch add up to 18 combinations (presets) to choose from1. On the Mk.II, the Varitone circuit provides 12 different voicings together with the 2-way Q switch32.
| Control | Side | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | Dr | Sets the output level of the drive section13 |
| Gain | Dr | Sets the amount of drive13 |
| Treble-cut | Dr (Mk II) | Passive treble roll-off, like a guitar tone knob; tames harshness at high gain2 |
| Boost | Va | Sets the boost level, up to +25 dB32 |
| 6-way tone selector | Va | Chooses between the Varitone voicings32 |
| Q switch (2-way) | Va | Master EQ-depth selector32 |
How the two sides work together
The DrVa incorporates two serial effects with a fixed signal chain: IN, then VA (boost), then DR (drive), then OUT12. Both circuits can be operated individually or together12. With both sides on, VA feeds into DR, creating further gain and tonal structures; Delicious Audio describes the range as going from subtle harmonic boost to full-on fuzzy overdrive with 12 different voicings2. Gearnews similarly found the Mk II can go from a subtle harmonic boost to a full on fuzz overdrive tone3.
Versions: original DrVa and Mk II
The Mk.II is a revamped version of the original DRVA pedal, adding a passive treble-cut pot to the DR (drive) side that allows use in very high-gain settings without harsh trebles, and behaving almost like a tone knob on your guitar32. Gearnews had been impressed by the original, which offered a whopping 18 combinations (presets) from its tone circuit selector and Q switch3.
| Original DrVa (2017) | DRVA Mk II (2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Dr controls | Volume, gain1 | Volume, gain, treble-cut32 |
| Voicings | 18 combinations1 | 12 voicings32 |
| Price | $165 retail1; RRP €187,50 plus shipping4 | RRP EUR 1903 |
Prices are given in different currencies by different sources: the original DrVa was listed at $165 retail in the US announcement and RRP €187,50 plus shipping in Europe; the Mk II carried an RRP of EUR 190.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar highlighted the DRVA in January 2018 with a flattering review and a "Premier Gear" Award2. Gearnews, covering the original pedal's launch, wrote:
"For a boutique drive pedal, the pricing is more than fair"
On the Mk II, Gearnews' Jef wrote:
"I think that could make this unit great value for money."
Delicious Audio added the DRVA Mk.II to its list of Best Overdrive Pedals with Boost Under $2002.
Videos
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Questions
Is the SoundBrut DrVa true bypass?
Yes. Both the original DrVa and the DRVA Mk.II use true bypass switching, so the pedal can sit anywhere in an effects chain without coloring the tone when it is off.
Does the SoundBrut DrVa take a battery?
No. The original DrVa has no battery compartment and the Mk.II runs on 9V DC power with no battery operation, so a power supply is required.
What power supply does the SoundBrut DRVA need?
A 9V DC supply with a center-negative plug, drawing 100mA on the original DrVa. The Mk.II also runs on 9V DC. No battery operation is available on either version.
What is a Varitone circuit on a boost pedal?
It is a switchable tone circuit modeled on the Varitone found on 1960s Gibson guitars. On the DrVa's VA side, a 6-way tone selector and a 2-way Q switch choose between preset EQ voicings, giving 18 combinations on the original and 12 voicings on the Mk.II.
Can the DR and VA sides of the DRVA be used separately?
Yes. Both circuits can be operated individually or together in series. The signal chain is fixed, so when both are on the VA boost feeds into the DR drive, creating further gain and tonal structures.
Where is SoundBrut based?
SoundBrut is a Stockholm-based company, and the DRVA Mk II is designed and built in Norrköping, Sweden. Delicious Audio also describes the maker as Swedish/Turkish.
Sources (4)
- SoundBrut Introduces the DrVa Overdrive and Boost, Premier Guitar, 2017-02-16
- SoundBrut DRVA Mk.II Overdrive + Boost, Delicious Audio, 2018-07-09
- SoundBrut DRVA Overdrive + Boost Mk.II: 12 drive flavours on tap, gearnews.com, 2018-05-24
- SoundBrut DRVA: A High-Gain Overdrive Pedal with a Varitone switch, gearnews.com, 2017-02-25