The Stagg BLAXX BX-DRIVE A is a compact overdrive pedal for electric guitar that Stagg also lists under the overdrive/distortion heading, so it covers light drive through to a harder edge of distortion from one small box1. It carries three controls, gain, level and tone, runs on a 9V supply or battery, and switches with true bypass1.
The controls
The BX-DRIVE A keeps things simple with three knobs1:
- Gain: sets how much drive the pedal applies, from a mild push toward overdrive territory up to the distortion side of its range.
- Level: sets the output volume of the effect.
- Tone: shapes the treble content of the driven sound.
An on/off LED indicator shows when the effect is engaged1.
Power and connections
Power comes from a 9V external DC adapter or a 9V battery, and Stagg notes that the adapter is not included1. The battery is likewise described as not included, so a supply or battery is a separate purchase1. Input and output are both 6.35 mm (1/4") jacks1.
No power adapter is included in the box. Stagg specifies a 9V external DC adapter (not included) or a 9V battery with adapter (not included)1.
Size and build
The pedal sits in a die-cast metal housing measuring 95 x 45 x 48 mm, or 3.7 x 1.8 x 1.9 inches, and weighs 200 g, about 0.44 lb1. That is a small footprint by pedalboard standards, and the metal housing is the standard rugged construction for compact stompboxes.
BX-DRIVE A and BX-DRIVE B
Stagg sells a second version, the BLAXX BX-DRIVE B, a 2-mode overdrive pedal2. The two share most of their specification:
| BX-DRIVE A | BX-DRIVE B | |
|---|---|---|
| Effect type | Overdrive / Distortion | Overdrive / Distortion |
| Controls | Gain, level and tone | Gain, level and tone |
| Modes | Single | Hot or warm mode switch |
| Bypass | True bypass | True bypass |
| Power | 9V adapter or 9V battery (not included) | 9V adapter or 9V battery (not included) |
| Jacks | 6.35 mm (1/4") in and out | 6.35 mm (1/4") in and out |
| Dimensions | 95 x 45 x 48 mm | 95 x 45 x 48 mm |
The practical difference is the mode switch: the BX-DRIVE B offers a choice of hot or warm voicing, while the BX-DRIVE A is the single-voicing pedal2. Stagg also lists other BLAXX drive pedals in the family, including the BX-METAL, BX-DIST A and BX-DIST B.
Questions
Is the Stagg BLAXX BX-DRIVE A true bypass?
Yes. Stagg lists the foot switch on the BX-DRIVE A as true bypass, so when the pedal is off, your guitar's signal passes through without the overdrive circuit loading it. That matters on a pedalboard where several pedals sit between guitar and amp, since each non-buffered stage can dull the top end.
Is a power adapter included with the BX-DRIVE A?
No. Stagg specifies a 9V external DC adapter or a 9V battery, and states that the adapter is not included. The battery is also described as not included, so plan to buy a 9V DC supply or a battery separately before using the pedal.
How big is the Stagg BX-DRIVE A?
Stagg gives the dimensions as 95 x 45 x 48 mm, which is 3.7 x 1.8 x 1.9 inches, and the weight as 200 g, about 0.44 lb. That is a compact, lightweight enclosure that fits easily on a crowded pedalboard.
What is the difference between the BX-DRIVE A and the BX-DRIVE B?
Both are Stagg BLAXX overdrive and distortion pedals with gain, level and tone controls, true bypass switching, the same 95 x 45 x 48 mm housing and the same 9V power options. The BX-DRIVE B adds a two-position mode switch with hot or warm settings, while the BX-DRIVE A is the single-mode version.
Sources (2)
- Products » Stagg, Stagg
- Products » Stagg, Stagg
