The Stagg BLAXX BX-DRIVE B is a compact overdrive pedal for electric guitar, listed by Stagg as a "2-mode Overdrive pedal" in the BLAXX range, with an effect type given as Overdrive / Distortion1. Its defining feature is a mode switch with hot and warm positions, giving two characters of drive from one small box, alongside the usual gain, level and tone controls1.
A two-mode overdrive
The pedal's controls are gain, level and tone, and the mode switch selects between hot and warm1. Stagg does not publish more detail on what each mode does, but the two positions are the point of the B version: it is the two-mode pedal in the BLAXX overdrive line, where the sibling Stagg BLAXX BX-DRIVE A is a single-mode overdrive with the same effect type of Overdrive / Distortion2. Both pedals carry an on/off LED indicator to show when the effect is engaged1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Gain | Sets the amount of drive1 |
| Level | Sets the output volume1 |
| Tone | Shapes the tone1 |
| Mode switch | Selects hot or warm mode1 |
| Foot switch | Engages the effect; true bypass1 |
BX-DRIVE B and BX-DRIVE A side by side
| BX-DRIVE B | BX-DRIVE A | |
|---|---|---|
| Modes | Two (hot or warm)1 | Single mode2 |
| Effect type | Overdrive / Distortion1 | Overdrive / Distortion1 |
| Controls | Gain, level, tone, mode switch1 | Gain, level, tone1 |
| Dimensions | 95 x 45 x 48 mm1 | 95 x 45 x 48 mm1 |
| Weight | 205 g1 | 205 g1 |
Like the rest of the BLAXX range, it is built into a die-cast metal housing1. If you want a harder-edged drive from the same family, Stagg also makes the BLAXX BX-DIST B and BX-DIST A distortion pedals and the BLAXX BX-METAL; the BX-DRIVE B sits on the overdrive side of that line, and you can read more about the category on the Overdrive Pedals and Distortion Pedals pages.
Power and connections
Power comes from either a 9V external DC adapter or a 9V battery fitted with an adapter, and Stagg lists neither as included, so you will need to supply your own1.
No power adapter is in the box. Plan for a 9V DC supply from your pedalboard power brick, or a 9V battery with the adapter Stagg refers to.
The input and output are both 6.35 mm (1/4") jacks, standard for guitar pedals1. The foot switch is true bypass, so the overdrive circuit is taken out of the signal path when the pedal is off1.
Size and weight
Stagg gives the dimensions as 95 x 45 x 48 mm (3.7 x 1.8 x 1.9") and the weight as 205 g (0.45 lb)1. The BX-DRIVE A shares the same dimensions2, so the two-mode version adds no extra footprint.
Questions
Is the Stagg BLAXX BX-DRIVE B true bypass?
Yes. Stagg's product page lists the foot switch as true bypass, so when the pedal is off your guitar's signal passes through without going through the overdrive circuit. That matters on a pedalboard where several effects sit between the guitar and the amp, because bypassed pedals with buffered switching can affect the tone.
Does the Stagg BX-DRIVE B come with a power adapter?
No. Stagg lists the power supply as a 9V external DC adapter, not included, or a 9V battery fitted with an adapter, also not included. You will need to supply your own 9V supply or battery before the pedal will run.
What does the hot/warm switch do on the BX-DRIVE B?
The BX-DRIVE B is a two-mode overdrive, and the mode switch selects between hot and warm. Stagg does not publish further detail on the switch, but the two positions give the pedal two distinct characters of drive, which is what separates it from the single-mode BLAXX BX-DRIVE A.
How big is the Stagg BX-DRIVE B?
Stagg gives the dimensions as 95 x 45 x 48 mm, or 3.7 x 1.8 x 1.9 inches, and the weight as 205 g, about 0.45 lb. That is a compact footprint that sits easily on a crowded pedalboard.
Sources (2)
- Products » Stagg, Stagg
- Products » Stagg, Stagg
