The Summer School Electronics Science Fair Overdrive Distortion is a dual-circuit dirt pedal that puts two classic-style drive circuits in one box and runs them in parallel. Pedal of the Day's reviewer describes it as taking elements of a classic black rodent distortion pedal and a green, mids-forward drive and bringing them together, giving players aggressive distortion while maintaining the clarity of the notes, or a softer attack with a hint of grit to pop through the mix1.
Two circuits in parallel
The core idea is that both sides are heard at once. The 2 sides are run in parallel with individual drive and tone knobs, so each circuit can be shaped independently before they meet at the master section1. That sets the Science Fair apart from a typical dual pedal that switches between two effects: here the two sounds stack and mix, which is where the Blend knob comes in.
The Lab Rat and Test Tube sides
| Side | Knob color | Circuit | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lab Rat (left) | Black | Hard clipping | Crispy distortion |
| Test Tube (right) | Green | Soft clipping | Mid-range overdrive with a mid-hump boost |
The left side of the Science Fair, with black knobs, is referred to as the Lab Rat, and is a hard-clipping, crispy distortion. The right side with the green knobs is called the Test Tube, a soft clipping, mid-range overdrive with a mid-hump boost1. Players familiar with distortion pedals and overdrive pedals will recognize the two approaches: hard clipping for a more aggressive edge, soft clipping with a mid emphasis for a push that sits forward in a mix.
Controls
- Drive (per side): sets the drive amount for the Lab Rat and for the Test Tube independently1
- Tone (per side): sets the tone for each side independently1
- Blend (center, silver): master mix between the two parallel circuits1
- Volume (center, silver): master output level1
Turn the Blend either all the way left or right to hear each side as an individual effect. In between, the two circuits mix, so the pedal covers everything from one circuit alone to any combination of the two1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's reviewer called it "a unique pedal that can provide a variety of options in recording and live applications," adding, "This is definitely a cover-all-your-bases dirt pedal"1. The same review also mentioned pairing it with Summer School Electronics' Trash Panda, another pedal from the same maker1.
Videos
Summer School Electronics
Pedal of the Day
Matt Dunn
Questions
What are the Lab Rat and Test Tube sides on the Science Fair?
The Science Fair holds two circuits in one enclosure. The left side, with black knobs, is the Lab Rat, a hard-clipping distortion described as crispy. The right side, with green knobs, is the Test Tube, a soft-clipping, mid-range overdrive with a mid-hump boost. Each side has its own drive and tone knobs, and the two run in parallel.
What does the Blend knob do on the Science Fair?
The Blend knob sits in the center silver knob column alongside the master Volume. It sets the mix between the two parallel circuits. Turned all the way left or right, it lets you hear each side on its own as an individual effect, so the pedal can work as a single distortion or overdrive as well as a combination.
Is the Science Fair based on a Rat?
Partly. Pedal of the Day's reviewer describes the Science Fair as taking elements of a classic black rodent distortion pedal, the inspiration for the Lab Rat side, and combining them with a green, mids-forward drive, which became the Test Tube side.
Can I use each side of the Science Fair on its own?
Yes. The two sides run in parallel, and turning the master Blend knob all the way left or right brings in just one circuit, so you can hear the Lab Rat distortion or the Test Tube overdrive as an individual effect before blending the two together.
Does the Science Fair pair with the Trash Panda?
Pedal of the Day's reviewer says it pairs well with Summer School Electronics' Trash Panda for extra push and extra sonic options, writing that if you pair the two, you'll never need anything more.
Sources (1)
- Summer School Electronics Science Fair Overdrive Distortion, Pedal of the Day, 2022-10-26
