The Cutback Preamp-Style Distortion is a compact dirt pedal from Supercool Pedals maker Supercool Pedals, a Canadian builder of hand-built effects. It is a preamp-style distortion based on the DOD 250 overdrive circuit, and it evolved from Supercool's own fan-favorite "800" Preamp/Distortion. Pedal of the Day reviewed it on 5 November 2025 and described its range as moving "from warm pre-amp tones and natural amp-like breakup, all the way to searing distortions"1. If you are comparing it with other dirt boxes, it sits between an overdrive pedal and a full distortion pedal, with a preamp pedal flavor at the low end of its gain range.
The controls: two gain modes and a 3-band EQ
The Cutback keeps its control set simple but flexible. A GAIN selector chooses between two distortion modes, and an active 3-band EQ handles tone shaping1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| GAIN | Dual gain selection between 0.01% and 8% modes, for low or high distortion1 |
| LOW | Active low band of the 3-band EQ1 |
| MID | Active mid band of the 3-band EQ1 |
| HIGH | Active high band of the 3-band EQ1 |
The two gain modes split the pedal's character. In the 0.01% mode, Pedal of the Day describes boosts and overdrives "that respond playfully to player's dynamics", while the 8% mode delivers the higher-gain distortion side of the pedal1. Because the EQ is active rather than passive, the LOW, MID and HIGH bands can cut as well as boost, which the reviewer credits with "comprehensive tone shaping"1.
Where it came from
Supercool Pedals is run by Jamie, and the Cutback continues a line of dirt pedals from the Canadian maker. Pedal of the Day traces the circuit to the DOD 250 overdrive, a design the reviewer calls legendary, and notes the Cutback evolved from Supercool's earlier "800" Preamp/Distortion1. The enclosure carries what the reviewer calls a "captivating and nostalgic 1980's Surf Design"1. The maker's wider range includes the Barstow Bat, a Rat-inspired distortion with 3-band EQ and switchable silicon/LED clipping1.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's reviewer came away impressed by the pedal's range across styles1:
"I think versatility is a key factor in a good dirt pedal, and there's no shortage of that here."
The reviewer also confirmed the pedal works on bass as well as guitar, which widens its use beyond six-string boards1.
Videos
Supercool Pedals
Pedal of the Day and Supercool Pedals
B's Music Shop
Questions
Does the Supercool Cutback work with bass?
Yes. Pedal of the Day's reviewer found it sounds great on guitar or bass, so bass players can use it as a dirt or preamp-style boost on a bass rig as well as a guitar pedal. The wide gain range, from warm preamp tones through to searing distortion, gives bass players options from subtle breakup to full distortion.
Is the Cutback true bypass?
Yes. The Cutback uses true bypass switching, according to Pedal of the Day's review, so when the pedal is off your guitar's signal passes through without loading down your tone.
What power supply does the Cutback use?
The Cutback runs on a standard 9V center negative power supply, the same type used by most compact pedals, so it will work with a typical pedalboard power supply or isolated adapter.
What circuit is the Cutback based on?
Pedal of the Day describes the Cutback as based on the legendary DOD 250 overdrive circuit, and notes it evolved from Supercool's own fan-favourite 800 Preamp/Distortion pedal.
Where is the Cutback made?
The Cutback is designed and assembled in Canada by Supercool Pedals.
Sources (1)
- Supercool Pedals The Cutback Preamp-Style Distortion, Pedal of the Day, 2025-11-05
