The Tech 21 Double Drive 3X Private Stock MOD is a distortion pedal built around two separate distortions, each modeled on the power amp output stage of a specific type of tube amplifier. Tech 21 describes the design as capturing "the lush, muscular power amp distortions of both Class A and Class A/B tube amps"1. The Private Stock MOD version carries a revoiced circuit aimed at harder styles: Tech 21 revoiced it for more aggressive hard rock and metal tones rather than the classic, bluesy-style tones of the original, with a tighter low end and a wider Level taper21.
Two power-amp-based distortions
The pedal's central idea is that a tube amp's character comes as much from its output stage being pushed as from its preamp. Each of the Double Drive 3X's two distortions is based on the power amp output stage of specific tube amplifiers2:
- Drive A yields a "Class A" distortion, rich in even harmonics. Tech 21's product page describes it as controlling the amount of Class A power amp output stage distortion, like a Vox AC30-style amp, with the amount of harmonics dynamically controlled by input level and the ratio by how hard you pick1.
- Drive A/B provides a "Class A/B" distortion, which is rich in odd harmonics2.
Other features include an active 3-band EQ2, and the three footswitches use smooth, silent-switching custom actuators2.
What the Private Stock MOD changed
Private Stock is Tech 21's division for limited deluxe versions of its pedals; the company used it for a deluxe version of the Blonde from the SansAmp Character Series in 20133. For the Double Drive 3X, the MOD brought three changes Tech 21 highlighted: more aggressive tones, a tighter low end, and a wider Level taper2.
"With a 100 percent analog signal path, the Double Drive 3X is digital only in its programmability."
The MOD was offered at no additional cost: Premier Guitar's 2011 announcement said the pedal "will be available for a limited time at no additional cost"2, and Tech 21's own page states the Double Drive 3X MOD is available at the same price as the original for a limited time1.
The MOD version is identified by a MOD stamp on the pedal and its packaging2. If you are buying secondhand, the stamp is the way to tell a revoiced MOD unit from an original Double Drive 3X.
Power and connections
The pedal runs on a standard 9V alkaline battery, not included21, or on the optional Tech 21 Model #DC4-A power supply21. Its input is a 1 megOhm high impedance 1/4" jack, the same as traditional tube amps use, and its output is a 1 kOhm low impedance 1/4" jack2. Tech 21 notes the output can drive long cables without loss of signal integrity, even in bypass1.
Presets and switching
The Double Drive 3X stores three custom sounds, and Tech 21 says you can store them even on the fly: tweak the controls and double-tap one of the three footswitches to save the sound2. Combined with the two drive voices and the active 3-band EQ, that gives a player three recallable settings covering, for example, a rhythm tone, a lead tone, and a cleaner edge-of-breakup sound.
Where it sits in Tech 21's range
The Double Drive 3X MOD is a variant of the Tech 21 Double Drive 3X, which itself grew out of the earlier Double Drive1. Players looking for Tech 21's other drive voicings in the same family can compare the U.S. Metal, U.S. Steel, Hot-Rod Plexi, and CompTORTION, or the broader range of distortion pedals and overdrive pedals on the site.
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Questions
What changed in the Tech 21 Double Drive 3X Private Stock MOD?
The pedal was revoiced for more aggressive hard rock and metal tones rather than the classic, bluesy-style tones of the original. Tech 21 describes the MOD as bringing more aggressive tones, a tighter low end, and a wider Level taper. The MOD was offered at no additional cost, and MOD units are stamped on the pedal and packaging so players can tell them apart from the original.
How can I tell a MOD Double Drive 3X from the original?
According to Tech 21's announcement, the Private Stock MOD version is distinguished from the original by a MOD stamp on both the pedal and its packaging. If the stamp is present, the unit carries the revoiced circuit with the more aggressive tones, tighter low end, and wider Level taper.
Is the Double Drive 3X MOD a limited run?
It was not a numbered limited edition, but Tech 21 offered it for a limited time. The company stated the Double Drive 3X MOD would be available at the same price as the original for a limited time, and the 2011 announcement described it as available for a limited time at no additional cost.
Does the Double Drive 3X have a fully analog signal path?
Yes. Tech 21's announcement describes a 100 percent analog signal path, with digital circuitry used only in the pedal's programmability, meaning the three storable preset slots. The analog path is also built to drive long cables without loss of signal integrity, even in bypass.
How do I save presets on the Double Drive 3X?
The pedal stores three custom sounds. Tech 21 says you can store them even on the fly: tweak the controls to the sound you want, then double-tap one of the three footswitches to save it to that slot.
Can the Double Drive 3X run on a battery?
Yes. The pedal operates with a standard 9V alkaline battery, which is not included. An optional power supply, Tech 21 Model #DC4-A, is also available.
What is the difference between Drive A and Drive A/B?
Drive A yields a Class A style distortion, rich in even harmonics, based on the power amp output stage of a Vox AC30-style amp. Drive A/B provides a Class A/B distortion, which is rich in odd harmonics. Each is based on the power amp output stage of specific tube amplifiers.
Sources (3)
- Double Drive 3X, Tech 21 NYC, 2019-06-23
- Tech 21 Double Drive 3X: Exclusive Private Stock MOD, Premier Guitar, 2011-10-21
- Tech 21's Blonde Deluxe SansAmp Character Series Now Shipping, Guitar World, 2013-08-01
