The Thermion Breakthru is a dual overdrive pedal from Thermion, a Spanish maker whose pedals are built one by one with each gain stage adjusted for optimal sound1. It puts two switchable overdrive channels in a box designed, in Thermion's words, "with the same internal structure as a classic 2x12 British combo amplifier"2. The maker pitches it at the boosted "Blizzard of Nails" British tones, and Pedal of the Day heard two channels of mid-rangy overdrive running from Indie or Blues to Hard Rock1.
A two-channel British amp in a pedal
The Breakthru's defining feature is its three-way VRM switch. In the V (Vintage) and M (Modern) positions it works as a normal overdrive pedal connected to the input of an amp, with Vintage aimed at classic 60s tones and Modern delivering more gain. In the R position it becomes a preamp, meant to run straight into a power amp or an effects loop return23. That makes it a candidate for players who want one box to serve as both a drive pedal and the front end of a rig, a role it shares with other pedals in the preamp category as well as the overdrive one.
It also records directly. Thermion equips the pedal with SE2 technology, so it can be used to record through any audio interface: open a DAW and load the impulse responses designed exclusively for the Breakthru2.
Pedal of the Day's review summed it up this way:
"If you want a robust, versatile and exclusive dual overdrive, this is your pedal."
The controls and the VRM switch
The two channels mirror the Normal and Bright inputs of the British combo design the pedal is modeled on, and a master section sits above them2.
| Section | Controls | What they do |
|---|---|---|
| Normal channel | NRM Gain (G) | Gain control for the Normal channel2 |
| Bright channel | BRG Gain (R), Treble, Bass | Gain, treble and bass controls for the Bright channel2 |
| Master section | Volume, Tone cut | Global volume and a global "tone cut" treble damping control2 |
| VRM switch | V / M / R | Vintage or Modern pedal into an amp input, or preamp into a power amp or effects loop return2 |
Delicious Audio's buying guide, by Griffin Jennings, describes the same layout from the player's side: a two-band EQ, high-end cut, and gain knobs for each channel, alongside the vintage/modern/preamp switch3.
The 100mA maximum current draw is well above what a typical single overdrive needs. A standard 9V center negative 2.1mm supply works, but a daisy chain or a low-output power supply position may not keep up2.
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Questions
Is the Thermion Breakthru true bypass?
Yes. Thermion lists the Breakthru as true bypass on its product page, so the pedal passes your guitar's signal straight through when it is switched off, with no buffering in the way.
Can the Thermion Breakthru be used as a preamp into a power amp?
Yes. The three-way VRM switch has a preamp (R) position for running the Breakthru directly into a power amp or an effects loop return. Delicious Audio's buying guide also notes the preamp setting works for running direct into a cab sim. Thermion adds that with its SE2 technology you can record through any audio interface by loading impulse responses designed for the Breakthru in a DAW.
How much current does the Thermion Breakthru draw?
Thermion specifies a maximum current consumption of 100mA at 9V, using a standard center negative 2.1mm DC jack. That is more than many simple overdrives need, so check what your power supply's individual outputs can deliver before sharing power with other pedals.
What amp is the Thermion Breakthru based on?
Thermion says the Breakthru is designed with the same internal structure as a classic 2x12 British combo amplifier. The maker describes the resulting tones as the boosted 'Blizzard of Nails' British sound, and Pedal of the Day characterizes the two channels as mid-rangy overdrive.
How much does the Thermion Breakthru cost?
Delicious Audio's buying guide of December 2024 lists the Thermion Breakthru at $209.
Sources (3)
- Thermion Breakthru Overdrive, Pedal of the Day, 2023-04-13
- Breakthru, Thermion
- The 20 Best Vox-Style Pedals & Vox-In-a-Box Overdrives In 2024, Delicious Audio, 2024-12-02