The Tone City Model M is a dual-channel distortion pedal from Tone City Audio, described by the maker as a classic British-style distortion. It puts two gain stages in one compact box, with a second channel that works as a boost: switching the boost on gives a 17dB level increase for pushing a riff or a solo over the top1. It sits in the wider family of distortion pedals, alongside Tone City's other gain pedals such as the Golden Plexi and Wild Fire.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | 1MΩ |
| Output impedance | 10KΩ |
| Normal input level | -10dB |
| Boost level | 17dB |
| Current draw (boost on) | 45mA |
| Power supply | DC 9V adaptor |
| Bypass | True bypass |
| Dimensions | 12 x 10 x 5.2 cm |
| Net weight | 0.35 kg |
All figures from Tone City's product page1.
Power and current draw
The Model M runs on a DC 9V adaptor1. Tone City specifies a current draw of 45mA with the boost engaged1, which is light enough for any standard isolated power supply output. The maker's specifications do not mention battery operation, so a 9V supply is the way to power it.
Size and bypass
The Model M carries two channels in a compact enclosure, with a boost stage that adds 17 dB when turned on1. The pedal is true bypass, so when it is off, the circuit drops out of the signal path1.
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Questions
Is the Tone City Model M true bypass?
Yes. Tone City lists the Model M as a true bypass pedal, meaning that when it is switched off, the pedal's circuit is removed from the signal path entirely and your guitar's signal passes through unchanged. That matters on a pedalboard where several pedals sit between the guitar and the amp.
What power supply does the Tone City Model M need?
The Model M runs on a DC 9V adaptor, according to Tone City's product page. There is no mention of battery operation, so plan on using a standard 9V centre-negative supply or a output from a pedalboard power supply.
How much current does the Tone City Model M draw?
Tone City specifies a current draw of 45mA with the boost switched on. That is modest by pedal standards and well within what any standard 9V pedalboard power supply output can handle.
How big is the Tone City Model M?
The Model M measures 12 cm long by 10 cm wide by 5.2 cm high and weighs 0.35 kg net. That compact footprint helps it fit on a crowded pedalboard.
What is the input impedance of the Tone City Model M?
Tone City gives the Model M an input impedance of 1 megohm, with an output impedance of 10 kilohms. A 1M input is high enough that the pedal will not load down a guitar's pickups and dull the tone, even with fuzzes or vintage-style pickups ahead of it.
Sources (1)
- Model M-双通道经典英式失真-桂林华声乐器有限公司, Tone City Audio (桂林华声乐器有限公司), 2026
