Free US Shipping On Orders Over $49

Easy 30-Day Returns

Financing Available Through Affirm logo

Previous slide
Next slide

What are some examples of the 6 circuits available in Sunset?

The following lists a few examples of pedals that use a particular overdrive architecture. It is important to remember that the final sound produced by a pedal is highly dependent on the individual design choices affecting signal level and frequency response throughout any circuit type, as well as the specifics of the clipping section including op-amp and diode types and specific implementation. That’s why you will find some very different sounding pedals in the same circuit category. Sunset is our own take on these classic configurations.

Ge – The Ge type’s dual path architecture is a newer classic, being brought into existence by Bill Finnegan with the introduction of the Klon Centaur. A host of excellent sounding ‘Klones’ have followed, creating a category of overdrive in its own right.

texas – The soft clipper is probably the most ubiquitous of overdrive types. The classic example is the Ibanez Tube Screamer, starting with the original TS-808. Boss followed with the SD-1 a couple years later. Modern examples of soft clippers include the Xotic Effects BB Preamp and RC Boost, Wampler Paisley Drive, the Timmy by Paul C, and many other great sounding pedals.

treble – Our Treble type uses the same basis a the JFET type, while allowing for a reduction in bass frequencies to tighten up and drive another pedal or higher gain amp tone.

2stage – The configuration is a favorite with the DIY crowd, where some designs use a switch to select either soft or hard clipping. Some current examples include favorites like the Barber Direct Drive, Wampler Ecstasy/Euphoria, and the Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrive. The vintage DOD FX53 Classic Tube pedal is also on this list.

hard – The hard clipper is often found in higher gain pedals that may be considered distortion pedals. Some classic examples include the ProCo Rat, the Boss DS-1, and the MXR Distortion+.

JFET – The JFET architecture is found in the preamp section of the Echoplex EP-3 Tape Delay, and has spawned numerous preamp/boost pedals that capture the warmth and fullness of its mild gain and clipping characteristics.