Strymon Sunset Overdrive
Strymon's most recent release, the Sunset, is their second venture into the world of overdrive. It also seems to be an answer to the Chase Bliss Brothers Overdrive that turned so many heads this last spring. The Sunset Overdrive will also offer two independent overdrive channels. These channels will have the ability to be operated independently or simultaneously in a parallel or series configuration. Between the two channels, the sunset offers up six different overdrive circuits that players can mix and match to develop a whole new layer of tone.
This pedal contains a JFET drive circuit that is blended with Strymon's own unique DSP algorithms that will provide completely new sounding drive tones. This pedal also has two separate channels labels Channel A and Channel B
The drives in this pedal are based on a JFET circuit combined with Strymon's own DSP algorithms to add their own signature texture. The Pedal will have a Channel A and B. Each Channel will have two drive options and a boost.
Channel A
Each Channel has a three-way toggle switch allowing you to choose from three different drive types. From to bottom Channel A contains:
GE - If the name didn't give it away the GE mode is a drive that takes on the characteristics of a Germanium Diode drive. This setting favors those low mids and can help add some punch to your single coil guitars.
Texas - This is a more dynamic drive that will really respond to your playing volume. This mode is a much smoother overdrive and offers up tones similar to Texas blues players
Treble Boost - In this mode, you will begin to cut the lower frequencies from your signal as you turn the tone knob clockwise. This will tighten up your drives and cut out any boomy or muddy low end. Treble boosters are particularly helpful in allowing players to better cut through the mix.
Channel B
Channel B also contains a three-way toggle and has three completely new drive circuits for a player to choose from. These drives are a little bit heavier and include:
2stage -This is a 2 stage overdrive. This first stage is soft-clipping and then the second stage heavily saturates your tone. This is a heavy drive that will really favor the low-end frequencies of your signal. You can expect thick saturated drives with lots of sustain when using the 2stage drive.
Hard -As you may have guessed from the name this is a hard clipping overdrive with tons of gain on tap. If you are looking for Fuzz this is the circuit to use. When this effect is engaged the tone knob with be used to clean up the drive or increase the fuzz.
JFET - This is another boost option that can be used to add some more grit to your tone. This boost is perfect for pushing an amp that is on the edge of break into overdrive territories.
Sunset Overdrive Specs
- Mono Signal Path
- Independent, Series, Parallel Routing options
- Favorite Switch input
- Analog and digital blend
- Bright Switch
- Noise Reduction
In Review
This pedal was released right at the same time as the Brothers analog gainstage so it seems impossible not to compare the two. Functionally the two pedals are very similar and either would be an amazing option for your pedalboard. In the end, it may just come down to the size of the enclosure and how much space you have on your pedalboard.
Strymon only releases the highest quality of pedals, and we are sure the Sunset Dual Overdrive will be a welcome addition to the Strymon family. We will be sure to keep you posted as we learn more about this pedal.
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