New VHT V-Drive Overdrive

At Winter NAMM 2011, VHT debuted their VHT V-Drive Overdrive pedal. This is a highly customizable overdrive.  The overdrive has a ‘select’ control which allows you to switch between 10 different diode configurations and allows for a 11th option which is a straight OpAmp boost (Clean Boost). Additionally there is Texture, Depth, Tone and Voltage controls.

This pedal will be available for purchase next month (9/7/2011) and might be a great overdrive for your board.

Here is the official description of the VHT V-Drive Overdrive:

From clean boost to creamy-smooth sustain to raging harmonic complexity, the new VHT V-Drive overdrive pedal’s unique controls offer an amazingly wide range of tones and textures at an awesome value. In addition to standard Drive and Volume controls, the VHT V-Drive offers four more unique controls.

Select
The V-Drive’s 11-position Select switch provides ten different clipping diode configurations plus a clean-boost diode-bypass mode. (Clipping diodes are the heart and soul of nearly every classic overdrive pedal design, and the type and configuration of these diodes defines the overdrive texture and dynamic response character.)

The V-Drive’s Select switch replicates the diode type and configuration of the most popular overdrive pedals of the ’80s and ’90s as well as some of today’s most sought-after boutique designs. The V-Drive also offers several new diode types and configurations for some fresh tones for the future, enabling players to make their own unique contributions to the advancement of the art of overdrive.

Texture
The V-Drive’s Texture control adjusts the overdrive texture and harmonic content. Working in conjunction with the Select switch, these two controls provide an unprecedented range of fine-tunable overdrive choices. Warm and smooth or bristling with harmonic activity, the choice—and voice—is yours.

Depth
The V-Drive’s unique 11-position Depth control fine-tunes the low-end response to perfectly voice the overdrive depth to suit a wide range of guitars, pickups, and musical styles.

Tone
The V-Drive’s Tone knob is voiced higher than is commonly expected. Unlike most overdrive pedals, it adjusts the treble content without altering the midrange. The V-Drive’s Tone control works in conjunction with the Depth control to provide a wider and more useful EQ-shaping range than conventional overdrive tone controls.

Voltage
The unique Voltage control uses a special voltage multiplying integrated circuit to increase the pedal’s operating voltage for a tighter, punchier, crisper, quicker-responding and more authoritative tone—ordinary 9-volt pedals can’t match this new level of dynamic response. The Voltage control can also reduce the V-Drive’s operating voltage to as low as 5 volts for a softer and spongier attack.

Like a box full of pedals in one, the innovative, revolutionary—and surprisingly affordable—VHT V-Drive introduces the next chapter in the quest for the ultimate overdrive.
Features

* Wide range of tones and textures
* Volume, Tone, Drive, Depth, Texture, Select controls
* Select control offers 11 settings that replicate the most popular overdrives of the ’80s, ’90s, and beyond
* Voltage control adjusts the operating voltage for tighter sound

Here is a video by premierguitar at NAMM where VHT talks about VHT Amps Special 6 Ultra Head and the VHT V-Drive Overdrive. I skipped the amp part. His guitar is out of tune, but you’ll get a good sense of what this pedal is all about.

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As I mentioned above, the VHT V-Drive Overdrive  is available 9/7/2011. You can pre-order this pedal via Amazon.com for $99.00