G-Drive Distortion Added to Akai's Line of Pedals

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Do you find yourself constantly tweaking your distortion sound? Using a graphic equalizer after a distortion pedal is common way to shape the sound, but Akai is betting that you'd rather have everything in one pedal. And they'll throw in an extra EQ for even more control.

The new G-Drive (D2G) is a pedal that provides a graphic EQ both before and after the distortion circuit for extensive sound shaping control. Both the first (Character) and second (Color) EQs feature 6-bands, allowing you to wide range of sounds. With these equalizers, the G-Drive can also be adjusted for used with a bass

Building your sound starts with the Character graphic EQ that shapes the signal going into the distortion circuit. Conventional distortion boxes simply boost the input's midrange before it goes to the distortion circuit. With the G-Drive, it's quick and easy to create this type of distortion by boosting the mids or cutting the highs and lows-or even doing both. For a thicker, more vintage type of sound you simply boost the low end while cutting the highs. And that's just the beginning.

The Color EQ after the distortion lets you set the overall final tone. Conventional distortion boxes usually give you some degree of tone control with high/low shelving filters (bass and treble), but this 6-band EQ provides much more control. For example, when creating heavy metal distortion, the mid range going into the distortion circuit is boosted, resulting in weak top and bottom. But with the COLOR equalizer you can add the highs and lows back for a more balanced overall sound. Or for a softer, sweeter sound you can boost the lows and roll off the highs with both EQs. The G-Drive is a true-bypass pedal.

MSRP: $299

Specifications

• CONNECTORS: Input 1/4' Mono Phone Jack (Input impedance: 3001, ohms or more) Output 1/4' Mono Phone Jack (Output impedance: 11, ohms or less)
• CONTROLS: DRIVE, OUTPUT, Character (6-Band INPUT EQ), Color (6-BandOutput EQ), FOOT SW (Effect ON/OFF)
• INDICATORS: LEDx1 (Effect ON/OFF)
• POWER CONSUMPTION: DC 9V/50mA
• POWER SUPPLY: DC 9V (OPTIONAL: AC ADAPTER MP-9)
• DIMENSIONS: 134x175x77 (WxDxHmm)
• WEIGHT: 1350g

For more information, visit their web site at www.akaipro.com.