EMpathy Drive
Nice and simple low/medium gain OD that responds well to playing dynamics and guitar volume adjustment. The original makes a big deal about paper-in-oil (PIO) caps, but it sounds great with 'normal' film caps. There's room on the board to accommodate all manner of exotic capacitors if you want to source some, and it will take those military-spec mojo PIOs which we have in stock in limited numbers.
This new version of the PCB offers easy clipping mods to turn your boost/low gain OD into a full-on drive monster. Spots for two sets of clipping diodes are included, offering two or three way selection. Add a SPDT ON-ON for clipping on/off with a single set of diodes, or a ON-OFF-ON switch for two different clipping options and clipping off. You can wire up normal switches or go for the dinky, sexy little micro-toggle which mounts straight onto the board.
1N4148 diodes are included as standard with any of the clipping switch options. if you're going for a three-way clipping switch you'll need to choose your second set of diodes from the options, or you can experiment with your own.
Note: If you want to go for the PIO caps you'll either need the micro-toggle or your 'normal' switch will have to mount towards the top of the enclosure, with the pots beneath - see the pics on the left
Board-mounted pots for minimal wiring and easy mounting in the enclosure.
If you want the PCB without parts there's a link for that at the bottom of the page.
Partial kit: PCB, all board-mounted components, pots.
Full kit: As above, plus footswitch and appropriate daughterboard/components for your selected bypass type (see Downloads section for details of those), jack sockets, DC socket, battery snap, hook-up wire, LED.
Enclosure (pre-drilled) is available as an option with full kits, and will not take a battery. Knobs are not included.
Inspired by: EM Drive
Difficulty: Easy
PCB size: 50 x 22mm
Knobs required: 2
Enclosure: 1590B
Direct-Connect compatible (4-way)
Download the INSTRUCTION PDF
Download the older version
