Gloomy Drive

A modern take on the fantastic Univox Uni-Drive.

Despite the name this circuit isn't all about the doom and sludge. It offers more traditional rock grunt and pairs really well with a slightly overdriven amp.

The "Bottom" control will gradually introduce more bass to the signal, taking you from a treble boost to full, thick and booming.

No unobtainium old stock transistors in this one though - instead we have a nice combo of 2N5088 and MPSA18, which give a near-as-dammit tone to the original Matsushita 2sc859. If you want to source your own cans the PCB has extra pads to accommodate the different pinout.

The kit is supplied with vertical-mount pots which have round shafts, so you'll need set-screw fitting knobs.

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 can take a battery if desired with footswitch positioned 22mm higher, closer to the controls. Knobs are not included.

Builds are only available with full kits including enclosure and vertical-mount pots. Please choose appropriate knobs.

Inspired by: DoomiDrive

Difficulty: Easy

PCB size: 50 x 33mm

Knobs required: 3

Enclosure: 1590B

Direct-Connect compatible (4-way)

Download INSTRUCTION PDF