Distortion Pedals
Distortion pedals provide heavier, more saturated gain than most overdrives, taking you from thick classic rock crunch to tight modern metal tones. They can act as the main source of drive into a clean amp or add an extra channel to an already breaking-up rig. Our range includes HM-2 inspired metal from the KMA Audio Machines Wurm 2, aggressive multi-filter gain from the Mantic Effects Vitriol, open amp-like drive with the Fulltone OCD V2 and versatile overdrive/distortion circuits such as the Cusack Music Meta Plexi and Old Blood Noise Endeavors Fault V2.
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Showing 1–12 of 44 results
Distortion Pedals – Frequently Asked Questions
How is distortion different from overdrive and fuzz?
Overdrive is often designed to mimic the sound of a pushed valve amp, with moderate gain and a relatively smooth response. Distortion pedals typically offer more gain, firmer bass and tighter response, making them suitable for heavier rock and metal styles. Fuzz is usually more extreme and compressed, with a deliberately fuzzy, saturated texture that can sound raw or vintage. There is some overlap between categories, but distortion tends to sit in the middle between overdrive and fuzz.
Can a distortion pedal be my main “amp sound”?
Yes. Many distortion pedals are voiced to work into a clean or slightly broken-up amp as if they were an extra channel. For example, the Fulltone OCD V2 excels at open, amp-like crunch, while the KMA Wurm 2 is ideal if you want a dedicated Swedish chainsaw-style high-gain voice. With the right EQ and gain settings, a distortion pedal can absolutely be the core of your live or studio tone.
What should I look for in a high-gain distortion pedal?
For higher gain styles, you want tight low end, clear note separation and enough midrange control to cut through a mix. Pedals like the Wurm 2 and Mantic Effects Vitriol provide extensive EQ shaping and plenty of saturation. If you prefer something that can cover both medium and high gain, the OBNE Fault V2 and Meta Plexi offer flexible gain ranges.
Where should a distortion pedal go in my pedalboard?
Distortion pedals generally sit after boosts and compressors and before modulation, delay and reverb. This mirrors a multi-channel amp setup, with gain early and time-based effects later. Boosts before distortion can increase saturation, while boosts after distortion will tend to increase overall volume. Noise gates, if used, are often placed after high-gain pedals for best results.
What are some good starting points for distortion?
If you want an all-round rock distortion that still cleans up from the guitar volume knob, the Fulltone OCD V2 is a strong choice. For heavier tones with sculptable EQ, look at the KMA Wurm 2 or Vitriol. If you need one pedal that can go from edge-of-breakup to full distortion, consider the Fault V2 or Meta Plexi.
