A two-channel overdrive built around an Overdrive circuit and an independent Boost channel, with a switchable order between the two and a germanium-diode Dynamics control shared with the 2B.
Key Features
- Two independent channels: Overdrive and Boost, each footswitchable
- Order switch sets whether Boost runs before or after Overdrive
- Germanium diode Dynamics control on the Boost channel softens harsh transient spikes
- Three-voicing clipping toggle on the Overdrive channel
- Can run on battery or 9V DC centre-negative supply
Two Channels, Your Order
The Boost channel’s Dynamics knob softens harsh transient spikes that could otherwise overload your amp’s input, functioning similarly to a mixdown limiter — turn it up and even a stiffer amp starts to feel more responsive and juicy, with a touch more sweetness in the treble. An Order switch lets you choose whether the Boost channel sits before or after the Overdrive section in the signal path, changing the character of the combination.
Controls
- Overdrive channel: Drive, Volume, and a three-voicing clipping toggle
- Boost channel: Drive, Volume, and Dynamics
- Order switch: sets whether Boost comes before or after Overdrive
Power
Can run on battery or a 9V DC centre-negative supply. Maximum 13mA with both channels engaged. Worth noting: units from serial number 2548 onward use buffered bypass instead of true bypass — check your unit’s serial number if bypass type matters for your setup.
Who Is This For
Worth a look if you want two independent gain stages that can be reordered on the fly — a genuinely flexible two-in-one overdrive rather than a single-channel pedal with an added boost.
[Video to be confirmed and added]
What does the Fulltone Full-Drive 3 do?
It’s a two-channel overdrive with an independent Overdrive and Boost circuit, and a switch to choose which one comes first in the signal chain.
What power supply does the Full-Drive 3 need?
Battery or a 9V DC centre-negative supply. Maximum 13mA with both channels engaged.
Is the Full-Drive 3 true bypass or buffered?
It depends on the serial number. Units from serial 2548 onward use buffered bypass; earlier units are true bypass.
What does the Dynamics control do?
It’s a germanium diode limiter on the Boost channel that softens harsh transient spikes, similar to a limiter on a studio mixdown, making even a stiffer amp feel more responsive.
Can I change the order of the two channels?
Yes, an Order switch lets you choose whether the Boost channel runs before or after the Overdrive channel, changing the character of the combination.
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