Since its launch in 2018, the 1981 Inventions DRV distortion pedal quickly cemented itself as one of the most in-demand modern distortion pedals available on the market. Found on countless pedalboards spanning just about every genre and playing style, it’s renowned for its flawless aesthetics, boutique build quality, and harmonically rich, vintage-styled distortion that just works! Now in its second revision, the DRV2 takes things to the next level with improved headroom, a lower noise floor and enhanced EQ. Taking influence from some of the magic found in the legendary early incarnations of the Rat distortion circuit, the 1981 Inventions DRV Distortion reimagined the circuit into its own unique design. Originally designed in collaboration with Jon Ashley (Bondi Effects), the DRV added a preamp circuit which allowed the DRV to truly take on a life of its very own, utilising the entire sweep of gain variation from the lowest overdrive-like gain to near fuzz-like dirt and everything in between. It’s renowned for its low-to-mid gain distortion sounds with musical hi-fi-like guitar-focused EQ and unmatched note separation and clarity. The DRV2, redesigned with John Snyder (Electronic Audio Experiments), offers a quieter circuit with increased headroom as well as the ability to be powered by 18v (as well as the standard 9v). The DRV2 also comes equipped with an internal switch to select between true and buffered bypass, allowing you to easily integrate this premium distortion pedal into any rig or setup.Key Features Boutique Vintage-Styled Distortion – The DRV2 offers a premium vintage-voiced distortion that excels at low to mid gain sounds. Its guitar-focused EQ, clarity, note definition and open sound make the DRV2 perfect for players who seek gain but want to maintain the overall tone of their guitar. Improved Flexibility – Redesigned by John Snyder of Electronic Audio Experiments, the DRV2 offers 9-18v voltage for improved headroom, reduced noise floor and switchable true and buffered bypass. Made in the USA – The 1981 Inventions DRV2 distortion is proudly assembled and tested by hand in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s crafted with premium components through and through, ensuring this distortion is ready for life on the road, straight out of the box. Specifications Type: Preamp / Distortion Analogue/Digital: Analogue Circuit Design: Redesigned V2 layout engineered by John Snyder (Electronic Audio Experiments) Power Requirements: 9V to 18V DC, centre-negative (isolated power supply recommended) Current Draw: ~30 mA to 45 mA Bypass Switching: Switchable True-Bypass via an internal DIP switch (accessible by removing the bottom plate) Connections: 1x 1/4″ input, 1x 1/4″ output (mono) Controls: Drive (DRV), Cut, and Volume (VOL)
1981 Inventions DRV2 Distortion Pedal
This is a New 1981 Inventions DRV2 Distortion Pedal from 1981 Inventions, listed in Distortion Pedals on Just Pedals. Read More below.
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Brand
1981 Inventions
In the current JustPedals catalogue, 1981 Inventions is represented by Distortion Pedals. The current listing includes DRV2 Distortion. That makes the range relevant to players looking for drive, gain and clipping. Check each model for its exact circuit or processing platform, controls, power requirements and connections, particularly where the catalogue includes both pedals and supporting gear.
Category
Distortion Pedals
Distortion pedals use stronger or more deliberate clipping than a typical overdrive, adding harmonics, compression and sustain. Some are voiced for amp-like crunch, others for high-gain rhythm or a deliberately abrasive texture. Gain, tone, presence, resonance and output controls determine how the pedal interacts with the amplifier and pickups; a blend or noise gate can preserve clarity in heavier settings. Placement changes the result, so check whether the design is intended to push an amp, run into a clean platform or feed a direct cabinet simulation.
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