Understanding distortion

Unlike the overdrive, the signals churned out by the typical distortion unit are already 'tampered', even before reaching the amplifier. This is the reason why, one cannot acquire clean tones even at the lower levels of distortion if one chooses to use it as a clean booster. The misconception with distortion units is that it's supposed to be a hard hitting device when in fact, it's rather restrained inherently, as typified by the pioneer of pedal distortion, the Pro Co Rat. The distortion is similarly used to boost an already driven/ distorted amplifier to increase its intensity

The most popular mild distortion in the market is arguably BOSS' DS-1 but chronologically, it's a later interpretation of the distortion tone.


In its leading era, MXR's Distortion + hold its own dynamics, it even precedes Ibanez's Tubescreamer in terms of debut application.

As it is today, the average distortion unit has evolved to manifest more intensity, a better understanding of this would be acquired after one hears the BOSS Metal Zone in action. The standard in distortion intensity has always been the chemistry of the amplifier's power/ pre-amp sections. Manufacturers capitalized on this application from the fact that not everyone can afford such amps & its power ratings would mean limited applications at home (& the inability to fully realize the amp's potential).

The distortion effect is still evolving, today it incorporates other features to address the niche demand for intensity & saturation. The pedal you see above is Seymour Duncan's Twin Tube Mayhem which has an in-built booster (more intensity to bring the roof down + split ear drums) & pre-amp tubes.