distortion pedal know-how

[Llyal Gordon]

This is an ART (Applied Research & Technology) XTREME distortion pedal on
the XTREME mode. (There are two others). 

DOES anyone know how this particular circuit makes its distortion? The
distortion is similar to the METALZONE and the RAMPAGE and the Korg G-1
(these are part of this next generation of high-gain distortion pedals)-
BUT, the distortion is different. And it's NOT the tone that sets it
apart- it is how the pedal is cutting up the signal. I don't understand. 


Is just it just one distortion circuit, or perhaps there are several
working in parallel/serially in some manner, as to give a highly
distorted, but quiet (low noise) sound?

I realize that some of these pedals use a "dual gain" stage to get
super-distortion - either by distorting a distorted signal, to get
harmonics out of harmonics. Or by overloading a distortion circuit with a
high-gain input, so that the input is clipped and is seen as a distorted
signal by the distortion circuit. Again, harmonics out of harmonics 
(similar to the first circuit). But they are noisy. 


Ok, who's got the brains here?

	llyal

 


Llyal Gordon
frans at ccit.arizona.edu