Trace Elliot Overdrive

Saturation Designed for the Trace Elliot DNA

This bass overdrive follows the Trace Elliot tradition: a punchy, clear, and musical sound capable of adding character without sacrificing definition. Its asymmetric clipping circuit aims for a "warm" saturation reminiscent of tube preamps, while the tone section has been specifically calibrated to complement the famous Pre-Shape circuits of the Elf, TE-1200 amps, and classic Trace Elliot models.

For Whom and In What Contexts?

Designed for bassists who want to switch from a solid clean tone to an expressive drive with a single footswitch, this pedal suits rock, blues, punk as well as pop and studio contexts where clarity is essential. The Blend control helps retain attack and low end, making it very comfortable on a minimalist pedalboard, both live and in recording, including with passive or active basses.

Controls, Routing, and Design

The Blend allows you to keep the backbone of the clean signal while adding grit on top, useful for staying present in the mix without losing low end. The main output delivers the final mix, while the Dry output sends an untreated signal to a processor (compressor, octave, multi-effects) or a second chain for bi-amping. The true bypass preserves signal integrity when the effect is off. Finally, the internal bipolar 18V power supply (generated from 9V) provides more headroom and a wider response under the fingers, with less risk of unwanted clipping.

Sound Character

Expect a round, organic, and dynamic overdrive, with saturation that follows your playing: light and granular on a soft touch, more aggressive when attacked. The asymmetric clipping brings vintage texture and natural compression, while the EQ is designed to stay consistent with the Trace Elliot aesthetic (presence, definition, well-controlled lows). With the Blend, you can go from a simple "edge" to highlight the groove to a thicker drive, all while keeping the fundamental tone well-centered.

Technical specifications

Effects	Overdrive	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Green
EQ	Tone

Blend control	adjustment of the saturated signal / clean signal mix on the main output	9V battery	not included
Documentation	not specified	Required voltage	9VDC (adapter) or 9V battery, with internal bipolar 18V generation
9VDC power adapter	not included	Current consumption (mA)	not provided by the manufacturer