AKARSH SHEKHAR
How to Stack Your Distortion Pedals Like a Boss ?
If you ’ ve used more than one distortion pedal at a time , you ’ ve “ stacked ” them . Based on your pedals and their respective settings , you might have got mixed results . The basic idea however , is solid . Use the first gain pedal to boost or colour the sound of another . While the concept is simple , the details make all the difference .
Stacking overdrive / gain / boost / distortion / fuzz pedals can help you accomplish a variety of sonic goals . You can set them up to be multiple gain stages . A common setup for that is a light gain pedal followed by a heavier gain pedal . When dialed in correctly , this can create four awesome and distinct sounds : clean , dirty , heavy , or saturated .
Fuzz pedals add a unique color palette to your overall sound but function in pretty much the same way as any other drive pedal . In case you feel that your fuzz pedal is at its best with the gain set high , use it as a heavier-gain pedal . In case you like the sound with a lower-gain setting , treat it as a lower gain pedal itself .
You can also utilize drive pedal stacks if you want to alter the overall character of your existing rig . In order to provide yourselves with an alternate set of sounds , begin with a pedal that has the tonal characteristics of a specific amp , ideally one that is different from your amp . After that , stack it up with a pedal featuring a different flavour of gain . This will create two distinct amp tones that can easily be overdriven .
For maximum flexibility , start with a clean amp sound while stacking gain pedals . The concept can work with a dirty amp too , but the less distorted your amp setting , the more you can influence the sound with pedals .
Tips for Stacking Pedals
1 . The last pedal in the stack has the biggest influence on the tone .
2 . A clean boost can be used as gain boost in front of an overdrive pedal or a volume boost if placed after .
3 . Some pedals are great at specific jobs . Transparent drives are great for adding gain or boost to a sound you don ’ t want to alter , like a second channel or gain stage . TS-style drives boost mids , taper highs and lows , and add some compression and a bit of clean , undistorted signal to the mix . These are great for making a lead stand out or tightening up a chunky rhythm sound .
4 . All drive pedals have an inherent sound and EQ curve . Knowing what that curve is will help you know how and where to stack a pedal . To figure out what your pedal sounds like , try these steps :
• Start with the EQ controls set to flat ( typically 12:00 ).
• Set the Gain control at 9:00 or 10:00 , lower if the pedal still responds properly .
• Match the volume control so the level is the same when the pedal is engaged / disengaged .
• Play a chord with the pedal off . Turn the pedal on and play the same chord . Listen to the EQ differences in the two sounds . Are there more or less mids ? Does the low end shift noticeably ? Are the highs the same ?
• Bring up the gain incrementally and toggle between on and off . Does the character of the pedal change ? Is it a good thing ?
• Do the same with the Volume control while adjusting the Gain to different settings . Some pedals sound better turned up or driving your amp harder .
Finding the optimum gain staging between pedals is important . Too much gain or level can cause excessive hiss or hum , handling noise , weird EQ , and compression , and it can actually make your sounds seem smaller .
The Score Magazine
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