Carl Martin DC Drive

[failed_astronaut]

Hi folks,

Like all good things, this story starts with GAS...

I've been gassing for a DC Drive ever since I tried one out in my local store but never had a need to get one or the cash. Fast forward about two years (and one missed opportunity to pick one up for a steal) and a casual search on Ebay turned up one at a startlingly low price with only a day and a half to go. I thought "What the hell, I'll watch it and if it stays at a reasonable price, I'll try my luck." Try I did, and succesfull was I.

I got a chance to put the pedal through it's paces this weekend and I've got to say, I was absolutely knocked out. I knew the DC Drive was good but didn't expect to be able to get so many tones out of it! I went from Stevie Ray Vaughn to Tommy Iommi and everywhere in between.

I ran my EBMM Axis Super Sport through my Peavey Classic 30 using the clean and dirt channels to see how the pedal reacted with both.

I'm thinking that I'll use this pedal for a higher gain marshall-y drive and use either a Pork Loin or ODR-1 for lower gain.

I say to anyone, if you get a chance to try out the DC Drive, do it!

Cheers,

[failed_astronaut]

Ok, so a bit of an update/bump to my previous post.

I took the DC Drive to big band rehearsal tonight with the intention of running it alongside my Nobels ODR-1. Unfortunately I'd neglected to bring an extra patch cable (doh!) so just hooked up the DC.

Yet again this pedal totally knocked me out.

I've always felt the ODR-1 worked best as a very light OD but had been pushing it harder to get the necessary volume to be heard over the brass section. At high gain I found it dark and jarring. When I swapped in the DC Drive and took my first solo of the night (in Green Onions) aside from not having my relative volume set properly and being a bit tentative with the footwiches so as not to mess up any of my settings, the creamy, responsive gain this pedal gave me was instant mojo :)

It'll take a few nights to get my settings right and to be confident with stomping it but I'm so happy with this pedal right now.

[iowa]

I'm waiting for DC Drive myself. I should receive it midweek and I will post my thoughts.

[failed_astronaut]

Please do, I had my first gig with it on Saturday and it killed so I hope you're as happy with yours

[dhdfoster]

I’ve been using one for a few months now and I think it’s one of the best I’ve tried. I get most of my dirt from my amp, but I needed a pedal with a clean boost and a little extra dirt. I honestly tried it because it’s priced well, it’s pretty narrow for a boost and OD in one, it has top-mounted jacks and CM builds very solid, great-sounding pedals in my experience. I was surprised at just how fantastic it sounded. I keep the switch to “normal” mode and keep the gain at minimum. I use the clean boost for solos most of the time and when I hit the overdrive, even at minimum, it’s fat, articulate and musical.

The only drawback is that it is *bright* with my setup. I keep the tone knob at around 9 o’clock which is unusual for me. It sounds great though, and for those who want more treble, it’s definitely there.

[es125luv]

This pedal is now my personal favorite. I have been through many drive pedals, and this is the one that just sounds the best. I like the ability to dial in a bright tone, but this pedal has played well with all of my amps. I am surprised it does not get a lot of attention around here.