The 1981 Inventions DRV2 is a highly refined preamp/distortion pedal designed for players who want clarity, character, and a wide range of usable gain sounds. Built from years of development and circuit refinement, the DRV2 delivers a vintage-minded voice with modern performance, making it an inspiring tool for everything from barely-breaking cleans to thick, almost fuzz-like saturation.
Originally developed in collaboration with Jon Ashley of Bondi Effects and further redesigned and engineered by John Snyder of Electronic Audio Experiments, the DRV2 is an evolved version of the original circuit with meaningful improvements throughout. It is quieter, more efficient, and can run at both 9V and 18V for added flexibility and headroom.
Sound
The DRV2 is known for its clear, harmonic-rich warmth and guitar-focused midrange, bringing clarity and depth to almost any instrument. Its lower gain range is where the pedal especially stands out, sitting in the sweet spot between preamp and distortion. Instead of moving from clean to slightly overdriven, the DRV2 moves from clean to slightly distorted, with a unique dynamic feel and sensitivity under the fingers. As the gain increases, it opens up into rich rock tones and thick, clear fuzz-like textures while retaining definition and character.
Construction
Built and wired in the USA, the DRV2 features vintage-style through-hole components mounted on the PCB, along with off-board jacks and power for added durability. Each pedal is housed in a uniquely subtle folded steel enclosure, personally tested, and hand-numbered.
Pedals from this batch are hand-assembled in Nashville, Tennessee.
Features
- Refined V2 DRV circuit
- Designed in collaboration with Jon Ashley of Bondi Effects
- Redesigned and engineered by John Snyder of Electronic Audio Experiments
- Clear, harmonically rich distortion with strong midrange presence
- Excellent low-gain response and dynamic touch sensitivity
- Covers tones from barely clipping cleans to near-fuzz saturation
- Lower noise and improved efficiency compared to earlier versions
- Runs on 9V or 18V DC power
- Internal switch for true bypass selection
- Vintage-style through-hole components
- Off-board jacks and power connections
- Folded steel enclosure
- Built and wired in the USA
- Personally tested and hand-numbered
Power
The DRV2 runs on standard 9V Boss-style DC power and is also compatible with 18V operation. Battery clip and power supply are not included. An isolated power supply is recommended for best performance.
