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Average Price: $249

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$50

$176+

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Description

Unleash the full spectrum of your creativity with the Empress Effects Multidrive Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal. Striking the perfect balance between convenience and sonic versatility, this pedal is a game-changer for guitarists looking to craft their signature sound without the hassle of multiple amps. Employing an entirely analog signal path, the Multidrive allows for an unprecedented blend of overdrive, distortion, and fuzz. Imagine the power to mix these classic tones to perfection, all while sculpting your sound with a detailed EQ. It's not just about effects; it's about expanding your musical palette.

Key Features:

  • Entirely analog signal path for pure and authentic sound reproduction
  • Unique ability to blend overdrive, distortion, and fuzz into one cohesive sound
  • Comprehensive EQ section for precise tone shaping
  • Three-mode distortion for versatile sound manipulation
  • Crafted for ease of use without compromising on depth of tone

Product specs

Brand Empress
Model Multidrive
Finish Grey
Year 2010s
Made In Canada
Categories Distortion Pedals, Overdrive and Boost Pedals

FAQs

What types of effects does the Empress Effects Multidrive combine?

The Empress Effects Multidrive combines overdrive, distortion, and fuzz effects, allowing guitarists to create a wide range of tones from subtle overdrive to aggressive distortion.

Can the Empress Effects Multidrive be used with bass guitar?

Yes, the Empress Effects Multidrive is versatile and can be used with bass guitar, providing rich, layered distortion and overdrive tones suitable for a variety of styles.

How does the Empress Effects Multidrive differ from other overdrive pedals?

The Empress Effects Multidrive stands out by offering three distinct drive channels—overdrive, distortion, and fuzz—that can be blended together, providing extensive tonal sculpting capabilities not typically found in single-function overdrive pedals.

Does the Empress Effects Multidrive require a specific power supply?

The Empress Effects Multidrive requires a standard 9V DC power supply with a negative center pin, commonly used for guitar pedals.

How does the Empress Effects Multidrive handle dynamic playing?

The Empress Effects Multidrive is designed to respond dynamically to your playing, providing touch-sensitive tones that can be adjusted based on picking intensity and guitar volume settings.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Empress Multidrive

Video thumbnail for Empress Multidrive by ProGuitarShopDemos

Empress Multidrive

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Empress Multidrive: Overdrive by ProGuitarShopDemos

Empress Multidrive: Overdrive

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects MULTIDRIVE: DISTORTION component only demo. Telecaster to HIWATT SA212. by Brett Kingman

Empress Effects MULTIDRIVE: DISTORTION component only demo. Telecaster to HIWATT SA212.

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects Multi Drive guitar effects pedal demo by gearmanndude

Empress Effects Multi Drive guitar effects pedal demo

gearmanndude

gearmanndude

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects Multidrive by Empress Effects

Empress Effects Multidrive

Empress Effects

Empress Effects

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects MULTIDRIVE: OVERDRIVE component only demo. Telecaster to HIWATT SA212. by Brett Kingman

Empress Effects MULTIDRIVE: OVERDRIVE component only demo. Telecaster to HIWATT SA212.

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for Empress Multidrive | overdrive, distortion and fuzz in parallel by JJ of the T

Empress Multidrive | overdrive, distortion and fuzz in parallel

JJ of the T

JJ of the T

Video thumbnail for Empress Effects Multidrive by JetCityMusic

Empress Effects Multidrive

JetCityMusic

JetCityMusic

Video thumbnail for The Empress Effects Multidrive by Rich Bischoff

The Empress Effects Multidrive

Rich Bischoff

Rich Bischoff

Video thumbnail for 3-in-1 pedal Empress Effects Multidrive (fuzz/OD/distortion) by The Tone Lounge

3-in-1 pedal Empress Effects Multidrive (fuzz/OD/distortion)

The Tone Lounge

The Tone Lounge

Video thumbnail for Empress Multidrive analog effects pedal Review ~ the guitar learner by Guitar Learner

Empress Multidrive analog effects pedal Review ~ the guitar learner

Guitar Learner

Guitar Learner

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers entire OD/Distortion spectrum, versatile for different tones

  • Ability to blend distortion, fuzz, and overdrive seamlessly

  • Acts as a quality preamp, enhancing overall sound

  • Surprisingly excellent individual effect quality, especially fuzz

  • Potent EQ section provides extensive tone shaping

  • Useful filters on channels for combining drives effectively

CONS

  • Not ideal for independent 2-channel drive assignments as expected by some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Empress Effects Multidrive.

Features and functionality

  • The pedal features drives running in parallel, allowing unique blending options, though lacks presets despite its size and price.

    Source
  • The second footswitch toggles between two settings, controlling internal dip switches for drive selection, which some users feel could be more accessible.

    Source
  • The pedal allows achieving a Broadcast-style EQ curve, offering a refined and slightly compressed overdriven tone that contrasts with the original Broadcast pedal.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users compared the Multidrive to the Chase Bliss Brothers and Strymon Sunset, noting that the Multidrive's EQ settings were superior.

    Source
  • While the fuzz and overdrive are praised, the distortion is considered less impressive when compared to the iconic Boss HM3, indicating potential limitations in distortion quality.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight that the fuzz isn't great on its own but adds character when blended with other drives.

    Source
  • The pedal produces a crisp, clear gain, but some users reported an upper mids presence that was difficult to adjust out on certain amps.

    Source

Build quality

  • Side jacks significantly increase the pedal's footprint, a point of contention among users seeking a more compact setup.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Concerns exist about the Multidrive becoming too bass-heavy and potentially getting lost in a live mix, highlighting considerations for stage use.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Taylor York uses Empress Effects Multidrive

Taylor York

Guitarist

Paramore

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:02, one can see an EMPRESS Multidrive pedal on Taylor York's pedalboard.

See how Justin Meldal-Johnsen uses Empress Effects Multidrive

Justin Meldal-Johnsen

Bassist, Music Producer

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

Justin Meldal-Johnsen showcases the Empress Effects Multidrive Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal on his Instagram, praising the brand for their exceptional craftsmanship.

See how Joff Oddie uses Empress Effects Multidrive

Joff Oddie

Guitarist

Wolf Alice

...
Verified via Redd

In this Reddit thread the Empress Multidrive can be seen between the Big Muff and the Line6 M5.

https://www.reddit.com/r/wolfalice/comments/a4jeig/joff_oddies_pedal_board_xpost_from_rguitarpedals/

See how Scott Middleton uses Empress Effects Multidrive

Scott Middleton

Guitarist

Cancer Bats

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In an interview with Premier Guitar, Scott Middleton discusses his use of the Empress Effects Multidrive Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal.

See how Tell Chang uses Empress Effects Multidrive

Tell Chang

Guitarist

Elephant Gym

...
Verified via Photo

underwater tour pedalboard

See how Ruben Gallego uses Empress Effects Multidrive

Ruben Gallego

Guitarist

Beach Slang

...
Verified via Empress Effects Inc.

Ruben Gallego uses the Empress Effects Multidrive Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal to enhance his Bluesbreaker tone, as highlighted on the Empress Effects Inc. artist page.

D

Dave Nugent

Sam Roberts Band

...
Verified via Empress Effects Inc.

Dave Nugent is confirmed to use the Empress Effects Multidrive Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal, as listed on the Empress Effects artist page.

See how Tom Rea uses Empress Effects Multidrive

Tom Rea

Guitarist

House of Lions

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, at around 0:40, an EMPRESS Multidrive can be seen with Tom 's gear.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Empress Effects Multidrive, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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Gear IQ 84

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