Hand assembled in Nashville, TN and imagined by Matthew Hoopes from Relient K, 1981 Inventions strives to reinvent, retool, and reinspire musicians to get creative with simplistic effects. Their DRV distortion pedal was, and still is, a big hit, becoming one of the big names in the boutique pedal world for its "rodent" reminiscent sound and plethora of aesthetic variations. Now, 1981 has revisited this beloved circuit with the DRV2 No3, a modified distortion effect pedal that isn't too far off from V1, enhancing the signature sound with new adjustments that give way to more expressive dirt-crafting.

Operating as before, the DRV2 is a three knob wonder that goes from barely dusty to disgusting dirty with the turn of the DRV2 knob. The big draw for this version, and this may come as a surprise when talking distortion pedals, is the lower noise floor. This quieter modification allows for a wider sounding distortion, giving the option to dial in the crunch (or lack thereof) to clean, barely-clipping tones to spice up an amp's stock sound. Alternatively, the hairier settings won't idly hum and buzz when playing intricate leads, reserving the distorted coating for notes and chords alone. In conjunction with the VOL knob, players can accurately gain stage the effect to their liking.

The last front facing control that needs to be touched upon is the CUT knob, a high-frequency roll off that now affects a larger tonal spectrum with beefier lows and crisper highs. Leave the filter wide open for gnarly, scratchy, almost fuzzy tones, or ease off the high end to achieve a bluesy, subdued character. Dial this function into the DRV2 and VOL controls and experiment with unique sonic concepts like fully filtered ultra-fuzzes or wide open glistening, yet minorly crispy cleans.

If that weren't enough to satisfy the crunchy craving, the DRV2 is now operable with both 9-volt and 18-volt power supplies. This improvement makes the effect respond differently at each voltage, essentially providing two different, but mostly alike modes dependent on the power decided. Inside the box, 1981 has included the option for switchable true-bypass for players who want the choice. All of this tone is packaged in a newly designed sleek aluminum enclosure printed with high quality gloss lettering.

Test DRV a new way to distort with the 1981 Inventions DRV2 No3 Distortion effect pedal.

• New version of signature distortion effect with updated circuit
• Intuitive controls for easy operation
• Reduced noise when effect is engaged
• Two powering options at 9-volt or 18-volt
• Retro inspired print on white aluminum enclosure
• 1981 branded blue zip pouch included
• Hand assembled in Nashville, TN