11 - DRIVE / BOOST

The Figure 11 is a unique overdrive with a distinct grainy texture and a very dynamic, musical response to input level and picking strength. At low gains it provides a good sparkle with a notable grit and clear string definition. At high gains it gets mean and fuzzier, with a character very similar to a tube amp that is being driven to its limits. Somewhere in between is where it really shines. There is a sweet spot unique to each guitar and amp combination that allows smooth access to both ranges, simply by varying picking strength or pickup selection. This allows for clarity, nuance, and warmth - but with ample amounts of growl, grit, and power being no more than a stronger pick or turn of the guitar's volume knob away. This avoids the 'painted on' quality that so many ODs seem to possess - the quality that makes them react the same to the signal regardless of dynamics. The Figure 11 keeps the control at the guitar, where it should be. The output level leaves a ton of room to hammer the front end of tube amplifiers and thus with the gain rolled back it operates very well in the role of a boost pedal, with just a touch of hair thrown into the mix. Folks running colder pickups will have access to a cleaner boost at low gains; folks running hotter pickups will have a bit more to work with at the high end of the drive range.