Build Quality:4.9 out of 5 stars
Hardware:4.8 out of 5 stars
Electronics:4.8 out of 5 stars
Sound:4.8 out of 5 stars
Value:4.9 out of 5 stars
Average:4.8 out of 5 stars

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Fulltone Fulldrive2 MOSFET Overdrive Boost

Pros:

  • Great build quality
  • Precise tone
  • Versatile
  • Easy to adjust.

Cons:

  • CompCut mode is a bit too loud
  • Output levels are a little uneven

Are you looking for the best overdrive pedal out there? Searching the market every single day and scrolling through the abundance of units? If so, then I know exactly what you are going through. Trust me, my friend, I have been there (and probably more times than I would like to admit). At this point, you are probably sick and tired of all the propagated features and characteristics. Everything is so sleek and shiny on the official websites. You read the notes from the manufacturers and you are torn between the urge to believe them and the suspicions. But sometimes you have to take a risk and believe those uplifting headlines. And more often than not, you will not regret such a choice. I guess you are a bit more skeptical if you are reading this article. Either way, today I am going to talk about the pedal that advertises itself. The appraisal you will see on the official website is anything but an exaggeration. Let’s dive into the parameters and qualities of Full-Drive 2 MOSFET, one of the most renowned pedals from Fulltone. Shall we get started?

Features

I will start off by saying that Full-Drive 2 MOSFET is a boutique pedal. If this does not indicate on anything for you, let me explain how much difference this small feature makes. Generally, boutique pedals have outstanding build quality, with all the components being comprised with exceptional materials. They are hand-built or wired, making everything super tidy and clean. Even though they are made by smaller brands, they know how to get the job done and deliver performance that cannot be substituted by anything else. And Full-Drive 2 MOSFET follows all of these criteria. If you open up this bad boy, you will notice that the wires have a thicker gauge and everything is connected extremely meticulously. It is housed in a sizeable enclosure, but considering everything it offers, it is worth it. More importantly, this pedal has two different circuits and several modes that contribute to its versatility. It’s Overdrive and Boost channels can be activated with two separate footswitches and diversified with Comp-Cut, FM (Flat Mids), Vintage, MOSFET and Standard modes. Each of them creates a different shade of overdrive and drowns you in options and choices. Full-Drive 2 MOSFET has a true bypass circuitry with Super-Duty 3PDT footswitch and LED (this might seem like a minor thing, but the combining the LED with true bypass is not an easy task). This pedal has standard input and output, and a receptacle for the AC adapter (can be powered with batteries as well). Sorting through all these features can be a bit time consuming, but once you get the hang of it, you are left with wonderful world to explore.

Controls

As you look at the control section for the very first time, you cannot help feeling overwhelmed. You see those typical knobs and you know you have nothing to worry about, but then you do also notice the toggles and suddenly your whole being fills up with curiosity and fear. But you shall not let the latter take over you and start experimenting right away. After all, if you know what is what, nothing will hinder your experience. So, let’s figure out how everything works here.

In my book, the right way to explain everything will be to start with those big knobs. First one is Volume knob, which operates as master control and adjusts the overall level of both channels. Then comes the Tone, which not only accentuates or tones down the trebles but also emphasizes the upper harmonics. It is followed with Overdrive and Boost, which set the level of distortion and enhance the gain, respectively.

Moving on to the toggles, the first one allows you to choose between Comp-Cut, FM and Vintage modes, while the latter takes you from Standard operation to MOSFET clipping. Both can be utilized with available modes, completely transforming the end results.

Fulltone Fulldrive 2 Sound

Full-Drive 2 MOSFET has the sonic characteristics that are hard to find on other units. I do not mean that you cannot achieve similar sounds, you definitely can. But finding all those different options will be a bit hard. It will not be an exaggeration if I say that you can create any type of overdrive with this pedal. It all depends on the settings you choose and the units you pair it with. The tone control is extremely usable, as it truly changes the character and color of your sound. Depending on how the rest of the encoders and toggles are set, it changes its qualities and provides you with precision and presence. The MOSFET allows you to modify the gain stage of both overdrive and clean channels. This Metal Oxide Field Effect Transistor clips your signal more smoothly and steeps your sound with Marshall’s character. Its distortion is rougher and more defined compared to the standard mode. Full-Drive 2 MOSFET can also be utilized as a clean boost by activating the dedicated footswitch. Its capabilities can be extended further by choosing the standard mode to really crank up the signal fed to the amplifier. But you can also employ the dirty gain and enter the territory of heavier sound. It might take you some time to understand how everything should be set to accommodate the qualities of your original sound. However, if you take your time and go slow, you will be exposed to limitless possibilities.

Conclusion

Full-Drive 2 MOSFET is definitely one of those pedals that you invest in. At the beginning, you are not sure if you should spend so much money on overdrive pedal, but once you do, you regret each day without it. Apart from the versatility, there is something about its sound that captivates your ears, soul and mind. And if you compare it with mass produced models, you will definitely be surprised (in the best way possible). Take a risk, try out Full-Drive 2 MOSFET and let it turn your world upside down. Good luck!

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