Boutique effects newcomer Nuclear Audio has officially entered the pedal market with the release of their flagship stompbox, the Fission Drive. Designed for both guitarists and bassists seeking surgical precision over their tone, the Fission Drive introduces a dual-engine architecture that treats high and low frequencies as distinct tonal entities.
Unlike traditional overdrive pedals that apply a single gain stage to the entire signal, the Fission Drive utilizes a sophisticated frequency splitter. This allows players to isolate specific frequency ranges and apply independent levels of saturation to each, solving the age-old problem of “muddy” low ends and “piercing” highs.
Precision Engineering Meets Dynamic Clipping
At the heart of the Fission Drive is a proprietary clipping circuit developed from the ground up. Nuclear Audio has avoided the common “clones” of vintage circuits, opting instead for a unique design that transitions seamlessly between clean, soft, and hard clipping.
This original approach ensures that the pedal responds dynamically to a player’s touch. Whether you are looking for subtle harmonic enrichment or thick, wall-of-sound distortion, the Fission Drive maintains exceptional clarity and note definition even at high gain settings.
Advanced Signal Routing and Integration
The Fission Drive is more than a distortion pedal; it is a comprehensive signal-routing hub. By featuring independent effects loops for both the high and low channels, the pedal allows musicians to place external effects—such as delay on the highs and compression on the lows—before the signal is recombined.
For those running complex stage setups, the pedal offers immense flexibility. Users can utilize the standard output jack for a blended signal or use the individual Send jacks to drive multiple amplifiers or recording chains simultaneously.
Key Features at a Glance
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Dual-Band Processing: Separate drive engines for high and low frequencies with dedicated Gain and Level controls.
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Variable Crossover: A dedicated control to select the exact frequency where the signal splits.
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Independent FX Loops: Post-drive Send/Return jacks for each channel to integrate outboard gear.
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The “Notch” Switch: Enables an aggressive scoop at the split frequency for modern, high-impact tones.
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High/Low Gain Toggles: Individual switches for each channel to tailor the saturation range.
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Pure Signal Integrity: True-bypass switching keeps your dry tone untouched when the pedal is disengaged.
Pricing and Availability
The Nuclear Audio Fission Drive is a serious contender for players looking to push the boundaries of traditional gain. It is available now with a street price of $300. Interested players can purchase directly through www.nuclear-audio.com or via select boutique gear retailers.
Conclusion
With the launch of the Fission Drive, Nuclear Audio has bypassed the “me-too” trend of the boutique pedal industry. By combining a frequency-splitting architecture with an entirely original clipping circuit, they have provided a powerful tool for tone-sculptors who refuse to compromise on clarity or dynamics. Whether you are a bassist trying to keep your low-end tight while adding grit, or a guitarist seeking a bi-amped sound from a single pedal, the Fission Drive delivers a level of control rarely seen on a pedalboard.
More Information
#Nuclear Audio #Fission Drive #Multi-Band Distortion
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