Warm Audio Unveils the Fluff Drive: Built for the “Riffs, Beards & Gear” Generation

Warm Audio has officially entered the signature pedal arena, partnering with one of the most influential voices in the guitar community, Ryan “Fluff” Bruce. The result? The Warm Audio Fluff Drive is a precision-engineered overdrive designed to solve the age-old frustrations of high-gain players.

Priced at $199, this limited-edition pedal takes the legendary “screamer” circuit of the 1980s and subjects it to a series of aggressive, metal-focused modifications.

A High-Gain Signature Powerhouse?

Ryan Bruce, the mastermind behind the massive Riffs, Beards & Gear YouTube channel, is no stranger to tone. Having tested thousands of pedals, Fluff sought to create a drive that offered the “classic vibe” but with the surgical controls required for modern down-tuned guitars.

“I wanted to fix every issue I’ve ever had dialing in metal tones on similar pedals,” says Bruce. “Warm Audio worked with me on even the tiniest modification until the pedal did exactly what I always wished those circuits would do.”

Engineered for Absolute Tightness

While inspired by the iconic Japanese green boxes, the Fluff Drive is a different beast under the hood. It features a modded low boost to keep seven- and eight-string guitars punchy rather than muddy.

Perhaps the most significant addition is the fully variable noise gate, allowing players to transition from liquid-smooth leads to “bone-dry” percussive chugs instantly. The pedal also includes a Mid Enhance switch (selectable between pre and post-gain) and a voltage boost for increased headroom and clarity.

Premium Analogue Craftsmanship

In keeping with Warm Audio’s reputation for high-end components, the Fluff Drive utilizes:

• JRC4558 Op-Amps: The heart of the classic overdrive sound.

• Internal Voltage Doubler: Switches from 9V to 18V internally for sharper gain.

• Discrete Transistors & JFETs: Ensuring a rich, touch-sensitive response.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Fluff Drive just a standard Tube Screamer clone?

No. While it shares the DNA of the classic ’80s circuit, it has been heavily modified. The additions of a variable noise gate, internal 18V boosting, and specific low-end tailoring make it a dedicated tool for metal and hardcore that the original units cannot match.

How should I run this in my signal chain?

For the “Fluff” signature sound, place the pedal in front of a high-gain tube amp with the Gain down and the Level dimed. This tightens the amp’s preamp and adds mid-range focus.

Does the noise gate affect my sustain?

The gate is fully variable. When set correctly, it will cut unwanted hiss and hum without prematurely killing your notes. The 300ms attack time is specifically tuned for musicality.

Can I use a standard 9V power supply?

Yes. The pedal runs on a standard 9V center-negative supply but features an internal voltage doubler for those who want the extra headroom of 18V performance.

Guitar Bomb Verdict

This new signature pedal is hopefully more than just another YouTube-celebrity endorsement; it looks like a specialized tool for the modern guitarist seeking a tight drive tone. By combining Warm Audio’s obsession with component quality and Ryan Bruce’s decades of “in-the-trenches” gear testing, this pedal delivers a mix-ready tone straight out of the box.

If you are looking to tighten up a flubby low end or add searing harmonic content to your solos, the Fluff Drive is a “meaner, cleaner” evolution of a classic.

Price & Availability

Available at Andertons, priced at £209 in Teal or White finish

Available at Sweetwater, priced at $199 in White or Teal finish