Pedals > Strymon Sunset Dual Overdrive Pedal

Strymon Sunset Dual Overdrive Pedal

Two pedals at once.

Sunset is really two customizable overdrive pedals, independently selectable and flexibly routable, designed and voiced for complementary tones when stacked. Six distinct circuits each feel and react differently in your hands, two at once, all in one convenient package. Push your amp any way you want, from transparent “more amp” to heavy saturated fuzz, and all the best places in between.

Holy Grail tone, minus the quest.

We are all familiar with the endless search for the ultimate overdrive pedal and the perfect tone. Strymon did the critical listening and custom voicing to design each side of Sunset with just one tone knob, so you can quickly dial in the sound you want. The knob ranges for each circuit type are custom calibrated to provide maximal usable control. Strymon applied the same design philosophy and care to the stacking options, ensuring each combination interacts optimally and sounds great, so a huge range of classic overdrive tones are instantly achievable.

Six classic circuits.

Sunset utilizes an all-analog JFET gain stage coupled with custom-voiced, precision-crafted DSP algorithms to capture the nuances and character of each circuit type.

Channel A overdrive circuits

The Ge overdrive combines the softer response of germanium diodes with a parallel path that blends in the dry signal as the Drive is lowered. At higher gains the lower-mid range frequencies are emphasized to create a tight, thick response. This overdrive really fattens up single coil pickups, and responds with a bold push when paired with humbuckers.

The Texas overdrive employs a single stage soft-clipper configuration that is filtered before and after the gain stage to create a smooth and dynamic overdrive. The original signal dynamics are retained as the gain is increased – perfect for playing the blues or just fattening up your sound with a signature mid range bump.

Channel A boost circuit

The Treble type is a treble booster that removes the low frequencies as the Tone knob is turned up – great for tightening up an overdriven amp, or driving another gain pedal that’s a bit looser on the low end. Turning the Tone knob down brings in the low end, making for a versatile all-around boost.

Channel B overdrive circuits

The 2stage overdrive combines a soft-clipping stage followed by a hard-clipping stage, creating a complex overdrive with a wide range of gain. Its EQ structure preserves the low end while adding some muscle to push your amp. This overdrive can easily take you from lightly clipped to beefy saturation.

The Hard overdrive uses a single-stage hard-clipping circuit that has a ton of available gain, approaching fuzz territory with the Drive knob maxed. At lower gains, mildly clipped transparent tones are achieved with this versatile drive. The wide-ranging Tone knob lets you shape the top end from smooth to buzzy.

Channel B boost circuit

The JFET type is a clean boost that subtly beefs up your signal with the dynamics and responsiveness created from the JFET front end. As you turn up the drive, the signal gets rounded and warmer. This is a great option when your amp just “needs a little extra.”

Optimized Stacking.

Since the time when overdrives were created to simply push an amp in order to achieve an overdriven sound even at sane volume levels, players have evolved to want more layered, multistage tonalities. Stacking gives you more flexibility and tone range on the floor. You can find an overdrive that sounds good on its own, then run it through a second drive to add new dimensions to your tone. Sunset allows you to use any of its six overdrive circuits on their own, or route the Channel A drive circuit through Channel B, or Channel B through Channel A, or use two circuits in parallel. Routing options have been chosen deliberately to present the best-sounding combinations of drive circuits. Sunset eliminates the guesswork.

Videos

Listen

Sunset gives you the best of the best classic overdrive circuits. Audio examples performed by sound designer Pete Celi, marketing nerd Ethan Tufts, product developer Mark McCrite, and tech support guru Hugo Merida.

Signal path: Guitar » Sunset Dual Overdrive » Amp » Royer R-121 microphone

In-Depth

Strymon sound designer and DSP engineer Pete Celi takes you on a tour of the sounds and features of Sunset Dual Overdrive.

Signal path: Suhr Classic Antique Guitar » Sunset Dual Overdrive » Fender Super Reverb » Royer R-121 microphone

Tone Adjustment and Shaping

Press (+) for more info.

Front Panel

Level controls the output volume for Channel A when engaged.
Level controls the output volume for Channel B when engaged.
Selects one of three circuit options for Channel A:
- Ge – germanium diode circuit with dry parallel path
- Texas – single stage soft-clipper with a mid bump
- Treble – clean boost, tone knob removes low frequencies
Selects one of three circuit options for Channel B:
- 2 Stage – soft-clipping stage followed by hard-clipping stage
- Hard – high gain single stage hard-clipping circuit
- JFET – clean boost that subtly beefs up and warms your signal
Drive adjusts the amount of gain for Channel A.
Drive adjusts the amount of gain for Channel B.
Tone adjusts the treble frequencies for the selected circuit for Channel A. The character and response of the control varies with the circuit type.
Tone adjusts the treble frequencies for the selected circuit for Channel B. The character and response of the control varies with the circuit type.
A toggles the channel on and off. Red LED indicates that the channel is engaged. When both A and B are bypassed, an electro-mechanical relay is activated for true bypass.
B toggles the channel on and off. Red LED indicates that the channel is engaged. When both A and B are bypassed, an electro-mechanical relay is activated for true bypass.

Secondary Functions

Optional variable-threshold Noise Reduction tames hum, buzz, and system noise when you’re not playing. A downward expander with advanced signal detection techniques creates a seamless transition to noise reduced silence with all types of input signal dynamics.
Press and hold B footswitch to enter Secondary Function mode. Release the footswitch, then turn the Channel A Level knob to adjust the Noise Reduction threshold.

Rear Panel

In is a high impedance mono input. Plug your instrument in here.
Out is a mono signal output. Connect to your amp, other pedals, mixing board, etc.
Bright is a three position switch that tailors the highest frequencies of the output signal.
- Minus (-) smooths the top end to work well with many amps or speakers that have a brighter voice.
- Neutral (center) provides a balanced top end that works with a variety of amps and speakers.
- Plus (+) delivers extended high end detail to the warmest amps.
Connect an external switch to remotely toggle between the current settings and a saved Favorite setting.
Config selects the effect order for the two sides of Sunset. Selecting A+B places the effects in parallel.
Expression Pedal Input provides continuous expression pedal control over any or all of the knobs, in any direction, with your foot. Or can be used in Volume Mode to control the volume level of the effect.
Plug your power supply in here. Maximum 9 volts DC center-negative, with a minimum of 250mA of current. Standard 5.5mm x 2.1mm barrel connection.

Digital or analog? Strymon chose both.

Sunset’s input features an ultra low noise, discrete, class-A JFET circuit providing up to 20dB of pure analog gain. With Strymon's hybrid approach you get the best of both analog and digital worlds: The JFET stage provides exceptional touch sensitivity and dynamic interaction with your guitar, while the incredibly powerful SHARC DSP facilitates the great level of detailed complexity and responsiveness you’ll want to hear.

Site Links

Contact Us

3233 Midway Dr
San Diego, CA 92110
Call us now: 619-221-9011
Email: mge@marksguitarexchange.com

About MGE

Opened in 1985, Marks Guitar Exchange has been a staple to San Diego's musical community. With a focus on guitar and bass, we've curated the best inventory in San Diego with service to match.