Designed for electric guitarists, the Source Audio Soundblox 2 Multiwave Distortion Pedal takes many of the timbres offered by the original, larger Soundblox Multiwave Distortion stompbox and shrinks it down in a more compact, cast-aluminum housing. 23 distortion effects are provided, as is a clean boost for utilizing the pedal’s extensive tonal parameters without seeking extra gain (a particularly suitable feature for clean lead breaks and solos). Sounds can be saved in two user presets, both of which can be engaged with the dual footswitches, which also allow you to bypass the effects completely, or to save edited presets and store them in the pedal’s memory. With a three-level noise gate, distortions segmented into various categories, and three different methods of external control, the stompbox gives you the ability to craft a wide array of tones.
The pedal sports multi-band and single-band distortions. In multi-band, the input signal is split into 10 discrete frequency bands, with each one distorted independently and recombined at the output signal. Single-band processing mimics more traditional analog distortion effects. These two processes are further segmented into three genres: "Normal" for more traditional distortion within each category, "Foldback" for synth-like, aggressive fuzz distortions, and "Octave," which elicits unconventional harmonic saturation an octave above the notes you’re playing. Thus, the pedal can provide a plethora of possibilities for your pedal rig. A DC power supply is included with the pedal.
Multi-Band Processing: Signal is split into multiple bands and distorted individually for sound clarity.
56-bit DSP: The unit features Source Audio’s 56-bit Digital Signal Processor, the SA601, and crystal clear 24-bit converters.
Compact Design: A compact, rugged, cast-aluminum housing.
Universal Bypass: Select either analog-buffered or relay-based True Bypass.
2 User Presets: Easy-to-configure user presets are selectable via two footswitches.
3-Band Tone Control: A Treble-Mid-Bass tone control is provided.
Multi-Function Input: Here you’ll find a multi-purpose control input for use with Hot Hand, expression pedal, or MIDI.
DRIVE: Controls the amount of distortion gain applied to the signal.
TONE: Cuts or boosts the selected TONE SHAPE (Treble, Mid, or Bass).
OUTPUT: Adjusts the output level of the effect.
EFFECT KNOB: Selects the type of distortion.
NOISE GATE: Controls the noise gate threshold level.
FOOTSWITCHES: Enables/disables a preset depending on the selected footswitch; press and hold to save an edited preset.
MULTI-BAND FOLDBACK 4–9: The use of foldback in these settings creates more extreme distortion sounds. The higher-numbered effects have more foldback creating even more distortion. Power chords will work well with these modes.
MULTI-BAND OCTAVE 10–14: Settings 10 and 11 give the purest octave effect. Settings 12 through 14 also have foldback and can elicit unconventional tones. The responsivity of these modes all you to dial down the guitar volume knob for a different range of sounds.
SINGLE-BAND NORMAL 15–16: These two settings are conventional, single-band distortion sounds.
SINGLE-BAND FOLDBACK 17–19: With the entire guitar signal processed through a single foldback distortion curve, there will be much more intermodulation-type distortion produced. Long sustained notes and unison bends work well in these modes.
SINGLE-BAND OCTAVE 20–22: 20 is the purest single-band octave effect, while 21 and 22 include some foldback.
CLEAN BOOST This setting bypasses the Drive knob and will not provide any distortion. The Tone and Output knobs still apply although there is no compression. The most common use for this setting is to have a preset that gives you clean signal boost with some tonal adjustment. This is also useful for when you want to morph from a clean sound to a distorted sound using an expression pedal.