VHT V-Drive clipping configurations

Hey guys,

I asked VHT customer support about the different clipping diode configurations on the (awesome) V-Drive pedal. Here's what I got;

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VHT V-Drive Diode Configurations Threshold Voltage Symmetry Ratio

1. 1N34A + BAT46 (0.357V + 0.252V = 0.609V) 1.7/1
1N34A (0.357V)

2. 1N4148 (0.606V) 1/1
1N4148 (0.606V)

3. 1N916A + 1N916A (0.622V + 0.622V = 1.244V) 2/1
1N916A (0.622V)

4. 1N4148 + 1N4148 (0.606V + 0.606V = 1.212V) 1.4/1
BAT46 + 1N4148 (0.252V + 0.606V = 0.858V)

5. Infrared LED (1.051V) 1/1
Infrared LED (1.051V)

6. 2N7000 + 1N34A + BAT46 (0.622V + 0.357V + 0.252V = 1.231V) 1.4/1
BAT46 + 2N7000 (0.252V + 0.622V = 0.874V)

7. 2N7000 + 1N34A + BAT46 (0.622V + 0.357V + 0.252V = 1.231V) 1.2/1
Infrared LED (1.051V)

8. 2N7000 + 1N34A + BAT46 (0.622V + 0.357V + 0.252V = 1.231V) 1/1.4
Red LED (1.753V)

9. Red LED (1.753V) 1/1
Red LED (1.753V)

10. Red LED + 1N4148 (1.753V + 0.606V = 2.359V) 1.35/1
Red LED (1.753V)

11. (No Diodes = Clean Boost)

Measured Diode Forward Voltage Drop (Clipping Threshold)

BAT46 = 0.252 Volt
1N34A = 0.357 Volt
1N4148 = 0.606 Volt
1N916A = 0.622 Volt
2N7000 = 0.622 Volt (Drain and Gate Connected)
Infrared LED = 1.051 Volt
Red LED = 1.753 Volt

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Hope this helps clear up a little bit what kind of different configurations the V-Drive has to offer through the Select knob.

If anyone can chime in what kind of classic OD pedal uses one of these configurations please do so!

Thanks.

Wow... that is an amazing level of detail from a company. Kudos to VHT for opening up the whole store to you! I'm sure 11 Gauge or other will chime in shortly. I'm interested, too!

Dang! I gotta try one of these...

Yonie, thanks for passing that info along!
I've popped mine open and knew there were various LEDs, MOSFETs and diodes involved, but sure nice to see the specifics!
Honestly, the clipping selection is just the tip of the iceberg here...the depth, tone, and texture controls offer a LOT of EQ shaping, and the voltage control gives a range of different 'feel' - squishy to tight...
It's definitely an OD, does NOT have boatloads of gain...
fun pedal and a ton of useful features for the $$...

It really is a great pedal and I believe a lot of pedal affectionados are really missing out on something by just wanting that one $300+ pedal. Personally I really like the texture control, have not seen another pedal that offers the same easy way of adding in harmonics. Also the preset bass EQ settings coupled with the tone rolloff really works great without having to tweak the amp all the time when changing clipping config.

Just bumping this .. I have one on order and am curious to know if anyone has some additional insights on this little "Diode Lab".

Very cool pedal.. Works as described.
Lots of tailoring available.
The only oddity was a bit of self oscillation when the texture knobs was turned up past 3 oclock....
Very tricked out, decent sounded pedal.

Was worth the $109