The Strymon La Brea brings tape saturation from subtle breakup to full-blown fuzz
The character of an overdriven tape machine, but in a fully analog drive pedal. The Strymon La Brea Analog Tape Drive was born from experiments with the tape saturation behind the Deco and gives that concept its own place on your pedalboard. Multiple saturation stages provide a wide range, from a slight edge on your clean sound to pronounced fuzz. No digital processing, but an analog circuit that utilizes the natural compression of tape saturation as part of your tone.
At low gain, your picking receives a pleasant compression, while open chords and arpeggios retain their character. Turn the saturation up further and the sound becomes fuller and more heavily distorted. A special feature is the adjustable dry signal, which always remains in phase with the saturated sound. This allows you to add clarity and definition, even at high gain levels. The Shift switch offers a high-end boost or a combination of high and mid frequencies, allowing you to give your tone extra presence or body.
The Gain switch determines the range of the Tape Saturation control. Internally, the La Brea operates at 24 volts for high headroom, a wide gain range, and quiet operation. The pedal features mono inputs and outputs and true bypass, with a chassis measuring 11.51 × 7.19 × 5.92 cm. Use only a 9V DC power supply with a negative center and at least 500 mA; a power supply is not included. A unique drive for those who like to look beyond familiar overdrive sounds.
