Distortion is a must for nearly all heavy music. Occupying a sonic space that is distinctly different than overdrive or fuzz pedals, the classic distortion boxes were seeking to create a heavier yet smoother sound. The new One Control Dyna Red Distortion 4k is the culmination of two decades of handbuilt production of the venerable BJFe Dyna Red Distortion. Over 20 years ago, this red pedal was the first BJFe distortion pedal Bjorn Juhl had ever created, and over the years has found itself on many a touring pro board or studio player's collection. This is the latest evolution of the Dyna Red, with many tweaks learned along the way, and a brand new fourth knob (4K) that helps dial this pedal in precisely for a wider variety of amplifiers as compared to the original models.

Plug into the Dyna Red and feed it to any amplifier you have - classic UK, blackface americana, even a stereo chorus solid state amp or any other ubiquitous backline amplifier a player may encounter. While the big rock stars may get to carry multiple amp rigs, they have roadies. Many working pros have to use a variety of amps in the studio or at live gigs, and pedals like the DRD4K are a life-saver in these situations. This pedal is designed to give you a beautiful, organic distortion reminiscent of the halcyon days of early to mid 70s UK voiced amplifiers, cranked up to 10 with the tubes worn down just a little, and maybe a little "browning" of the sound with a Variac. Notes in lead solos pop effortlessly off the fingerboard, and chunky rhythm riffs seem to chug and groove with an ease of playing and an attitude that cuts through the mix.

The new 4K knob is designed to help dial in the critical treble frequencies for a wide variety of amplifier situations. Set it at noon, dial in the pedal to suit your needs for gain, and then experiment with the setting of the fourth knob. See how it almost brings the sound forward or backwards in the mix spatially. You can also think of this knob as a sort of "presence" control, but it's much more than that. It's a very psychoacoustic thing that is happening here, more than just an upper mid bump. This pedal is very close to an "amp in a box" AIAB style machine in the classic 70s UK amp mold, and it responds especially well to being boosted and prodded by preamp, EQ, and other first pedals. Like many of Bjorn's creations, the DRD4K can end up being the core of your classic rock sound, with other pedals adding a bit more gain or EQ boost to take your solos into the stratosphere. A great "stack" for the DRD would include the Little Green Emphaser pedal, which was a BJFe Custom Shop model (very rare) that was included as a two pedal special set to work together as a tonal team!