A while back, we reviewed a couple of pedals from the Big Joe Stomp Box Company, the B-304 Analog Delay and the B-309 Texas Screamer, and were impressed by both. This time around, Big Joe has sent us a unique 2-In-1 pedal, with more options and features than most dual pedals we have come across, and with a tone of tones and sounds. The B-502 Empire is a dual-preamp overdrive, complete with an adjustable buffer, independent but combinable channels, and a design that was created in collaboration with Paul “TFO” Allen.
First of all, the Empire features something that should be included on all overdrives, in our opinion: a selectable Buffer or True Bypass switch. You never know what musical situation you might find yourself in, and sometimes you need that buffer to boost your signal a bit (up to +15dB here), while other times the true bypass is the best option. Here, you get the best of both worlds in a simple and easy to reach switch, without having to take the pedal apart to search the inside to make such a selection. Both channels A & B feature Output control knobs, as well as Sponge/Firm toggles, which let you select from a tighter feel or a looser, more forgiving feel for the drive. That’s where the similarities end, but where the fun is just getting started.
Channel A (left side) features 4 unique controls knobs: Presence, which controls the high frequencies above the treble range; Drive, which adjusts the amount of overdrive saturation; Body, which adds support and fulness to notes without adding unwanted low end frequencies, and Attack, which controls how much pick attack comes through the tone. Channel B is a bit more stripped-down, with a Gain control, adjusting the amount of dirt present, and a simple Tone control, which adjusts how dark or bright the overall sound is translated. Along with both channels, there’s another toggle switch, A/B – B/A, which lets you change the order of the signal flow for both channels.
The B-502 Empire Overdrive has the ability to do a multitude of different sounds, from slight amp breakup, to sweet and smooth classic rock, British Invasion-type sounds and gorgeous, singing lead tones, and that’s really just scratching the surface of this dual dirt beast. You can also run it at 9V, 12V or 18V, for a variety of headroom options which also make it friendly to a plethora of power supplies, too. This drive is also touch-sensitive, tone-shaping and dynamic, making it a real powerhouse for limitless sound explorations. Thanks to everyone at the Big Joe Stomp Box Company for sending this guy our way to check out, we’ll have more reviews of their gear coming soon, including a dynamite power supply option, so please stay tuned, and check out their website in the meantime for more killer gear!
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