DRV Blackout

The 1981 Inventions DRV is a RAT-inspired distortion pedal developed through a collaboration between Matt Hoopes and Jon Ashley of Bondi Effects. It combines a classic RAT-style distortion circuit with a dedicated preamp boost stage, providing increased headroom and a smoother distortion character than a traditional RAT-style design. The pedal covers a wide range of gain levels, from light overdrive to heavier distortion, while retaining clarity and note definition throughout its gain range. It is known for its pronounced midrange thickness and vintage-inspired feel, delivering a warm, dynamic distortion reminiscent of the character of classic ribbon microphones. Housed in a durable steel enclosure, the DRV pairs classic distortion tones with the added flexibility of its integrated preamp boost.