The Bluedrive cannot easily be compared to any other amp because it is so different. Its circuit topology is not a modified version of another amp (like so many amps that claim to be original and simply are not). It's closest relative is the Blueverb but the additional circuitry I've developed for the Bluedrive makes this so vastly superior an amp, that I've stopped building the Blueverb altogether.

Rather than describe the innovative circuitry of the Bluedrive I'd prefer to discuss what it does better than any other amp I've heard and played (and I've heard most of the good ones and built circuit replicas of all the important ones to study their sonic attributes).

High slew rate (clarity) and amplitude distortion (sustain) are largely mutually exclusive in most other amp designs. I say most because there may be an amp I haven't heard yet.  The Bluedrive has lots of both and the circuitry to obtain that is the secret of the design.  I've engineered in real clean sustain without sacrificing clarity. 

Smooth transition from clean to overdrive is something many amp builders attempt but most fall short.  The Blueverb really excelled at this and I've figured out how to put more of it in the Bluedrive.

Sonically pleasing overdrive.  This is where the good and bad stuff I talk about so much really manifests itself.  When the circuit is in overdrive the sound is still very clear and almost 'clean' sounding.  Not buzzy, fizzy or harsh, but clear and ringing with lots of harmonic content included in the part of the wave that gets clipped.  I achieve this by compressing the top of the wave rather than chopping it off.  In doing this I am able to maintain much of the sonic information that is lost in clipping.  Don't ask me how I do this.  That's my secret.  But you'll surely hear it and it's what the owners of Bluedrives are all raving about.  See my Buzz page for actual unsolicited comments.  By letting my customers express their delight I don't have to use any hype and I can continue to maintain my veracity. 

Let's talk features for a bit. A review of the control panel is always nice.

Input [under development]