About This Item
Description
For guitarists who want the classic Full-Drive tone in the simplest possible package, the FD1 delivers that Comp-Cut midrange snarl without a Boost channel to worry about.
The Full-Drive 1 is the Full-Drive circuit in its own compact, single-channel pedal, built around the JRC4558 chip: finally a Full-Drive without the boost channel. Its Comp-Cut mode is the fuller-mids version, identical to the earliest pre-Flat-Mids, pre-MOSFET FD2 units, rather than the flatter CC found on later FD2 revisions. Where the FD2 V2 offers two channels and a second Wide/Standard/Half-Clipped switch alongside its CC/V/FM voicing, the FD1 keeps it simple with Volume, Tone, Drive and one 3-way clipping toggle.
Why guitarists choose the Full-Drive 1
- No Boost channel: a single-channel, simplified version of the Full-Drive circuit
- 3-way clipping switch: CC (Comp-Cut), V (Vintage), FM (Flat-Mids)
- Comp-Cut mode replicates the full-midrange Comp-Cut of the earliest Full-Drive 2 units, not the flatter CC of later FD2 versions
- JRC4558 op-amp, the go-to overdrive chip
- Compact steel enclosure the same size as the Fulltone Mas-Malo, 4.8 x 2.9 x 2.35 in, with top-mounted (rear) jacks and power port
- Full-size audiophile-grade capacitors
- Runs on 9-18 V DC or a 9 V battery in an internal battery cradle
Controls and switches
- Volume: output level
- Drive: amount of gain
- Tone: top-end voicing
- Clipping toggle switch (CC / V / FM)
- Footswitch: true bypass on/off
Power and pedalboard compatibility
- Power: 9 V battery or 9-18 V DC, 2.1 mm barrel plug, center-negative (adapter sold separately)
- Current draw: 8 mA
- Bypass: true bypass
- Top-mounted jacks and power port save pedalboard space
Technical specifications
| Brand / model | Fulltone Full-Drive 1 (FD1) |
|---|---|
| Effect type | Analog overdrive, single channel |
| Circuit | JRC4558 op-amp, silicon clipping diodes, 3-way clipping selector |
| Controls | Volume, Drive, Tone, CC/V/FM toggle |
| Bypass | True bypass |
| Jacks | 1/4" input and output, top-mounted, plus top-mounted DC input |
| Power | 9 V battery or 9-18 V DC, 2.1 mm, center-negative |
| Current draw | 8 mA |
| Dimensions | 4.8 x 2.9 x 2.35 in (122 x 74 x 60 mm) |
| Weight | about 0.5 kg |
| Made in | USA |
FAQ
Does the FD1 have a Boost channel like the FD2? No. The Full-Drive 1 is a single-channel overdrive with no boost. The two-channel design with a second drive and its own volume is the Full-Drive 2 V2.
What's the difference between CC, Vintage and FM modes? CC (Comp-Cut) takes clipping diodes out of the circuit for a more open, cleaner-edged drive with a warm, early-'90s character. Vintage uses traditional, slightly asymmetrical diode clipping with cut-through-the-mix midrange, more harmonics and sustain. FM (Flat-Mids) uses a feedback circuit that cancels some midrange for a more natural, open sound.
Is the FD1's Comp-Cut the same as the FD2's Comp-Cut? The FD1 Comp-Cut is the fuller-mids version, identical to the earliest pre-Flat-Mids, pre-MOSFET Full-Drive 2 units, not the flatter CC of later revisions.
Can it run on a 9 V battery, or does it need 18 V? Both work. It runs on a 9 V battery or on 9 V to 18 V DC. Higher voltage gives more headroom and a firmer feel. Use a center-negative 2.1 mm supply.
How big is the enclosure? 4.8 x 2.9 x 2.35 in, the same size as the Fulltone Mas-Malo, with top-mounted jacks and power port so cables do not add width on the pedalboard.
Is this pedal true bypass? Yes. The Full-Drive 1 uses true-bypass switching.