The Synapse Resonant Drive is a fuzz pedal that is based on the Systech Overdrive, a rare pedal from the 1970s. The Systech Overdrive combined hard-clipping distortion with a resonant filter that gave it a unique “stuck wah” vocal quality. The Synapse Resonant Drive is a faithful clone of the Systech Overdrive, with the only change being the use of a Schottky diode for polarity protection.

The resonant filter in the Synapse can be tuned from 133 Hz to 900 Hz, and it has a sharp Q that gives it a distinct “tuned” quality. This filter can either complement the notes being played or create dissonant clashes. However, it cannot be disabled or have its gain reduced, so it is not meant to be an always-on effect but rather a quirky and unique addition to your tone.

The Systech Overdrive is not as well-known as the Harmonic Energizer, another circuit from Systech that was famously used by Frank Zappa. It is unclear whether the Overdrive was derived from the Harmonic Energizer or vice versa, but they share a similar concept. The Overdrive is a very unique drive pedal that is worth exploring for its interesting and unconventional sound.

Overall, the Synapse Resonant Drive is a faithful clone of the Systech Overdrive, offering the same unique combination of hard-clipping distortion and resonant filter. It is a quirky effect that can add some spaced-out filter tones to your sound, making it a valuable addition to your pedalboard.

Summary created by AI from the original source.