EHX Crayon Overdrive Pedal

The Electro-Harmonix Crayon is a full-range analog overdrive designed as a more open alternative to traditional mid-focused drive pedals. With independent Bass and Treble controls and a Gain range that moves from light grit to full-on distortion, the Crayon can work as a low-gain boost, primary overdrive, or a tone-shaping drive stacked into another pedal or amplifier.

Gain controls how hard the circuit is driven. At its lowest settings, the Crayon adds just a touch of dirt while retaining much of the original instrument response. Turning it clockwise progressively increases saturation until the pedal moves into classic distortion territory. Volume sets the final output level, giving you enough range to match your bypassed signal or push the front end of an amplifier harder.

Where the Crayon differs from many familiar overdrive designs is its independent two-band EQ. Bass can either add low-end weight or trim the bottom end for a tighter response, while Treble can brighten the attack or roll off high frequencies for a smoother sound. This wider frequency control makes the Crayon particularly easy to match with different guitars, pickups, amplifiers, and other drive pedals.

The Crayon's relatively open frequency response also makes it well suited for stacking. Use it by itself for full-bodied overdrive, run it before another gain pedal to reshape what hits the next circuit, or reduce the Bass and raise the Gain for a tighter, more focused push into an already-driven amp.

Key Features

• Full-range analog overdrive
• Designed as an alternative to strongly mid-focused overdrive circuits
• Gain range from light grit to classic distortion
• Independent Bass and Treble controls
• Bass control provides low-frequency boost or cut
• Treble control provides high-frequency boost or cut
• Volume control sets overall output level
• Works well as a standalone drive or stacked into another overdrive
• True-bypass switching
• Compact pedalboard-friendly enclosure
• 9V battery included

Specifications

• Effect Type: Full-Range Overdrive / Distortion
• Circuit: Analog
• Controls: Volume, Gain, Bass, Treble
• Input: 1 x 1/4"
• Output: 1 x 1/4"
• Input Impedance: 315kΩ
• Output Impedance: 50Ω
• Bypass: True Bypass
• Audio: Mono
• Power: 9V DC, center-negative
• Current Draw: 10mA
• Battery Operation: Yes; 9V battery included
• Optional Power Supply: EHX 9.6VDC / 200mA or compatible center-negative adapter
• Dimensions: 4.5" x 2.75" x 2.1"
• Year Released: 2015
• UPC: 683274011769
• Power Supply: Sold separately